\Chip"pen*dale\, a.
Designating furniture designed, or like that designed, by
Thomas Chippendale, an English cabinetmaker of the 18th
century. Chippendale furniture was generally of simple but
graceful outline with delicately carved rococo ornamentation,
sculptured either in the solid wood or, in the cheaper
specimens, separately and glued on. In the more elaborate
pieces three types are recognized: {French Chippendale},
having much detail, like Louis Quatorze and Louis Quinze;
{Chinese Chippendale}, marked by latticework and pagodalike
pediments; and {Gothic Chippendale}, attempting to adapt
medieval details. The forms, as of the cabriole and
chairbacks, often resemble Queen Anne. In chairs, the seat is
widened at the front, and the back toward the top widened and
bent backward, except in Chinese Chippendale, in which the
backs are usually rectangular. -- {Chip"pen*dal*ism}, n.
      It must be clearly and unmistakably understood, then,
      that, whenever painted (that is to say, decorated with
      painted enrichment) or inlaid furniture is described as
      Chippendale, no matter where or by whom, it is a
      million chances to one that the description is
      incorrect.                               --R. D. Benn.