I. ˌpa]spə(r)ˈtü, ˌpä], ]ˌspärˈ-, ]ˌspȧˈ- noun
( plural passe-partouts -ü(z))
Etymology: French, from the phrase passe partout pass everywhere
1. : something that passes or enables one to pass everywhere : master key
2.
a. : a piece or plate usually of cardboard or wood that has its central portion cut out for the reception of a picture
b.
(1) : a method of framing in which a picture, a mat, a glass, and a back (as of cardboard) are held together by strips of paper or cloth pasted over the edges
(2) : a picture framed in such manner
3. : a strong paper gummed on one side and commonly used for binding lantern slides and mounting pictures
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to frame with a passe-partout