exergue

[ ig-zurg, ek-surg, eg-zurg ]

/ ɪgˈzɜrg, ˈɛk sɜrg, ˈɛg zɜrg /

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noun

the space below the device on a coin or medal, sometimes separated from the field by a line.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of exergue

1690–1700; <French, apparently <Greek ex-ex-³ + érgon work

OTHER WORDS FROM exergue

ex·ergu·al

[ig-zur-guhl, ek-sur-], /ɪgˈzɜr gəl, ɛkˈsɜr-/, adjective

Words nearby exergue

exerciser, exercitation, Exercycle, exergaming, exergonic, exergue, exert, exertainment, exertion, exert oneself, Exeter

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

How to use exergue in a sentence

The design was similar to the original, except that the exergue contained a picture of Kaffir arms instead of the date "1853."
Chats on Military Curios|Stanley C. Johnson
On the Exergue: bostonium recuperatum, die 17 martii, mdcclxxvi.
The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876|J. F. Loubat, LL.D.
In the exergue is a boy fishing, the rebus upon the name of the artist Gio Maria da Pescia.
Finger-Ring Lore|William Jones
I think that a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the exergue, Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, No. 571|Various

Exergue: fugatis captis aut csis ad cowpens hostibus 17 Jan. 1781.
The Medallic History of the United States of America 1776-1876|J. F. Loubat, LL.D.

British Dictionary definitions for exergue

exergue

/ (ɛkˈsɜːɡ) /

noun

a space on the reverse of a coin or medal below the central design, often containing the date, place of minting, etc

Derived forms of exergue

exergual, adjective

Word Origin for exergue

C17: from French, from Medieval Latin exergum, from Greek ex outside + ergon work

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