filigree

views updated May 21 2018

fil·i·gree / ˈfiləˌgrē/ (also fil·a·gree) • n. ornamental work of fine (typically gold or silver) wire formed into delicate tracery: [as adj.] delicate silver filigree earrings. ∎  a thing resembling such fine ornamental work.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

filigree

views updated May 14 2018

filigree jewel work made with threads and beads. XVII. alt. of filigreen, var. of filigrane (XVII–XIX) — F. — It. filigrana, f. L. fīlum thread + grānum seed, GRAIN.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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