Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Early American - A period in the design of American furniture during the 17th and early 18th centuries. The designs were simple and rugged generally made of solid wood, especially pine, maple, birch, and oak. The furniture was copied largely from English Jacobean and William and Mary styles.

Earlywood (Springwood) - The first part of the tree's rings to form after winter hibernation. Earlywood is often characterized by larger cells and a lower density.

Ebeniste - French term to designate a high grade cabinetmaker specializing in the art of veneering.

Edge joining - Smoothing and squaring the edge of a board so that it can be glued up squarely to another piece.

Egg-and-Dart - A decorative motif of classical origin consisting of ovoid or egg shapes alternating with dart like points.

Eglomise - The decorative and exacting are of reverse painting on glass, mainly related to the Sheraton style.

Elm - A uniform and fine textured wood with a light brownish red color tinged with darker brown ring marks.

Embossing - A process of stamping, hammering or molding a material so that design protrudes beyond the surface.

Empire - A period of Neo-classic design during the reign of Napoleon 1804-1814. Greek , Roman, and Egyptian motifs were widely used. The style spread throughout Europe and appeared in America in some of Duncan Phyfe's work.

Escutcheon - Metal plate fitted around a keyhole for protection and decoration or to which a handle or knob can be attached.

Étagère - Set of three standing or wall shelves used to display objects, sometimes with drawers or doors.

Equilibrium moisture content - When the level of moisture in a board is equal to the moisture in the surrounding air.