Obs. exc. Hist. Also -nape. [a. AF., OF. sur-, sournap(p)e, f. sur- SUR- + nape tablecloth, NAPE sb.2] A towel or napkin provided at table for use when washing the hands.

1

1381–2.  Durham Acc. Rolls (Surtees), 592. Pro surnape pro tabul. d’ni Prioris.

2

1478.  in Illustr. Anc. State & Chivalry (Roxb.), 31. After the surnapp made. Ibid. (1554), 54. The surnape wt drawen, then the[y] whashed.

3

a. 1548.  Hall, Chron., Hen. VIII., 4 b. After the Surnap laied, and that the kynges grace, & the Quene had wasshed.

4

[1802.  Mrs. Radcliffe, Gaston de Blondeville, Posth. Wks. 1826, II. 31. The King’s sewer having laid the end of the sur-nap and a towel on the board.

5

1859.  Parker, Dom. Archit., III. iii. 75, note. The surnape appears to have answered the purpose of the modern table napkin.]

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