What does the term "cover" mean in terms of a table setting?

The term "cover" is an individual's place setting at the table, usually for a formal dinner. Cover is just another word for a place setting and includes dinnerware and utensils.

A cover is a space allotted to a diner at the table. It consists of all the tableware usually found at the table, such as flatware, cutlery, dinnerware and glassware, and it can be large or small, depending on the meal.

Covers, or place settings, have things such as bread plates, appetizer plates, forks, spoons, butter knives, soup spoons and napkins. There is no set etiquette as to how many plates, knives and other dinnerware items can be included in a cover.