Easel

/ˈiːzəl/ noun

Definition

A stand or frame used to hold up a canvas, poster, or board at an angle for painting or displaying.

Etymology

From Dutch 'ezel' meaning 'donkey,' because the wooden stand has legs like a donkey and carries a load like a beast of burden.

Kelly Says

Artists' easels are named after donkeys—when you picture Van Gogh painting at an easel, he's literally using a 'wooden donkey' to carry his artistic burden, a beautiful hidden metaphor!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.