matrass

English

Etymology 1

From Anglo-Norman matraz (“shaft, dart”), Middle French materas, from an unattested post-classical variant of Latin mataris, materis (“Gaulish throwing-spear”), from a Gaulish language.

Noun

matrass (plural matrasses)

  1. (obsolete) A bolt for a crossbow. [15th–19th c.]

Etymology 2

From New Latin matracium and its source, Middle French matheras, matraz etc., either from Middle French materas (see Etymology 1, above), with reference to its shape, or from Arabic مطرة‎, مطارة‎ (“leather bottle, vase”).

Noun

matrass (plural matrasses)

  1. (now rare) A type of bolthead flask used in chemical distillation. [from 16th c.]
    • 1791, Erasmus Darwin, The Economy of Vegetation, J. Johnson, p. 206:
      So the learn'd Alchemist exulting sees / Rise in his bright matrass Dɪᴀɴᴀ's trees […] .

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