repoussé

[ ruh-poo-sey ]

adjective

1. (of a design) raised in relief by hammering on the reverse side.
2. ornamented or made in this kind of raised work.

noun

1. the art or process of producing repoussé designs.

repoussé

/ rəˈpuːseɪ /

adjective

1. raised in relief, as a design on a thin piece of metal hammered through from the underside
2. decorated with such designs

noun

1. a design or surface made in this way
2. the technique of hammering designs in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of repoussé¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of repoussé¹

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

Example Sentences

It is not repoussé, but is cut in openwork of intricate pattern in which the Swastika is the principal motif.

From Project Gutenberg

The inner box was made of gold, and it was covered with fruit and flowers and birds, all wrought in wonderful repoussé work.

From Project Gutenberg

One of these is 22 inches high and has eagle-head handles and an overall repoussé design.

From Project Gutenberg

Imitation jewels are repoussé upon the circlets of all these coronets, except those of Barons and Heralds.

From Project Gutenberg

Pitch block: Some iron blocks and wood blocks covered with pitch used as a support for metal in repoussé work or chasing.

From Project Gutenberg