prie-Dieu
The French word for kneeler is prie-Dieu.
Prie-Dieu is a formal term for a kneeler or a prayer desk.
Meaning: hassock (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of the verb prier (to pray) and Dieu (God).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun prie-Dieu is masculine and is typically used in its singular form.
Did you know?
- The word prier used in prie-Dieu is used in formal French etiquette to mean 'please' or 'I beg you', such as in the phrase je vous en prie when granting permission.
- Because it is a compound of a verb and a noun, the word prie-Dieu can be interpreted as a command to 'pray, God!', though it is always used as a physical object.
- In modern French interior design, a prie-Dieu is often repurposed as a decorative console table or a side table in secular homes.
Examples in context
- Le prie-Dieu est en bois foncé.The kneeler is made of dark wood.
- Elle a posé son livre sur le prie-Dieu.She placed her book on the kneeler.
- Le vieux prie-Dieu est très stable.The old kneeler is very stable.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at furniture in an antique shop.
- LucasRegarde ce magnifique prie-Dieu, Léa.Look at this magnificent kneeler, Léa.
- LéaIl est très beau, mais il est encombrant.It is very beautiful, but it is bulky.
- LucasPourtant, il irait bien dans notre salon.Yet, it would look good in our living room.
- LéaC'est vrai, il est très élégant.That's true, it is very elegant.
