The story
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Today it means: A tablecloth laid directly on the table, over which are placed other coverings such as an additional tablecloth that allows the undercloth to show through, or an additional tablecloth that completely covers the undercloth when it is used for stability or noise muffling, or simple mats that provide additional protection. Full definition →
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.