View source for Blanket

: ''For other uses see: [[Blanket (disambiguation)]]''.

[[Image:Lautrec in bed 1893.jpg|thumb|right|''The Bed'' by [[Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec]] depicts two people under a blanket]] 
A '''blanket''' is a type of [[bedding]], generally speaking, a large piece of cloth, intended to keep the user warm, especially while [[sleep]]ing. Blankets are distinguished from [[Bed sheet|sheet]]s by their thickness and purpose; the thickest sheet is still thinner than the lightest blanket. This is because blankets are for warmth, while sheets are for hygiene, comfort and aesthetics. Blankets are subdivided into many types, including [[quilt]]s, [[duvet]]s, and [[comforter]]s, depending on their thickness, construction and/or fill material. [[Electric blanket]]s are heated by [[electricity]]. Blankets were traditionally made of [[wool]] because of wool's warmth, breathability and natural fire-retardant properties, while sheets were made of [[cotton]] or [[linen]], which are less irritating to the skin. These days, [[synthetic fiber]]s are frequently used for both. Throw blankets are smaller blankets, often in decorative colors and patterns, that can be used for extra warmth outside of bed.

== Etymology ==
The term arose from the generalization of a specific fabric called Blanket fabric,  a heavily [[napping|napped]] woolen weave pioneered by Thomas Blanket (Blanquette), a Flemish weaver who lived in [[Bristol]], [[England]] in the 14th century.<ref>http://www.cuddledown.com/product/articles/buying-guides/bedding+guide.do</ref><ref>http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B06E4D71330E132A25757C2A9659C946097D6CF</ref><ref>http://www.jstor.org/pss/1787694</ref>
Earlier usage of the term is possible through its derivation from the French word for white, blanc. <ref>[http://podictionary.com/?p=2754  Podictionary: blanket]</ref><ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=blanket  Online Etymology Dictionary: blanket]</ref>

==Use as a ground cloth==
[[Image:Blanket2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|A girl wearing a blanket over her head.]]
Blankets may also be used on the [[soil|ground]] for a [[picnic]] or other places where people want to sit in a grassy or muddy area without soiling their clothing. Temporary blankets have been designed for this purpose, although their inherent wastefulness is a chief concern of several environmental groups. {{Fact|date=September 2008}}

==Use in firefighting==
Specialized blankets known as [[fire blanket]]s may be used by [[firefighter]]s to protect furnishings from water damage during [[firefighting]]. Firefighters often wear specialized variants of the fire blanket to protect themselves as well.

==Use in moving of household goods==
Thick quilted and durable blankets are used as protective covers and cushioning when furnishings are moved.

== Use in horse care ==
A warming coat for a horse is called a ''[[horse blanket]]'', intended to prevent the development of a shaggy winter coat of hair. A small ''[[saddle blanket]]'' protects the horse's skin from chafing from the pressure points of a [[saddle]].

== Use in keeping heat within the body ==
To keep warmth inside the body, a blanket can be used to cover one's skin and keep the warmth in.  Many kinds of blankets, such as ''[[wool]]'' are used because they are thicker and have more substantial fabric to them, but ''[[cotton]]'' can also be used for light blankets.  The term blanket is often interchanged with comforter, quilt, and duvet, as they all have similar uses.  

The US Department of Defense uses wool blend blankets for disaster relief where warmth and comfort are desirable characteristics.  The specifications for these blankets are outlined in the item description for National Stock Number (NSN) 7210-00-119-5335.

==See also==
{{Multicol}}
*[[Bed (furniture)|Bed]]
*[[Bedspread]]
*[[Blanket fort]]
*[[Comforter]]
*[[Duvet]]
*[[Horse blanket]]
*[[Hudson's Bay point blanket]]
{{Multicol-break}}
*[[Photo blanket]]
*[[Quilt]]
*[[Security blanket]]
*[[Sleeping bag]]
*[[Slanket]]
*[[Space blanket]]
{{Multicol-end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commonscat-inline|Blankets}}
{{Wiktionary-inline|blanket}}

{{SleepSeries2}}

[[Category:Blankets]]
[[Category:Bedding]]
[[Category:Insulators]]

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