Diaper

or Damask, a name given to a fine linen cloth made at Ypres, is spoken of as early as the 13th century. “Of cloth making she had such a haunt, She pa ed hem of Ypres and of Gaunte.” ( Prologue of Canterbury Tales. ) The peculiarity of this cloth, as of that of Damascus, was in the pattern. “ To diaper ” is, in heraldry, to cover the field of an escutcheon with devices independent of the armorial bearings. The engraving shows a surcoat diapered, on which are embroidered armorial bearings. (Fig. 248 .)