shagreen

[ shuh-green ]

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.

adjective

1. Also sha·greened. resembling, covered with, or made of shagreen.

shagreen

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of shagreen¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of shagreen¹

C17: from French chagrin, from Turkish çagri rump; also associated through folk etymology with shag ¹, green

Example Sentences

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

The Bay, from Los Angeles-based Made Goods, can be upholstered in a variety of fabrics — mohair, cotton velvet, shagreen — and colors, among them rosewater and turquoise.

From Los Angeles Times