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

Palmette - Fan-shaped pattern derived from the shape of a palm-tree leaf. Neo-classical motif.

Panel - A board contained within a framework of rails and stiles.

Parquetry - Inlay of geometric design, used for decorative flooring.

Particleboard - A type of manufactured plywood that is made from ground up and glued scrap wood.

Partner's desk - Desk large enough to seat two people facing each other with working drawers on both sides.

Patera - Round or oval medallion motif frequently incorporating fluting, leaves or flower petals in its design. Often carved, but also painted or inlaid into Neo-classical furniture.

Patina - Term used to designate a mellow sheen formed on the surface of furniture, due to wear, age, exposure, and hand rubbing. Also a film, usually greenish, formed on copper or bronze after long exposure.

Pedestal - Tall, narrow base which supports a statue, lamp, vase or any decorative object. Usually treated with moldings at the top and a base block on the bottom. Without moldings it is called a plinth.

Pediment - Broad triangular or curved space above a portico, doorway, window or cabinet. Can have segmental, scroll, and broken forms.

Pembroke Table - A drop leaf table

Phyfe, Duncan - Americas most famous cabinetmaker 1768-1854. His work was greatly influenced by Sheraton, Directoire, and Empire design. He used mostly mahogany with finely carved ornaments. Known for Federal design.

Pie -crust table - A small round table having a top with its edge carved or molded in scallops. Common in 18th century English furniture.

Pilaster - Architectural term for a flattened column attached to a façade decoration rather than structured support.

Pine - Wood that is uniform in texture but sometimes strongly marked with annual rings. It dries easily and does not shrink or sell greatly with changes in moisture content.

Pitch Pocket - A pocket of resinous sap confined within the grain of many conifers.

Plain Sawn Lumber - A method of sawing lumber where the log is cut tangential to the growth rings. Also called flat-sawn when referring to softwoods

Plate Joint - A butt joint that is reinforced with a football shaped "biscuit". The biscuits are usually made from compressed pieces of wood, usually birch. When a biscuit comes into contact with glue in the joint it swells creating a tighter joint. Also called a Biscuit Joint.

Plunger Router - A router mounted on a spring loaded base to permit 'plunging'.

Polychrome - Ornament or pattern in several colors.

Poplar - Even textured and straight grained wood, it is available in lumber as well as in thin stock suitable for cross banding and face veneers.

Porous Wood - Wood with larger than normal pores and vessels

Poudreuse - Piece of occasional furniture, introduced at the end of Louis XIV period, in the form of a small table with a mirrored lid in the center that lifts up to reveal a compartment for toiletries.

Prie Dieu - A late 18th century low-seated armless chair with a high back and wide top rail on which to rest a prayer book. Often upholstered with Berlin woolwork.

Provincial - Peasant like and naïve in style.

Pulp Trees - Small trees and saplings that will be ground to produce paper. Lumber farmers often over-plant their acreage and remove smaller trees for pulp as the crop matures.

Pumice - A fine abrasive powder that is made from volcanic ash. Pumice is used with a felt block in woodworking to rub out (polish) a finish. (Pumice is also the gritty additive in Lava soap.)