E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Arras,
tapestry. So called from Arras, in Artois, famed for its manufacture. When rooms were hung with tapestry it was a common thing for persons to hide behind it, especially the arras curtain before the door. Hubert concealed the two villains who were to put out Arthur’s eyes behind the arras. Polo’nius was slain by Hamlet while concealed behind the arras. Falstaff proposed to hide behind the arras at Windsor, etc.
