What is "counterpane?"

A counterpane is a bedspread. Often called "counterpin" in the southern United States, it was notably hand made by crocheting, knitting, or quilting, or using a combination of these techniques.

The word itself is an alteration of the Middle English "contrepointe," which was derived from the Old French "cuilte contrepointe," meaning quilt stitched through-and-through. It's first known use was in the 15th century and fell out of use in the United States in the mid-20th century when "comforter" was introduced.