rug

 
Pronunciation: /rʌg/

noun

  • a floor covering of thick woven material or animal skin, typically not extending over the entire floor: an oriental rug Charles and Elaine were sitting on the rug in front of the fire
  • British a thick woollen coverlet or wrap, used especially when travelling.
  • a shaped garment worn by horses for protection or warmth.
  • informal, chiefly North American a toupee or wig: men who shave their heads or wear rugs

Phrases

pull the rug (out) from under

abruptly withdraw support from (someone): the debts of major companies are too large for the banks to pull the rug

Origin:

mid 16th century (denoting a type of coarse woollen cloth): probably of Scandinavian origin; compare with Norwegian dialect rugga 'coverlet', Swedish rugg 'ruffled hair'; related to rag1. The sense 'small carpet' dates from the early 19th century