passe-partout

noun

passe-par·​tout ˌpas-pər-ˈtü 

-ˌpär-

1

: master key

opened the door with a passe-partout

2

a

: mat entry 5

b

: a method of framing in which a picture, a mat, a glass, and a back (as of cardboard) are held together by strips of paper or cloth pasted over the edges

a picture framed in passe-partout

3

: a strong paper gummed on one side and used especially for mounting pictures

Word History

Etymology

French, from passe partout pass everywhere

First Known Use

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1