■ noun
1》 a floor covering made from thick woven fabric.
↘a large rug.
2》 a thick or soft expanse or layer: a ~ of bluebells.
3》 used in names of geometrid moths with variegated wings.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ing , ~ed )
1》 cover with a ~.
2》 Brit. informal reprimand severely.
Phrases
on the ~ informal being severely reprimanded by someone in authority. [from ~ referring to the covering of the table before which one would be summoned for reprimand.]
sweep something under the ~ conceal or ignore a problem or difficulty in the hope that it will be forgotten.
Derivatives
~ing noun
Origin
ME (denoting a thick fabric used as a cover for a table or bed): from OFr. carpite or med. L. carpita , from obs. Ital. carpita 'woollen counterpane', based on L. carpere 'pluck, pull to pieces'.