dais
[dey-is, dahy-, deys]
- a raised platform, as at the front of a room, for a lectern, throne, seats of honor, etc.
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Origin of dais
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for dais
Contemporary Examples
A man behind him on the dais has a dust mask slung over his neck.
Rudy Giuliani on His 9/11 Bluff, the Museum Controversy and the Rise of ISISJosh Robin
September 11, 2014
At the center of the dais, facing the nominee, sat the committee chair, Democrat Carl Levin of Michigan.
How the Chuck Hagel Fight Changed the American Jewish Landscape in WashingtonJ. J. Goldberg
August 20, 2013
Activities on stage got projected on giant screens flanking the dais, or on the jumbotron-like rig overhead.
Imagine the next time Calderon ascends the dais to make a political point.
He walked to the dais and delivered a beautiful speech in perfect English.
Historical Examples
All around the dais, seated on the sloping floor of the cavern, were Lakonians.
Priestess of the FlameSewell Peaslee Wright
Everybody rose to his feet as the Deemster stepped to the dais.
The ManxmanHall Caine
With a short laugh he turned from Francesco to those upon the dais.
Love-at-ArmsRaphael Sabatini
The throne was set on a sort of dais, with three steps in front of it.
In solemn order Templeton ascended the dais and rendered homage.
Follow My leaderTalbot Baines Reed
dais
- a raised platform, usually at one end of a hall, used by speakers, etc
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Word Origin
C13: from Old French deis, from Latin discus discus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for dais
n.
mid-13c., from Anglo-French deis, Old French dais "table, platform," from Latin discus "disk-shaped object," also, by medieval times, "table," from Greek diskos "quoit, disk, dish." Died out in English c.1600, preserved in Scotland, revived 19c. by antiquarians.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper