epergne

[ ih-purn, ey-pairn ]

/ ɪˈpɜrn, eɪˈpɛərn /

an ornamental piece for the center of a table, for holding fruit, flowers, etc.

Origin of epergne

1755–65; perhaps < French épargne treasury, saving, noun derivative of épargner to save < Germanic; compare German sparen to save, spare

The modern ornaments of epergne or plateau were supplied by images of the gods, wrought in bronze, ivory, and silver.

The Last Days of Pompeii |Edward George Bulwer-Lytton
It is indispensable to have candles, or plateau, or epergne, in the middle of the table.

The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory; |Charlotte Campbell Bury
Howell and James would send him the epergne they had designed for a czar.

Confessions Of Con Cregan |Charles James Lever
The very mats are mirrors, the crystal drops of the epergne flash like diamonds.

The Art of Entertaining |M. E. W. Sherwood

Overpowering her dire confusion, in obedience to him, she looked at the epergne, and listened.

The Heir of Redclyffe |Charlotte M. Yonge

epergne

/ (ɪˈpɜːn) /

an ornamental centrepiece for a table: a stand with holders for sweetmeats, fruit, flowers, etc

C18: probably from French épargne a saving, from épargner to economize, of Germanic origin; compare spare