Mat"tress (?), n. [OF. materas, F. matelas, LL. matratium; cf. Sp. & Pg. almadraque, Pr. almatrac; all from Ar. ma&tsdot;rah a place where anything is thrown, what is thrown under something, fr. &tsdot;araha to throw.]

1.

A quilted bed; a bed stuffed with hair, moss, or other suitable material, and quilted or otherwise fastened.

[Written also matress.]

2. Hydraulic Engin.

A mass of interwoven brush, poles, etc., to protect a bank from being worn away by currents or waves.

 

© Webster 1913.

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