Moresque

American  

[muh-resk] / məˈrɛsk /

adjective

1. Moorish.

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Moresque British  

/ mɔːˈrɛsk /

adjective

1. (esp of decoration and architecture) of Moorish style

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noun

1. 1. Moorish design or decoration

   2. a specimen of this

Etymology

Origin of Moresque

1605–15; < Middle French < Italian moresco, equivalent to Mor ( o ) Moor + -esco -esque

Example Sentences

An interlaced framework of geometrical figures—circles, squares, and diamonds—with scrollwork running through it, the ornaments which are of Moresque character, generally azured in whole or in part, sometimes in outline only.

From Bib-li-op-e-gis-tic (Pertaining to the art of binding books.?Dibdin) to which is appended a glossary of some terms used in the craft by Unknown

Here Queen Elizabeth’s arms and cypher appear on a Persian or Moresque ground pattern surrounded with a wreath of oak leaves.

From Needlework As Art by Alford, Marianne Margaret Compton Cust, Viscountess

Long before the fifteenth century, however, with its rather artificial mania for everything Moresque, the Arab spirit had been at work upon Spanish literature, although in a feeble and unconscious manner.

From Legends & Romances of Spain by Spence, Lewis

I bowed, as giving my consent, but said, as I had been a Mahometan, I could not dance after the manner of this country; I supposed their music would not play à la Moresque.

From The Fortunate Mistress (Parts 1 and 2) or a History of the Life of Mademoiselle de Beleau Known by the Name of the Lady Roxana by Defoe, Daniel

There were inlaid tables and couches of exquisite workmanship, and a Moresque cabinet, which the butler unlocked and from which he took cigars and cigarettes.

From At Love's Cost by Garvice, Charles