brussels lace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Historical, Technical (Fashion/Textiles)
Quick answer
What does “brussels lace” mean?
A fine, expensive, handmade lace traditionally made in Brussels, Belgium, characterized by its delicate floral patterns on a net ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fine, expensive, handmade lace traditionally made in Brussels, Belgium, characterized by its delicate floral patterns on a net ground.
Any lace made in the style or tradition of Brussels lace, often used as a symbol of luxury, intricate craftsmanship, or historical fashion. Can also refer metaphorically to something delicate, intricate, or ornamental.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling 'Brussels' is consistent. Usage is equally rare in both varieties, confined to specific historical, fashion, or decorative arts contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations of luxury, antiquity, and fine craftsmanship in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Slightly more likely to appear in UK texts due to closer historical and geographical ties to European lace-making traditions, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “brussels lace” in a Sentence
[made of/from] Brussels lace[trimmed/edged with] Brussels lacea [veil/collar/fichu] of Brussels laceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brussels lace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form]
American English
- [No verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form]
American English
- [No adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The auction featured a stunning Brussels lace shawl from the 1850s.
- Her wedding dress had Brussels lace appliqués.
American English
- She wore a heirloom Brussels lace veil.
- The museum acquired a rare Brussels lace fan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in auction catalogues, antique dealerships, or high-end fashion supply.
Academic
Used in historical, art history, fashion history, and textile studies papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in textile arts, lace identification, conservation, and historical costume design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brussels lace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brussels lace”
- Misspelling as 'Brussel lace' (missing the 's').
- Using it as a generic term for any fancy lace.
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'brussels Lace' or 'brussels lace'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Brussels lace' specifically refers to lace made in Brussels, which has distinct styles like point de gaze. Other Belgian cities, like Bruges, produce different types of lace (e.g., Bruges flower lace).
Incorrectly, yes, but precisely, no. In accurate usage, it refers only to lace originating from or made in the style of Brussels. Using it generically is a mistake in technical or historical contexts.
Yes, but on a very small, artisanal scale. Most 'Brussels lace' encountered today is antique. Modern pieces are rare and extremely expensive due to the labour-intensive craftsmanship.
Brussels lace, particularly 'point de gaze', is notable for its very fine, almost invisible net ground upon which detailed floral motifs are needled. This creates a light, airy effect distinct from the heavier, more continuous patterns of laces like Venetian needlepoint.
A fine, expensive, handmade lace traditionally made in Brussels, Belgium, characterized by its delicate floral patterns on a net ground.
Brussels lace is usually formal, historical, technical (fashion/textiles) in register.
Brussels lace: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbrʌs.əlz ˈleɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbrʌs.əlz ˈleɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'Brussels' sprout as small and intricate; 'Brussels lace' is fabric that is small-scale and intricately made in Brussels.
Conceptual Metaphor
DELICACY IS PRECIOUS; INTRICACY IS VALUABLE (e.g., 'The agreement was as fragile as Brussels lace').
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of Brussels lace?