nef

[ nef ]

/ nɛf /

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noun

a silver or gold table furnishing in the form of a ship, either for holding various utensils or for ornament.

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Origin of nef

1680–90; <French: ship <Latin nāvis.See nave

Et cum li hom qui erent en la mer (nef) eurent ueu le miracle .
Selections from Early Middle English 1130-1250: Part II: Notes|Various
Two cup-bearers stand ready with wine and in a prominent position upon the board stands a nef.
Chantilly in History and Art|Louise M. Richter
There is a Nef introduced in the famous Nancy tapestry (fifteenth century) of precisely the same construction.
Chaucer for Children|Mrs. H. R. Haweis
I was maker von vagons in Carlsruhe, und I nef'r gedt home again.
The Octopus|Frank Norris

The "nef," or model of a ship, was of frequent use as an article of table plate.
Jewellery|H. Clifford Smith,