A variety of bobbin lace originally made in Malta, usually of black, cream, or white silk, and typically incorporating the Maltese cross and wheatears in its design; (also in later use) any plaited bobbin lace inspired by the Maltese style, especially the English lace known more fully as "Bedfordshire Maltese lace" (also "Beds-Maltese lace").
Origin
Mid 19th century.
Definition of Maltese lace in US English:
Maltese lace
noun
A variety of bobbin lace originally made in Malta, usually of black, cream, or white silk, and typically incorporating the Maltese cross and wheatears in its design; (also in later use) any plaited bobbin lace inspired by the Maltese style, especially the English lace known more fully as "Bedfordshire Maltese lace" (also "Beds-Maltese lace").