pēˌesdərə̇|zē|stän(t)s, -(ˌ)rā|z-, -zi|s-, -äⁿs sometimes ˌpēsd- or -_rə̇ˈzistən(t)s or -_rēˈzistən(t)s noun
( plural pièces de résistance “)
Etymology: French, literally, piece of resistance
1. : the chief dish of a meal
the official pièce de résistance, labeled fried chicken on toast, proved after careful examination to be sea gull — Textile World
2. : the showpiece of a collection : the outstanding item of a group : the prize piece or main exhibit
the pièce de résistance — a Christmas mummers' play — Angelica Gibbs
the pièce de résistance appears in a luxurious black antelope coat — Women's Wear Daily