Dictionary

méridienne en · NOUN

Etymology

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.

Meanings

1. An asymmetrical daybed with a high head-rest, and a lower foot-rest, joined by a sloping piece.
   • 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. 1981, Americana, page 24, column 2:
   • 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. 1990, Museum Notes, page 23:
   • Silk velvet on the méridiennes is from Manuel Canovas; Clarence House fabric covers the sofa and front of fauteuils. 1990, Architectural Digest, page 260:

Forms