Baized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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baized
[beɪzd ]
Definition
table covering
Baized refers to a surface, typically a table, that is covered with a type of woolen fabric called baize. This material is often used in billiard tables, card tables, and game boards. The texture of baize helps to reduce friction, allowing for smoother movements of objects on the surface. It is traditionally green, although it can come in various colors. The use of baize is particularly common in gaming and lodging establishments.
Synonyms
fabric-covered, felted.
Examples of usage
- They played cards on a baized table.
- The billiard room featured an elegant baized surface.
- He admired the craftsmanship of the baized game board.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many countries, baized tables became symbols of social status and were found in the homes of the wealthy.
- Certain games, like billiards and poker, have established rituals and etiquette tied to the presentation of baized tables.
- In theater, baized surfaces contribute to the set design, emphasizing the atmosphere of lounges or gaming houses.
Art & Craft
- Baize is often dyed in various colors, with green being the traditional choice for its calming effects.
- Artisans still craft baized tables today, blending traditional skills with modern styles for recreational spaces.
- The texture of baize is intentionally designed to minimize noise and enhance the comfort of play, a clever intersection of art and utility.
Psychology
- The soft texture of baized surfaces can create a calming environment, conducive to focus and strategy.
- Social interactions around baized tables can foster teamwork and camaraderie, as players engage in shared activities.
- Research suggests that physical environments, including what we touch, can impact mood and performance during games.
Pop Culture
- Baized tables prominently feature in movies depicting gambling and card games, symbolizing chance and excitement.
- Video games sometimes recreate the ambiance of baized tables for added realism in casino and bar scenes.
- Board games that recreate tabletop experiences often use a baized-like texture to enhance tactile engagement.
Origin of 'baized'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the French 'baize', referring to a coarse woolen fabric.
- Baized surfaces emerged in the gaming world in the 16th century to provide a nice feel for players.
- It was originally used on tables in card games, billiards, and other ventures requiring a smooth play area.
The term 'baize' has its origins in the French word 'baie', which refers to a type of coarse woolen cloth. This fabric became popular in the 16th century, particularly in France and England, to cover tables for gaming purposes, as it provided a smooth and durable surface for playing cards and billiards. Throughout the years, baize has been associated with luxury and leisure, commonly found in high-end gaming establishments and homes of the affluent. The word 'baized' is derived from this fabric, and it has been used since the 19th century to describe any table covered with baize. The continued use of baize in various forms of gaming reflects its enduring legacy in tactile enjoyment and social interaction.