baldachin

views updated May 18 2018

baldachin, baldac(c)hino (hist.) rich embroidered stuff XVI; canopy XVII. — It. baldacchino rich stuff, f. (with suffix -ino -INE1) Baldacco, It. form of Baghdad, where stuff was orig. made.

baldachin

views updated May 14 2018

baldachin, baldachino, baldacchino, baldaquin. Permanent canopy, especially over an altar, throne, or tomb, usually supported on columns. Compare ciborium.

baldachin

views updated Jun 08 2018

baldachin a ceremonial canopy of stone, metal, or fabric over an altar, throne, or doorway. Recorded from the late 16th century (denoting a rich brocade of silk and gold thread) the word comes ultimately from Italian Baldacco ‘Baghdad’, place of origin of the original brocade.