repoussé

[ ruh-poo-sey ]

adjective

1. (of a design) raised in relief by hammering on the reverse side.
2. ornamented or made in this kind of raised work.

noun

1. the art or process of producing repoussé designs.

repoussé

/ rəˈpuːseɪ /

adjective

1. raised in relief, as a design on a thin piece of metal hammered through from the underside
2. decorated with such designs

noun

1. a design or surface made in this way
2. the technique of hammering designs in this way

Word History and Origins

Origin of repoussé¹

1850–55; < French, past participle of repousser to push back; re-, push

Word History and Origins

Origin of repoussé¹

C19: from French, from repousser to push back, from re- + pousser to push

Example Sentences

After the repousse part of the frame is done, clean it with kerosene and pickle.

From Project Gutenberg

The back of it was crowded with raised figures in the kind of work called repousse.

From Project Gutenberg

From the magnificently painted ceiling, a chandelier of brass repousse work hangs from the claws of a hovering eagle.

From Project Gutenberg

A rectangular plaque of gold, repousse and gilt, bearing inscriptions in Greek.

From Project Gutenberg

Their breastplates were adorned with arabesques or repousse work of the highest art.

From Project Gutenberg