FILIGREE

filigree, filagree, fillagree

(noun) delicate and intricate ornamentation (usually in gold or silver or other fine twisted wire)

filigree

(verb) make filigree, as with a precious metal

Source: WordNet® 3.1

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Etymology

Noun

filigree (countable and uncountable, plural filigrees)

A delicate and intricate ornamentation made from gold or silver (or sometimes other metal) twisted wire.

A design resembling such intricate ornamentation.

Verb

filigree (third-person singular simple present filigrees, present participle filigreeing, simple past and past participle filigreed)

(transitive) To decorate something with intricate ornamentation made from gold or silver twisted wire.

Source: Wiktionary

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Fil"i*gree, n. Etym: [Corrupted fr. filigrane.]

Definition: Ornamental work, formerly with grains or breads, but now composed of fine wire and used chiefly in decorating gold and silver to which the wire is soldered, being arranged in designs frequently of a delicate and intricate arabesque pattern.

Fil"i*gree, a.

Definition: Relating to, composed of, or resembling, work in filigree; as, a filigree basket. Hence: Fanciful; unsubstantial; merely decorative. You ask for reality, not fiction and filigree work. J. C. Shairp.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

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