French

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Etymology

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17th century, proper noun in dame Gigogne (fictional character of a woman with many children); 1901, adjective in table gigogne.

Could be a deformation of cigogne, a bird known for its maternal love. Explained by others as derived from Latin gignere (procreate).

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ʒi.ɡɔɲ/
  • Audio:(file)

Adjective

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gigogne (plural gigognes)

 
Des poupées gigognes.
  1. nesting (composed of many elements, each fitting in a bigger one)
    Synonyms: emboité, emboîté
    des tables gigognesa nest of tables
    des poupées gigognesnesting dolls

Derived terms

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Further reading

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