An epergne is a big multy-storied dish (table utensil) in and on which you place small dishes (eatable preparations), such as apetizers or sweets and candies. Each story can consist in several small dishes too. The word comes from the French "épargne"/"épargner" which means "something saved" / "to save". It came over to England in the 17th century. The word is no longer used in modern French. It is a lovely word.
by news of the words November 6, 2017