Berline

/bɛrˈliːn/ noun

Definition

A type of four-wheeled closed carriage with an enclosed body, originating from Berlin and popular among European aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Etymology

From Berlin, Germany, where this elegant carriage design was invented and refined. The French form 'berline' is the standard spelling in most European languages.

Kelly Says

If you rode in a 'berline' in 1780, you were riding in cutting-edge transportation technology—it was so prestigious that royalty competed over who had the fanciest one, much like luxury cars today.

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