What does marquise mean?
A marquise is a word with both social and decorative associations. Its title sense refers to a noble rank found especially in France and other continental European countries, broadly corresponding to the English title marquess. In everyday interior design, a marquise is a long upholstered seat with a back and arms for one person, often upholstered in velvet or another luxurious fabric. The word also denotes a gemstone cut into a narrow, pointed oval shape, commonly called a marquise cut. In hairdressing, it names a style in which the hair is gathered at the back and a fringe falls across the forehead. Thus, marquise can indicate aristocratic rank, elegant furniture, a distinctive gemstone shape, or a polished hairstyle. Although the title sense has the most formal history, the modern uses of the word are largely associated with furniture, jewellery, and personal style.
A title of noble rank, especially in France and other continental European countries, corresponding broadly to the English title marquess; also a long upholstered seat with a back and arms, a pointed oval gemstone cut, or a hairstyle with a fringe and gathered hair.
"The room was furnished with a blue velvet marquise and a small marquise-cut diamond."
The title sense is chiefly continental European. The furniture, gemstone, and hairstyle senses are used in British and American English.
To arrange hair in a marquise style, with a fringe and the hair gathered at the back.
"The stylist marquised her hair before the formal dinner."
The regular plural is used for multiple titled people, seats, hairstyles, or gemstones of this type.
"Two velvet marquises stood at either end of the hall."
The marquise carries two aristocratic surprises: it names a noble title and the elegant, high-backed seat associated with royalty.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marquise come from?
The word comes from French marquise, the feminine form of marquis, a title ultimately derived from medieval Latin mariscalcus, meaning an overseer of horses. English borrowed the continental form, while marquis and marquess developed as related English title forms. The same medieval origin is reflected in the cognate marshal, originally an official responsible for horses and troops.
How marquise is actually used
The noble title is chiefly continental European and is not normally used as the English equivalent of marquess. In modern English, marquise most often refers to the upholstered seat, the pointed gemstone cut, or the hairstyle.
Easily confused with marquise
A marquess is the standard English title for a nobleman below a duke and above an earl, whereas marquise is chiefly the continental European form and is also used for several objects and a hairstyle.