epergne

[ ih-purn, ey-pairn ]

/ ɪˈpɜrn, eɪˈpɛərn /

noun

an ornamental piece for the center of a table, for holding fruit, flowers, etc.

Nearby words

Origin of epergne

1755–65; perhaps < French épargne treasury, saving, noun derivative of épargner to save < Germanic; compare German sparen to save, spare

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for epergne

The modern ornaments of epergne or plateau were supplied by images of the gods, wrought in bronze, ivory, and silver.
The Last Days of Pompeii|Edward George Bulwer-Lytton
It is indispensable to have candles, or plateau, or epergne, in the middle of the table.
The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory;|Charlotte Campbell Bury
Howell and James would send him the epergne they had designed for a czar.
Confessions Of Con Cregan|Charles James Lever
The very mats are mirrors, the crystal drops of the epergne flash like diamonds.
The Art of Entertaining|M. E. W. Sherwood

Overpowering her dire confusion, in obedience to him, she looked at the epergne, and listened.
The Heir of Redclyffe|Charlotte M. Yonge

British Dictionary definitions for epergne

epergne

/ (ɪˈpɜːn) /

noun

an ornamental centrepiece for a table: a stand with holders for sweetmeats, fruit, flowers, etc

Word Origin for epergne

C18: probably from French épargne a saving, from épargner to economize, of Germanic origin; compare spare

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