Preferred term

Cabochon

Definition

n. from Old French, from Old Norman French caboche head. Ornamental motif resembling this, either concave or convex surface, enclosed within an ornamental border. Used on furniture, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries and revived in kidney shape on the cabriole knees of chairs and tables in the mid-18th century. Chippendales decorative motifs often took this form.