coulisse

American  

[koo-lees] / kuˈlis /

noun

1. a timber or the like having a groove for guiding a sliding panel.

2. Theater.

   1. the space between two wing flats, leg drops, or the like.

   2. any space or area backstage.

   3. wing flat.

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coulisse British  

/ kuːˈliːs /

noun

1. Also called: cullis. a timber member grooved to take a sliding panel, such as a sluicegate, portcullis, or stage flat

2. 1. a flat piece of scenery situated in the wings of a theatre; wing flat

   2. a space between wing flats

3. part of the Paris Bourse where unofficial securities are traded Compare parquet

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Etymology

Origin of coulisse

1810–20; < French: groove, something that slides in a groove; see portcullis

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

coulisse

Hovering somewhere in the coulisse of these performances, there seems to be an anxiety about authenticity.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 9, 2012

The vast receptacle of an "atelier," where all seems small, even man, has something of the air of an Opera "coulisse"; here lie ancient garments, gilded armor, fragments of stuffs, machinery.

From Vendetta by Katharine Prescott Wormeley

The coulisse and the dressing-rooms were packed by the critics and the author’s friends, beside themselves with delight. 

From The Ways of Men by Eliot Gregory

It is also a term of the Paris Bourse, derived from a coulisse, or passage in which transactions were carried on without the authorized agents de change.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 6 "Coucy-le-Château" to "Crocodile" by Various

With sparkling eye and firmly shut mouth, he led the fair sisters into the coulisse, whence they already heard, out on the adjoining stage, the youth praying.

From Titan: A Romance Vol. II (of 2) by Jean Paul

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