epergne

[ ih-purn, ey-pairn ]

noun

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

Origin of epergne

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

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

Origin of 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

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