drop cloth

n.
A sheet, as of cloth or plastic, for protection against spills or dripping, used especially by painters.

A large sheet of cloth, paper, or plastic which is spread over a floor, furniture, etc., as a protection against paint drippings and splatter.

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The noun has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: a curtain that can be lowered and raised onto a stage from the flies; often used as background scenery
  Synonyms: drop curtain, drop

Meaning #2: a large piece of cloth laid over the floor or furniture while a room is being painted

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