[f. ANTI- 7 + macassar, proprietary name of a kind of hair-oil.] A covering thrown over cushions, sofas, chairs, etc., to protect them from grease in the hair, or other soiling, or merely as an ornament.
1852. Lady’s Newsp., XI. 36. Anti-macassar Materials … crochet cotton … or pink and drab crochet twine.
1859. All Y. Round, 11 June, 157. She … stretched out her large-jointed fingers to tidy the anti-Macassar on the arm-chair.
1879. Miss Braddon, Vixen, III. 281. To sit alone by the fireside, and work antimacassars in crewels.
