A slip cover–loose cover–made from an inexpensive cotton or calico in an unfitted form, to easily slip over bedheads, chairs, sofas, beds, pianos and tables when the rooms are not in use.
Also called housekeeper’s covers because they were made up within the household staff workrooms of large country estate houses. You’ll often notice that the owners’ initials have been embroidered on, either in the centre back, or subtly along the hem, to be identified when laundered.