expression, godan verb (-ru)
Archaic expression literally meaning 'to wear a felt rug', used figuratively for making a blunder or failing at something. Not used in modern Japanese.
あの役人は大事な交渉で毛氈を被ってしまったそうだ。
That official is said to have blundered in the important negotiations.
expression, godan verb (-ru)
use up all one's money (esp. on prostitutes)
Archaic expression with a specific nuance of squandering all one's money, especially on the services of prostitutes. The felt rug metaphor may imply being covered in shame or ruin.
遊郭通いで毛氈を被り、身代を潰した商人もいたという。
There were merchants who, through frequenting the pleasure quarters, used up all their money and ruined their fortunes.