n. pl. prie-dieus or prie-dieux (-dyœz) 1. A narrow, desklike kneeling bench with space above for a book or the elbows, for use by a person at prayer. 2. An armless, upholstered chair with a high straight back and a low seat. [French prie-Dieu : prier, to pray (from Old French, from Latin precārī; see PRAY) + Dieu, God (from Old French; see ADIEU).] (click for a larger image) prie-dieu |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.