/mahr"euh flahzh', mahr'euh flahzh"/ , n.
1. a method of attaching a canvas to a wall through adhesion, accomplished by coating the surface with white lead mixed with oil.
2. a cloth backing for openwork, as on a piece of furniture.
[ 1880-85; maroufl ( er ) to attach canvas with strong glue (deriv. of maroufle strong glue, appar. a jocular use of maroufle rogue, akin to maraud; see MARAUD) + -age -AGE ]