point d'alencon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “point d'alencon” mean?
A type of delicate needle lace originating from Alençon, France, characterized by fine floral patterns outlined with cordonnet (a raised thread) on a net ground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of delicate needle lace originating from Alençon, France, characterized by fine floral patterns outlined with cordonnet (a raised thread) on a net ground.
Refers to the specific, high-quality lace-making technique and its products, historically associated with luxury, French craftsmanship, and royal patronage. Can also metaphorically denote something of intricate, delicate, and exquisite workmanship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used identically in both varieties, primarily within specialist circles (museum curators, fashion historians, lace collectors).
Connotations
Connotes luxury, heritage craftsmanship, and European (specifically French) high culture in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts due to historical connections to European aristocracy and collections in institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Grammar
How to Use “point d'alencon” in a Sentence
[garment/accessory] made of point d'Alençona [length/piece] of point d'Alençonthe intricate design of the point d'AlençonVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “point d'alencon” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The point d'Alençon trim on the gown was exquisite.
- She inherited a point d'Alençon veil.
American English
- The point d'Alençon collar was the highlight of the exhibit.
- It featured point d'Alençon detailing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in luxury fashion, auction house, and antique textile trade descriptions.
Academic
Used in art history, fashion history, textile conservation, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used. If encountered, likely in a museum, high-end vintage shop, or documentary.
Technical
Specific term in lace classification, describing the needle-made technique with a corded outline on a réseau (net) ground.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “point d'alencon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “point d'alencon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “point d'alencon”
- Misspelling as 'point d'Alanson' or 'point de Alençon'.
- Incorrectly classifying it as a type of bobbin lace (it is needle lace).
- Using it as a general term for any fancy lace.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specific type of needle lace from the town of Alençon, distinct from laces like Valenciennes (bobbin lace) or Chantilly (bobbin lace).
Authentic point d'Alençon is handmade using a needle and thread. Machine-made imitations exist but are not considered true point d'Alençon by purists.
Its production is extremely labour-intensive, requiring highly skilled artisans. A small piece can take hundreds of hours to complete.
The final 'çon' has a nasalised 'o' sound, similar to the 'on' in French 'bon'. In English, it is often approximated as /dæ.lɒ̃.ˈsɒ̃/ (UK) or /dæ.lɑ̃.ˈsoʊ̃/ (US).
A type of delicate needle lace originating from Alençon, France, characterized by fine floral patterns outlined with cordonnet (a raised thread) on a net ground.
Point d'alencon is usually formal / technical in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As delicate as point d'Alençon (rare, metaphorical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'point' of a needle making delicate 'lace' in the French town of 'Alençon'.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTRICATE BEAUTY IS DELICATE LACEWORK (e.g., 'The plan was a piece of political point d'Alençon').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of point d'Alençon?