point de gaze: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (Technical/Historical)Technical (Textiles), Historical, Specialist/Collector
Quick answer
What does “point de gaze” mean?
A delicate needle lace characterised by intricate floral patterns and a fine, net-like background.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A delicate needle lace characterised by intricate floral patterns and a fine, net-like background.
A specific, historically significant type of Belgian bobbin lace, highly prized during the 19th century for its artistic floral motifs and considered a luxury textile.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes high craftsmanship, historical value, and luxury in antique textiles. Used by museum curators, fashion historians, and lace collectors.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse. Frequency is identical in both UK and US English, confined to very specific technical or antiquarian contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “point de gaze” in a Sentence
The [garment] was trimmed with [point de gaze].This [collection] features a rare piece of [point de gaze].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “point de gaze” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The point de gaze flounce was the highlight of the Victorian ensemble.
- She specialises in point de gaze restoration.
American English
- The auction featured a point de gaze collar from the 1880s.
- Her collection focuses on point de gaze and other Belgian laces.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in very niche antique textile auctions or high-end fashion heritage marketing.
Academic
Used in art history, fashion history, and material culture studies discussing 19th-century European luxury goods.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in textile conservation, museum cataloguing, and by specialist lace dealers and collectors.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “point de gaze”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “point de gaze”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “point de gaze”
- Incorrect pluralisation (e.g., 'points de gaze').
- Mispronouncing 'gaze' to rhyme with English 'gaze' (it is /ɡɑːz/).
- Confusing it with other lace types like 'Chantilly' or 'Alençon'.
- Using it as a general term for any fine lace.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never in production, due to its extreme cost and rarity. Vintage pieces are sometimes incorporated into haute couture or used as historical reference.
No, it is a highly specific term. Using it generically would be incorrect and mark you as unfamiliar with textile terminology.
French was the language of the aristocracy and luxury trade in 19th-century Belgium, particularly in regions like Flanders where Ghent is located.
Visit major museums with fashion or decorative arts collections, such as the Victoria & Albert Museum in London or the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which often have examples in their textile departments.
A delicate needle lace characterised by intricate floral patterns and a fine, net-like background.
Point de gaze is usually technical (textiles), historical, specialist/collector in register.
Point de gaze: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpwæ̃ də ˈɡɑːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpwɑːnt də ˈɡɑːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'point' (stitch) of 'gaze' (from Ghent, Belgium) – a delicate point or stitch originating from the city of Ghent.
Conceptual Metaphor
METICULOUS CRAFT IS DELICATE ART: Point de gaze is often metaphorically described as 'painting with thread' or 'frozen flora' due to its intricate floral designs.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'point de gaze' most likely to be used correctly?