n. & v.
--n.
1. a a thing used or serving to adorn, esp. a small trinket, vase, figure, etc. (a mantelpiece crowded with ornaments; her only ornament was a brooch). b a quality or person conferring adornment, grace, or honour (an ornament to her profession).
2 decoration added to embellish esp. a building (a tower rich in ornament).
3 (in pl.) Mus. embellishments and decorations made to a melody.
4 (usu. in pl.) the accessories of worship, e.g. the altar, chalice, sacred vessels, etc.
--v.tr. adorn; beautify.
Derivatives:
ornamentation n.
Etymology: ME f. AF urnement, OF o(u)rnement f. L ornamentum equipment f. ornare adorn