Orig. U.S. [Back-formation from UPHOLSTERER or UPHOLSTERY. Cf. next.]
1. intr. To do upholstery work.
1861. Mrs. Stowe, Pearl Orr’s Isl., 21. Miss Roxy and Miss Ruey … could upholster and quilt.
2. trans. a. Of materials: To cover after the manner of upholstery.
1864. Lowell, Fireside Trav., 45. The dull weed upholstered the decaying wharves.
1873. J. E. Taylor, Half Hours in Green Lanes, x. 292. Several species have already upholstered the rough bark with … delicate shades of velvety green.
b. To furnish or trim with, or as with, upholstery. Also fig.
1877. ‘Mark Twain,’ Mississippi Pilot, 24. The bar keeper had been barbered and upholstered at incredible cost.
1890. C. Dixon, Ann. Bird Life, 85. All [ducks] upholster their nests in the same singular manner.
1891. Lancet, 24 Jan., 218/1. The whole thorax hollow is now laid bare and upholstered with the skin-muscle flap.
