Matrass

Latin matracium) is a glass vessel with a round or oval body and a long narrow neck, used in chemistry as a digester or distiller.

The word is possibly identical with an old name matrass (Fr.

materas, matelas) for the bolt or quarrel of a cross-bow.

If so, some identity of shape is the reason for the application of the word; bolthead is also used as a name for the vessel.

Another connection is suggested with the Arabic matra, a leather bottle.