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

It is indispensable to have candles, or plateau, or epergne, in the middle of the table.

From The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory; In Which will Be Found a Large Collection of Original Receipts. 3rd ed. by Bury, Charlotte Campbell, Lady

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

The epergne was a beautiful thing of crystal and gold, a celebrated work of art, regarded as an exquisite possession.

From T. Tembarom by Burnett, Frances Hodgson

A massive gold epergne of choicest Italian art, the gift of La Pompadour, stood on the centre of the table.

From The Golden Dog by Kirby, William

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