marquise

[ mahr-keez; French mar-keez ]

noun

, plural mar·quis·es [mahr-, kee, -ziz, m, a, r, -, keez].

1. the wife or widow of a marquis.
2. a lady holding the rank equal to that of a marquis.
3. Jewelry.
   1. Also called marquise cut. a gem cut, especially for a diamond, yielding a low pointed oval with many facets, usually 58.
   2. a gem cut in this style, especially a diamond. Compare navette.
4. (often used with a plural verb) British. marquee ( def 3 ).
5. Also called marquise chair. French Furniture. a wide bergère.

marquise

/ mɑːˈkiːz; markiz /

noun

1. (in various countries) another word for marchioness
2. 1. a gemstone, esp a diamond, cut in a pointed oval shape and usually faceted
   2. a piece of jewellery, esp a ring, set with such a stone or with an oval cluster of stones
3. another name for marquee

Word History and Origins

Origin of marquise¹

1700–10; < French; feminine of marquis

Word History and Origins

Origin of marquise¹

C18: from French, feminine of marquis

Example Sentences

“If those marquises came back to life and saw this house, they would surely die again,” joked Elayne Clavel, 26, wife of musician Villa.

From Seattle Times

Front and center are the organization’s three Lombardi Trophies, each with a marquise diamond set atop.

From Washington Times

In her state of limbo, the marquise discovers that she can’t intervene in past events.

From New York Times

And the cut was just what I wanted: a doe-eyed marquise, corners sharp and uncompromising.

From Los Angeles Times

Thompson’s sly asides, often in parentheses, can make her seem like a marquise at the party, behind her fan.

From New York Times