baldachino
|bal-da-chi-no|
🇺🇸
/ˌbɑːldəˈkiːnoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˌbæl.dəˈkiː.nəʊ/
ornamental canopy
Etymology
'baldachino' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'baldacchino', where the Italian 'Baldacco' referred to Baghdad and by extension to a luxurious silk or cloth associated with that city.
'baldachino' changed from Italian 'baldacchino' (a cloth or canopy associated with Baghdad) into Middle English/early modern forms such as 'baldachin' and later entered modern English as 'baldachino' (and variants 'baldachin', 'baldacchino').
Initially, it meant a type of luxurious cloth (originating from Baghdad); over time it came to mean a canopy made of such cloth and then more generally an ornamental or architectural canopy above an altar or throne.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a ceremonial or decorative canopy over an altar, throne, or another important place, often richly ornamented and supported by columns.
The church's high altar was crowned by an ornate baldachino carved in bronze.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically, an architectural canopy (often freestanding) placed over an altar or throne as a prominent sculptural or decorative element.
Bernini's baldachino in St. Peter's Basilica is a celebrated example of Baroque sculpture.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/04 17:30