On the tapis

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Tapis \Ta"pis\, n. [F. See {Tapestry}.]
   Tapestry; formerly, the cover of a council table.
   [1913 Webster]

   {On the tapis}, or {Upon the tapis}, on the table, or under
      consideration; as, to lay a motion in Parliament on the
      tapis.
      [1913 Webster]