washstand

washstand
/wosh"stand', wawsh"-/, n.
1. a piece of furniture holding a basin, pitcher, etc., for use in washing one's hands and face.
2. a stationary fixture having faucets with running water, for the same purpose.
[1820-30; WASH + STAND]

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also called  washhand stand  

      from the beginning of the 19th century until well into the 20th, an essential piece of bedroom furniture. The washstand consisted of a wooden structure of varying shape and complexity intended to accommodate a large basin, a pitcher, a toothbrush jar, and various other toilet accessories, frequently including one or more chamber pots housed in cupboards at the base of the structure. The top and the “splash back” that terminated the washstand were usually of marble or tiles set into a wooden frame; occasionally the basin was suspended from a circular hole cut into the table surface. A special kind of French marble known as “St. Anne's” was usually employed, as it resisted the action of the alkali in soap.

      From the mid-19th century, washstands became more elaborate, with mirrors, shelves, and other accessories incorporated into their structure. This was largely the result of the growth of the hotel industry.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Washstand — Wash stand , n. A piece of furniture holding the ewer or pitcher, basin, and other requisites for washing the person. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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  • Washstand — A washstand is a table or stand containing conveniences for personal ablutions. In its 18th century form it was called a basin, stand or basin frame, and is still sometimes described as a washhand stand. Its direct, but remote, ancestor was the… …   Wikipedia

  • washstand — [[t]wɒ̱ʃstænd[/t]] washstands N COUNT A washstand is a piece of furniture designed to hold a bowl for washing your hands and face in, which was used in former times before washbasins had taps on them. ...a Victorian marble topped washstand …   English dictionary

  • washstand — UK [ˈwɒʃˌstænd] / US [ˈwɑʃˌstænd] noun [countable] Word forms washstand : singular washstand plural washstands a tall table with a bowl for water used in the past for washing your face or hands …   English dictionary

  • washstand — noun Date: 1789 1. a stand holding articles needed for washing one s face and hands 2. a washbowl permanently set in place and attached to water and drainpipes …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • washstand — noun A table containing a basin and a pitcher of water for washing …   Wiktionary

  • washstand — Synonyms and related words: aquamanile, automatic dishwasher, basin, bath, bathtub, bidet, dishpan, dishwasher, ewer, finger bowl, kitchen sink, lavabo, lavatory, piscina, shower, shower bath, shower curtain, shower head, shower room, shower… …   Moby Thesaurus

  • washstand — (New American Roget s College Thesaurus) n. sink, washbowl, washbasin, lavabo, lavatory, commode, washpot, water butt. See cleanness, receptacle …   English dictionary for students

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