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Glite Dictionary
Moresque

Moresque

9.9
Having the style of art and buildings made by the Moors
  • adjective
  • /mɔːˈrɛsk/
  • Formal
translation icon : morisca
  • The elaborate tilework in the old palace is distinctly Moresque in style.

Examples

  • He admired the Moresque arches and intricate patterns of the courtyard.

  • The museum's collection includes several Moresque artifacts from the 15th century.

  • The Moresque architecture of the palace is breathtaking.

  • Is this style Moresque or something else?

  • The elaborate tilework in the old palace is distinctly Moresque in style.

  • He admired the Moresque arches and intricate patterns of the courtyard.

  • The Moresque architecture of the palace is breathtaking.

Synonyms

Moorish
vsMoresque
4 7.9

Connected with the Moors and their art or building style

is narrower, focusing on artistic or architectural influence only
mauresque
vsMoresque
  • Specialized
9.9

Relating to the art and buildings of the Moors in Spain or North Africa

refers to works influenced by those patterns rather than exact copies

Surface Forms

Moresque positive

Morphology

Moresque = Moor (semi-transparent) = Moor + esque

The adjective is built from 'Moor' + the stylistic suffix '-esque', but the spelling 'Moresque' (and the historical/ethnographic reference) may obscure the relation for many learners.

Etymology

Moresque comes from the word Moor, the name for people from North Africa who lived in Spain long ago, and it was used for their art and buildings with curved arches and detailed tile patterns. So, Moresque means 'in the style of the Moors', which is why we use it for Moorish-looking architecture and decoration.