shagreen

American  

[shuh-green] / ʃəˈgrin /

noun

1. an untanned leather with a granular surface, prepared from the hide of a horse, shark, seal, etc.

2. the rough skin of certain sharks, used as an abrasive.

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adjective

1. Also shagreened resembling, covered with, or made of shagreen.

shagreen British  

/ ʃæˈɡriːn /

noun

1. the rough skin of certain sharks and rays, used as an abrasive

2. a rough grainy leather made from certain animal hides

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Etymology

Origin of shagreen

1605–15; < French chagrin, variant of sagrin < Turkish sağrι rump, crupper

Example Sentences

The show’s sublime ensemble of his work illustrates how Frank’s clean lines are complemented by pale and pricey finishes of materials like parchment and shagreen.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her bathroom has a double-sink marble vanity, a round soaking tub, separate shower and a heated shagreen floor made from stingray skins.

From Washington Post

From faux fur to shagreen, texture and color have been spotted on items from benches to consoles.

From Seattle Times

And the severe living room furniture that Frank made for the couple continues to inspire contemporary design; created from lush materials including shagreen and mica, the pieces combine geometric discipline with the mark of the artisan’s hand.

From New York Times

Aerin makes a very fancy Jenga Set, the classic balancing game, with blocks made of beech, stored in a cream or brown shagreen box with brass detailing for $1,100.

From Seattle Times