baldacchino
|bal-dac-chi-no|
🇺🇸
/bælˈdækɪnoʊ/
🇬🇧
/bælˈdækɪnəʊ/
ceremonial canopy
Etymology
'baldacchino' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'baldacchino', where 'Baldacco' referred to 'Baghdad' (a source of rich textiles).
'baldacchino' changed from Medieval Latin 'baldachinum' and Old French 'baldaquin', and entered English via Italian and French forms such as 'baldachin' and 'baldacchino'.
Initially it meant 'a type of rich cloth from Baghdad', but over time it evolved into 'a canopy made of such cloth' and later into the architectural/ornamental meaning 'ceremonial canopy'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a ceremonial canopy of cloth or other material placed over an altar, throne, or bed; especially an ornamental canopy supported on columns.
The cathedral's majestic baldacchino rose above the high altar.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically, the famous bronze baldacchino designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini that stands over the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Tourists paused to admire Bernini's baldacchino in St. Peter's Basilica.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 16:34