Faience
/ˈfaɪ.əns/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A type of tin-glazed earthenware ceramic, used domestically for tableware and in architecture as a decorative material. countable, uncountable
"The smile, you see, is perfect—wonderful / As mere Faience! a table ornament / To suit the richest mounting."
- 2 glazed earthenware decorated with opaque colors wordnet
- 3 Beads or small ornaments made from frit, from the eastern Mediterranean of the Bronze and Iron Ages. countable, uncountable
"Beneath these booths were spread their goods; silks from Cos, bronze weapons and copper rods, or ingots from the rich mines of Cyprus, linens and muslins from Egypt; beads, idols, carven bowls, knives, glass ware, pottery in all shapes, and charms made of glazed faience or Egyptian stone; […]."
Example
More examples"The smile, you see, is perfect—wonderful / As mere Faience! a table ornament / To suit the richest mounting."
Etymology
From French faïence, named after the city of Faenza, Italy, where it was made in the 16th century.