Dutch wife

Definition

A long body-length bolster (pillow) that can be held or wrapped around one's body while sleeping.

Etymology

Compound of Dutch (“inferior substitute”) + wife.

Example Sentences

• "His eyes wide with surprise and fear, he clutched tightly the bolster — sweat- absorbing bedfellow of sleepers in the East — known as a Dutch wife. [...] "What do you mean? Who are you?" Maniam's great eyes, his black skin oiled with sweat, Maniam's hands pudgily clutching his Dutch wife."