A small fabric like item used for handling of pots or pans which are too hot to touch with bare hands. My mom always made her own, and made sure that my kitchen is supplied as well now that we no longer live together. Hers are infinitely more tasteful than ones which may be purchased in stores. There was some contention once with a friend of mine over whether they shuold be called hot pads instead. I suppose its a bit like calling all soda coke.