ARABESQUE

arabesque

(noun) an ornament that interlaces simulated foliage in an intricate design

arabesque

(noun) position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

arabesque (plural arabesques)

(art, architecture, also, attributively) An elaborate design of intertwined floral figures or complex geometrical patterns, mainly used in Islamic Art and architecture.

(music) An ornate composition, especially for the piano.

(ballet) A dance position in which the dancer stands on one leg, with the other raised backwards, and the arms outstretched.

(by extension, attributively) Elaborate or ornate creations in general.

Source: Wiktionary

Ar`a*besque", n. Etym: [F. arabesque, fr. It. arabesco, fr. Arabo Arab.]

Definition: A style of ornamentation either painted, inlaid, or carved in low relief. It consists of a pattern in which plants, fruits, foliage, etc., as well as figures of men and animals, real or imaginary, are fantastically interlaced or put together.

Note: It was employed in Roman imperial ornamentation, and appeared, without the animal figures, in Moorish and Arabic decorative art. (See Moresque.) The arabesques of the Renaissance were founded on Greco-Roman work.

Ar`a*besque", a.

1. Arabian. [Obs.]

2. Relating to, or exhibiting, the style of ornament called arabesque; as, arabesque frescoes.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition