méridienne

See also: meridienne

English edit

Alternative forms edit

meridienne

Etymology edit

From French méridienne, feminine of méridien (“meridian; noon (attributive)”), from its typical use: rest in the middle of the day, when the sun is near the meridian.

Noun edit

méridienne (plural méridiennes)

An asymmetrical daybed with a high head-rest, and a lower foot-rest, joined by a sloping piece.
- 1981, Americana, page 24, column 2:
  Méridiennes have sold for up to $19,000 a pair, a bid posted at Morton’s. “Méridiennes such as that one are the rare pieces that bring top dollar,” says Phillip Alford, Morton’s nineteenth-century furniture expert.
- 1990, Architectural Digest, page 260:
  Silk velvet on the méridiennes is from Manuel Canovas; Clarence House fabric covers the sofa and front of fauteuils.
- 1990, Museum Notes, page 23:
  This, too, has now been restored and reupholstered, and the unusual pair of méridiennes (short daybeds) will be installed on either side of the mantlepiece in the upstairs hall.