Settees

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of upholstered seating furniture designed for multiple individuals to sit comfortably; often featuring arms and a back for support; commonly found in living rooms or waiting areas
2. A style of long seating that provides space for several people, typically with soft cushioning and fabric covering; may serve as a decorative element in home or public settings; combines functionality with aesthetic appeal
3. A piece of furniture that accommodates more than one person, usually characterized by cushioning and fabric or leather upholstery; integrates both comfort and social interaction in various environments

Etymology: "Settees" is the plural of "settee," a long upholstered sofa. The singular "settee" is itself a little puzzling: it is probably built from "settle," an old word for a seat or long bench, with the diminutive ending "-ee" tacked on, so the name amounts to something like "little settle." Still, the exact path is not certain, and some etymologists have tied the word to a French source instead, the "scétie" or "scitie," a form whose connection to the sofa is hard to trace. The plural itself needs no special explanation: it simply adds "-s" to "settee," following the usual English pattern for nouns ending in "-ee."

Synonyms: sofas, couches, benches, seats