A large, deeply buttoned sofa with rolled arms of the same height as the back.
Named after Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773), who reportedly commissioned the first such sofa. The style became popular in 18th-century English drawing rooms.
Lord Chesterfield was famous for his letters on etiquette and manners, making it fitting that his name graces furniture designed for elegant social gatherings. In Canada, 'chesterfield' became the generic term for any sofa, regardless of style.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.