I. mə̇ˈdalyən, meˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French médaillon, from Italian medaglione, aug. of medaglia medal — more at medal
1.
a. : a large medal (as for a memorial purpose)
a burnished bronze medallion three inches in diameter has been issued by the … diamond jubilee committee — Numismatist
b. : any of various large ancient Greek coins
a medallion of Syracuse
2. : something resembling a large medal: as
a. : a tablet or panel in a wall or window bearing a figure shown in relief, a portrait, or an ornament
b.
(1) : a design on a carpet or in lace
(2) : a lace ornament in a garment
c. : a framed usually oval or round design on a stamp or a piece of paper currency showing a portrait or denomination
3. : a perforated design punched in the tip of a shoe
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to adorn with medallions
2. : to make a medallion of : represent in a medallion