Doily

Origin of: Doily

Doily

A small, ornamental table mat, usually made of lace, used as protection for fine furniture, dates from the late 17th century and named after a London draper from that time. Variously spelt Doiley or Doyley, it was first known as a Doily napkin with the word napkin eventually falling away. Not be confused with D’Oyle Carte.