Enchase

Part of speech: verb, noun

Definitions

1. To carve or engrave a decorative design into the surface of metal ; to set a precious stone into a metal mounting
2. To cut an engraved pattern into metal ; to inlay a gemstone into a metal setting
3. To etch or chase a design onto metal ; to embed a jewel within a metal framework

Etymology: "Enchase" is a word for setting stones or decorating metal, and its path into English runs through a French verb meaning "to put in a case." The Middle French "enchasser" was built from "en-," meaning "in," and "chasse," a reliquary or case, which is the same root that gives English "chase" in the sense of a frame or setting for a jewel. In that sense, to enchase something is to fix it into a surround, much as a gem sits in its mount. English took the word from Middle English "enchacen" and "enchasen," which carried the same idea of fitting something into a setting. Over time the meaning widened from the physical act of setting gems in gold or silver to decorating any surface with raised or sunken ornament. The word remained a technical term of the goldsmith's and jeweller's trade, so its everyday presence in English stayed quite small.