epergne

American  

[ih-purn, ey-pairn] / ɪˈpɜrn, eɪˈpɛərn /

noun

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

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epergne British  

/ ɪˈpɜːn /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of epergne

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

Example Sentences

A tall silver epergne surmounted the mound, in the centre of which was a cut-glass basket, holding fruits, and on the sides vases of flowers.

From Perley's Reminiscences, v. 1-2 of Sixty Years in the National Metropolis by Poore, Benjamin Perley

Nothing would have been more difficult than to explain why it was that Pansey Cottrell should be as essential to a fashionable dinner party as the epergne.

From Belles and Ringers by Smart, Hawley

No, sir, no more than I dread the epergne.

From Love Me Little, Love Me Long by Reade, Charles

The epergne was Phoebus Apollo in his chariot of the sun, with four horses galloping perpetually along the table without moving.

From Memories of Hawthorne by Lathrop, Rose Hawthorne

He was separated from Nan by a vast silver epergne, that fully screened her from view.

From Not Like Other Girls by Carey, Rosa Nouchette