marquise

American  

[mahr-keez, mar-keez] / mɑrˈkiz, marˈkiz /

noun

plural

marquises

1. the wife or widow of a marquis.

2. a lady holding the rank equal to that of a marquis.

3. Jewelry.

   1. Also called marquise cut.  a gem cut, especially for a diamond, yielding a low pointed oval with many facets, usually 58.

   2. a gem cut in this style, especially a diamond.

4. (often used with a plural verb) marquee.

5. Also called marquise chair.  French Furniture. a wide bergère.

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marquise British  

/ mɑːˈkiːz, markiz /

noun

1. (in various countries) another word for marchioness

2. 1. a gemstone, esp a diamond, cut in a pointed oval shape and usually faceted

   2. a piece of jewellery, esp a ring, set with such a stone or with an oval cluster of stones

3. another name for marquee

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Etymology

Origin of marquise

1700–10; < French; feminine of marquis

Example Sentences

Its former elegance is such that local lore says it used to belong to a marquise.

From Seattle Times

Front and center are the organization’s three Lombardi Trophies, each with a marquise diamond set atop.

From Washington Times

Bonnie Black delivers compelling performances as both the marquise’s mother, a woman of mean understanding, and the meddlesome Madam Graffigny, a not entirely welcome guest at the marquise’s family estate.

From New York Times

To find a ring I set an intention: yellow marquise diamond, yellow gold band.

From Los Angeles Times

Thompson’s sly asides, often in parentheses, can make her seem like a marquise at the party, behind her fan.

From New York Times