matrass

Etymology 1

From Anglo-Norman matraz (“shaft, dart”), Middle French materas, from an unattested post-classical variant of Latin mataris, materis (“Gaulish throwing-spear”), from a Gaulish language.

noun

1. (obsolete) A bolt for a crossbow.

Etymology 2

From New Latin matracium and its source, Middle French matheras, matraz etc., either from Middle French materas (see Etymology 1, above), with reference to its shape, or from Arabic مطرة, مطارة (“leather bottle, vase”).

noun

1. (now rare) A type of bolthead flask used in chemical distillation.
   So the learn'd Alchemist exulting sees / Rise in his bright matrass Dɪᴀɴᴀ's trees […]. 1791, Erasmus Darwin, The Economy of Vegetation, J. Johnson, page 206