passe-partout

passe-par·tout

P0097500 (păs-pär-to͞o′)n.1. Something, such as a master key, that permits one to pass or go at will.2. a. A border, such as a mat, that is used to frame or mount a picture.b. An adhesive tape or a gummed paper used for a similar purpose.

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[French : passer, to pass + partout, everywhere.]

passe-partout

(ˌpæspɑːˈtuː; French pɑspartu) n1. (Art Terms) a mounting for a picture in which strips of strong gummed paper are used to bind together the glass, picture, and backing2. (Art Terms) the gummed paper used for this3. (Art Terms) a mat, often decorated, on which a picture is mounted4. (Building) something that secures entry everywhere, esp a master key[C17: from French, literally: pass everywhere]

passe-par•tout

(ˌpæs pɑrˈtu)

n. 1. something that passes or provides passage everywhere, as a master key. 2. an ornamental mat for a picture. 3. a method of framing in which a piece of glass is placed over a picture and is affixed to a backing by means of adhesive strips of paper pasted over the edges. 4. paper prepared for this purpose. [1635–45; < French: literally, (it) passes everywhere]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	passe-partout - key that secures entrance everywheremaster key, passkey, masterkey - metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotatedskeleton key - a passkey with much of the bit filed away so that it can open different locks
	2.	passe-partout - a mounting for a picture using gummed tapemounting - framework used for support or display

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