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

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

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

Thus the garbage has been cleanly laid on a fashionable epergne, and found quite to the taste of certain lovers of authentic history!

From Literary Character of Men of Genius Drawn from Their Own Feelings and Confessions by Disraeli, Isaac

The flowers in the tall gold epergne in the centre of the table, and the wreath of scarlet camellias that swung down to meet them from the green bronze chandelier, began to dance a saraband.

From Infelice by Evans, Augusta J. (Augusta Jane)

In the manufactory may be seen the whole history of a plated dinner service, from the pickle fork to the epergne, or vase, which crowns the centre of the table at a grand banquet.

From Rides on Railways by Sidney, Samuel

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