This term is used by my family for any quilt made for everyday warmth to (as you say picnics, etc.) I am from Tx Panhandle but every quilter I know had never heard of this term. These are the quilts that are always under the bed spread and are washed often. My adult children like the feel and fragrance of these quilts when they come to visit. They are definitely not for show but are quilted with regular quilting stitch. My older ones have the old cotton batting in them that would shift if quilted rows were far apart.