ébauche

noun

āˈbōsh

plural -s

: an incomplete watch movement consisting of plates, bridges, wheels, and barrels to be finished and fitted with jewels, escapement, mainspring, hands, and dial

Word History

Etymology

French, from ébaucher to rough out, outline, roughhew, from Middle French esbocher, from es- (from Latin ex-) + -bocher (from Old French -bauchier, from bauch, bauc beam)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!