Carcanet

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːkənɛt/

Definitions

1. A luxurious neck adornment commonly made from precious materials A historical jewelry item that serves both decorative and ceremonial functions An intricate ornament worn around the neck that reflects elegance and prestige
2. A decorative collar or necklace often adorned with gems or precious metals used to enhance appearance
3. A piece of elegant jewelry worn around the neck, traditionally crafted from valuable materials

Etymology: A carcanet is a jewelled collar or necklace, and its name comes from the French "carcan", a word that originally meant an iron collar or neck-ring used to fasten a prisoner or criminal to a post or pillory. The jump from instrument of punishment to ornament is the striking part: a band worn around the neck to restrain someone became, in English, a band of gems worn for display. English took the word from French and added the diminutive suffix "-et", which typically signals a smaller or more modest version of something, so the form points to a little collar. The jewelled sense, which the English word kept for centuries, is the one that survives, while the penal sense of the French source has faded from everyday English use.

Synonyms: necklace, chain, jewelry, ornament, adornment

Antonyms: bare neck, lack of jewelry