secretaire

American  

[sek-ri-tair] / ˌsɛk rɪˈtɛər /

noun

French Furniture.

1. any writing desk resembling a secretary.

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secretaire British  

/ ˌsɛkrɪˈtɛə /

noun

1. an enclosed writing desk, usually having an upper cabinet section

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Etymology

Origin of secretaire

1810–20; < French secrétaire secretary

Example Sentences

Tucked between a George II mahogany breakfront secretaire bookcase and a series of manuscript and watercolor maps showing the waterways of Venice, Clausen found a type of antiquated nautical map known as a portolan chart.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2023

The independent judicial officer heard evidence and submissions from Fillol, who pleaded guilty, from the Stade Francais Paris secretaire general, Cedric Boudarel, and from the club's legal counsel.

From The Guardian • Apr. 11, 2013

A timepiece ticked on the mantel-shelf under a neat mirror, a secretaire stood between it and the window, which was furnished with persiennes, adding to the general appearance of rusticity.

From Mated from the Morgue A tale of the Second Empire by O'Shea, John Augustus

For on the next morning, when he entered his private room at the office, his first action was to try the little secretaire, which was unlocked.

From A Charming Fellow, Volume III (of 3) by Trollope, Frances Eleanor

There sat the worthy Baptiste enthroned behind a secretaire which was always littered with papers, petitions, letters, the usual paraphernalia that pertains to a man of influence.

From Petticoat Rule by Orczy, Emmuska Orczy, Baroness