A rotating amusement ride with decorated horses or other animals mounted on poles, also called a merry-go-round. Also refers to any rotating mechanism, such as a baggage carousel at airports.
From French 'carrousel', originally referring to a tournament where knights rode in circles. Derived from Italian 'carosello', ultimately from Arabic 'kharaja' meaning 'to go out' or 'to charge forth'.
The elaborate carousels of the early 1900s were considered high art, with master carvers creating ornate horses that are now museum pieces. Each carousel horse was unique, hand-carved and painted with incredible detail.
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