espagnolette

noun

es·​pa·​gno·​lette

(ˌ)e¦spanyə¦let,

ə̇¦s-

plural -s

1

: a fastening for a French door or casement window consisting of a long rod with hooks at the top and bottom of the sash both of which are turned by a single handle to hook around fixed pins in the window frame

2

: a small metal dome with a nipple used as an ornament (as on the top of a cabinet post) in French 18th century furniture making

Word History

Etymology

French, from Provençal espagnouleto, diminutive of Old Provençal espanhol Spanish, Spaniard, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin Hispaniolus, from Latin Hispania Spain + -olus -ole

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!