Enchases

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Sets gems or ornamental material into a metal frame, or decorates a metal surface by inlaying it with precious stones
2. Ornaments a piece of metal by fixing jewels or other decorative items into a raised or engraved setting
3. Adorns an object by encasing or inlaying it with precious stones or decorative metal work in a fitted setting

Etymology: "Enchases" is the third-person singular form of "enchase," a verb meaning to set jewels or precious stones into metal, or to decorate a surface with raised or chased work. The verb came into Middle English as "enchacen" or "enchasen," borrowed from Middle French "enchasser," which itself built on "chasse," a case or setting. The French word was formed by placing "en-" (in) before "chasse," and "chasse" traces back to Latin "capsa," a box or receptacle, so the core idea is of putting something into a container or frame. The sense of a gem sitting snugly in its metal mount follows naturally from that picture of an object placed inside a case. The same root gave English "chase" in the sense of a groove or channel cut into a surface, and "chasse" also survives in the French word for a reliquary or casket. Knowing this, a jeweller enchasing a stone is, etymologically, boxing it in.

Synonyms: engrave, inlay, emboss, chase, adorn