festoon

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a decorative chain of flowers, paper, fabric, or lights hung in a curve between two points

   A festoon of colored lanterns stretched across the courtyard.

2. 2
   verb

   to decorate a place or object, especially with hanging chains, lights, flowers, or fabric

   Volunteers will festoon the hall with ribbons and winter greenery.

3. 3
   noun

   architecture: a carved or painted ornament representing a hanging garland

   A stone festoon decorates the space above the doorway.

Borrowed from French feston, from Italian festone 'festive ornament,' an augmentative of festa 'feast or festival.' The hanging garlands used at celebrations gave rise to both the decorative noun and the verb meaning 'adorn lavishly.'

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