epergne

[ ih-purn, ey-pairn ]

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

Origin of epergne

1
1755–65; perhaps <French épargne treasury, saving, noun derivative of épargner to save <Germanic; compare German sparen to save, spare

Words Nearby epergne

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use epergne in a sentence

  • There were fruit and nuts and raisins in a great silver epergne, with fat cupids making love among garlands.

    The Trumpeter Swan | Temple Bailey
  • A vase of flowers or a basket of growing plants can replace the epergne.

    The Art of Entertaining | M. E. W. Sherwood
  • A massive gold epergne of choicest Italian art, the gift of La Pompadour, stood on the centre of the table.

    The Golden Dog | William Kirby
  • The epergne was a beautiful thing of crystal and gold, a celebrated work of art, regarded as an exquisite possession.

    T. Tembarom | Frances Hodgson Burnett
  • The very mats are mirrors, the crystal drops of the epergne flash like diamonds.

    The Art of Entertaining | M. E. W. Sherwood

British Dictionary definitions for epergne

epergne

/ (ɪˈpɜːn) /


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

Origin of epergne

1
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