blackamoor

noun

black·​a·​moor ˈbla-kə-ˌmu̇r 

plural blackamoors

1

or less commonly Blackamoor : a European style of decorative art in which dark-skinned usually male human figures are depicted in a stylized and ornate form

also : an object of decorative art (such as a statue or a piece of jewelry) in this style

Note: Blackamoor art is controversial and is often considered racist.

Today exuberance reigns, the rooms having been infiltrated by antique Egyptian figurines, tomb rubbings, Asian vases, blackamoors, marble busts … , and oil portraits in brightly gilded frames.

—Meredith Etherington-Smith

—often used before another noun

The next month, another royal—Princess Michael of Kent—caused controversy after wearing a racist blackamoor brooch to the Queen's yearly Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace.

—Julia Arciga

As a general rule, the blackamoor figures found on the current market are presented as servant figures bearing light by holding a candle, candelabra or torch, or the figure may be holding up a tabletop or carrying a basket of fruit.

—Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson

2

dated, offensive : a dark-skinned person

especially : black sense 4a

Word History

Etymology

black entry 1 + moor; source of the medial -a- uncertain

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 2