guilloche

[ gi-lohsh ]

noun

1. an ornamental pattern or border, as in architecture, consisting of paired ribbons or lines flowing in interlaced curves around a series of circular voids.

guilloche

/ ɡɪˈlɒʃ /

noun

1. an ornamental band or border with a repeating pattern of two or more interwoven wavy lines, as in architecture

Word History and Origins

Origin of guilloche¹

1855–60; < French: graining tool < ?

Word History and Origins

Origin of guilloche¹

C19: from French: tool used in ornamental work, perhaps from Guillaume William

Example Sentences

It is made up of two panels, with the largest showing large, colourful flowers surrounded by bands of intertwining strands - a motif known as a guilloche.

From BBC

As the dig worked eastward, a decorative ribbon known as a guilloche appeared.

From National Geographic

But above the battery of mercury-vapor lamps, you could still see — 90 feet overhead — a riot of filigree domes, twisting guilloches, scrollwork and statuary.

From New York Times

In fact, we find six different kinds of guilloche on the truly masterful dial.

From Forbes

All of the dials are solid gold and embellished with a special guilloche pattern.

From Forbes