napkin
Sign in to savethumb|A rolled napkin inside of a napkin ring. A napkin, serviette or face towelette is a square of cloth or paper tissue used at the table for wiping of the mouth and fingers while eating. It is also sometimes used as a bib by tucking it into a shirt collar. It is usually small and folded, sometimes in intricate designs, colors, and shapes.
Article
8 sectionsContents
- Etymology and terminology
- Description
- History
- Paper napkins
- Leonardo Da Vinci
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|A rolled napkin inside of a napkin ring. A napkin, serviette or face towelette is a square of cloth or paper tissue used at the table for wiping of the mouth and fingers while eating. It is also sometimes used as a bib by tucking it into a shirt collar. It is usually small and folded, sometimes in intricate designs, colors, and shapes.
== Etymology and terminology == The term 'napkin' dates back to the 14th century, referring to a cloth or paper item used during meals for wiping of the lips and fingers, additionally safeguarding clothing from collecting stains. The word derives from the Late Middle English nappekin, from Old French nappe (tablecloth, from Latin mappa), with the suffix -kin.