faience

or fa·ïence

[ fahy-ahns, fey-; French fa-yahns ]

noun

1. glazed earthenware or pottery, especially a fine variety with highly colored designs.

faïence

/ faɪˈɑːns; feɪ- /

noun

1. 1. tin-glazed earthenware, usually that of French, German, Italian, or Scandinavian origin
   2. ( as modifier )

      a faïence cup

Word History and Origins

Origin of faience¹

1705–15; < French, originally pottery of Faenza, city in northern Italy

Word History and Origins

Origin of faience¹

C18: from French, strictly: pottery from Faenza

Example Sentences

It contained an admirable collection of furniture, pictures, wood carvings, and faience.

From Project Gutenberg

He was a wizened little man with faience-blue eyes, and sat habitually hunched up with his hands folded across his shins.

From Project Gutenberg

True faience is made of a yellowish or ruddy earth, covered with an enamel which is usually white, but may be coloured.

From Project Gutenberg

In fact the word faience is due to the avowed intention of the manufacturers of Nevers to copy the enameled pottery of Faenza.

From Project Gutenberg

An additional chapter deals with Copenhagen Faience, which has qualities of its own appealing to connoisseurs.

From Project Gutenberg