Thursday, November 06, 2008

Baize

Does everyone else know the definition of baize? I swear sometimes that the only reason I read Terry Pratchett books is so that I learn new words. He used the word baize in the phrase, "But genetics roll strange dice on the green baize of life..." (Carpe Jugulum, p. 15).

So I had to look it up, despite having a vague idea that it was related to the green felt on a craps table.

"An often bright-green cotton or woolen material napped to imitate felt and used chiefly as a cover for gaming tables."

Another site offered a clever language trick:

"Tutor's tip: The Duke, with several "beys" (titles of respect), wore his "baize" (thick fabric) coat and stood outside listening to the "bays" (animal sounds)."

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