easel

ea-sel · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A wooden frame used to hold a canvas or board for painting.

  2. 2.

    A stand used to display something, such as a sign or picture.

Forms

plural: easels

Related words

See also: canvas, painting, tripod
Synonyms: stand, tripod

Etymology

From Dutch ezel meaning "donkey" (from Latin asinus). The frame was called a "donkey" because it serves as a "beast of burden" carrying the artist's work, similar to how "sawhorse" uses animal imagery.