rocaille

[ roh-kahy; French raw-kah-yuh ]

noun

1. Fine Arts. any of the fantastic ornamental, often asymmetrical, combinations characteristic of the Rococo period, consisting of rock, shell, and plant forms combined with artificial forms, esp C -curves.

rocaille

/ rɒˈkaɪ /

noun

1. decorative rock or shell work, esp as ornamentation in a rococo fountain, grotto, or interior

Word History and Origins

Origin of rocaille¹

1855–60; < French: pebble-work, derivative of roc rock ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of rocaille¹

from French, from roc rock ¹

Example Sentences

He had a most marvelous power of invention and lavished ornament on everything, carrying the rocaille style to its utmost limit.

From Project Gutenberg

After the death of its owner society, in a fit of madness, plunged into the rocaille.

From Project Gutenberg