Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Mattress
Mat′tress
,Noun.
[OF.
materas
, F. matelas
, LL. matratium
; cf. Sp. & Pg. almadraque
, Pr. almatrac
; all from Ar. maṭrah
a place where anything is thrown, what is thrown under something, fr. ṭaraha
to throw.] 1.
A large pad stuffed with hair, moss, or other suitable soft material, and quilted or otherwise fastened, used as or in a bed, to support the human body while lying down.
[Written also
matress
.] 2.
(Hydraulic Engin.)
A mass of interwoven brush, poles, etc., to protect a bank from being worn away by currents or waves.