Dictionary entry

Counterpoint (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Coun″ter‐point′, n. [OF. contrepoincte, corruption of earlier counstepointe, countepointe, F. courtepointe, fr. L. culcita cushion, mattress (see Quilt, and cf. Cushion) + puncta, fem. p. p. of pungere to prick (see Point). The word properly meant a stitched quilt, with the colors broken one into another.] A coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a counterpane. See 1st Counterpane.

Embroidered coverlets or counterpoints of purple silk.

Sir T. North.