̘. ̈n.ˈɔ:nəmənt n. & v. --n. 1 a a
thing used or
serving to
adorn,
esp. a
small trinket,
vase,
figure, etc. (a
mantelpiece crowded
with ornaments;
her only ornament
was a brooch). b a
quality or
person conferring adornment,
grace, or
honour (an ornament to her profession). 2
decoration added to
embellish esp. a
building (a
tower rich in ornament). 3 (in pl.) Mus. embellishments
and decorations
made to a
melody. 4 (usu. in pl.)
the accessories of
worship, e.g. the
altar,
chalice,
sacred vessels, etc. --v.tr. adorn;
beautify. øøornamentation n. [ME f. AF urnement, OF o(u)rnement f. L ornamentum
equipment f. ornare adorn]