A medieval compound of table (Latin tabula 'board') + cloth (Old English clāþ) — tablecloths were luxury items listed in wills.
A cloth spread over a table, especially during meals.
A compound of table (from Latin tabula 'board, plank') + cloth (from Old English clāþ 'cloth, garment'). Tablecloths were luxury items in medieval England — only wealthy households used them, and they were listed as valuable possessions in wills. Key roots: tabula (Latin: "board, plank").