persiennes

American  

[pur-zee-enz, per-syen] / ˌpɜr ziˈɛnz, pɛrˈsjɛn /

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) Persian blinds.

2. (used with a singular verb) a printed or painted fabric of cotton or silk.

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persiennes British  

/ ˌpɜːsɪˈɛnz /

plural noun

1. Also called: Persian blinds.  outside window shutters having louvres to keep out the sun while maintaining ventilation

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Etymology

Origin of persiennes

1835–45; < French, noun use of plural of persienne, feminine of persien, obsolete variant of persan Persian

Example Sentences

It was terribly cold, our windows under the persiennes were white with frost.

From The Blockade of Phalsburg An Episode of the End of the Empire by Chatrian, Alexandre

Very different to the lazy drawing up of a roller-blind in England is the swinging open of a pair of French persiennes.

From Her Royal Highness Woman by O'Rell, Max

She got up, walked across the floor to the open window and unfastened the persiennes.

From The Garden of Allah by Hichens, Robert Smythe

I wondered in what part of the building was situated her apartment; and a single light, shining through the persiennes of one croisee, seemed to direct me to it.

From The Professor by Brontë, Charlotte

The improvement is undoubted, but so is the absolute lack of interest and charm; at least, to those who are outside of the persiennes so uniformly closed against the summer sun.

From Wanderings by southern waters, eastern Aquitaine by Barker, Edward Harrison