repoussé

[ ruh-poo-sey ]

/ rə puˈseɪ /

Save This Word!

adjective

(of a design) raised in relief by hammering on the reverse side.

ornamented or made in this kind of raised work.

noun

the art or process of producing repoussé designs.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

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

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

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of repoussé

1850–55; <French, past participle of repousser to push back; see re-, push

Words nearby repoussé

repository, repossess, repost, repot, repoussage, repoussé, repoussoir, repp, Repplier, repr., reprehend

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

How to use repoussé in a sentence

After the repousse part of the frame is done, clean it with kerosene and pickle.
Copper Work|Augustus F. Rose
The back of it was crowded with raised figures in the kind of work called repousse.
Wilfrid Cumbermede|George MacDonald
From the magnificently painted ceiling, a chandelier of brass repousse work hangs from the claws of a hovering eagle.
Serge Panine, Complete|Georges Ohnet
A rectangular plaque of gold, repousse and gilt, bearing inscriptions in Greek.
The Churches of Paris|S. Sophia Beale

Their breastplates were adorned with arabesques or repousse work of the highest art.
The Young Carthaginian|G.A. Henty

British Dictionary definitions for repoussé

repoussé

/ (rəˈpuːseɪ) /

adjective

raised in relief, as a design on a thin piece of metal hammered through from the underside

decorated with such designs

noun

a design or surface made in this way

the technique of hammering designs in this way

Word Origin for repoussé

C19: from French, from repousser to push back, from re- + pousser to push

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