TABORET

also spelled Tabouret, type of armless and backless seat or stool. Early taborets were probably named for their cylindrical shape, which resembled a drum (Old French: tabour). The name acquired a more specialized meaning in France in the late 17th century, when it referred to upholstered stools provided at the palace of Versailles for the more privileged ladies of the court of Louis XIV to sit upon in the royal presence. The elaborateness of her taboret's decoration indicated a lady's rank. In the following century taborets of various designs became fashionable as household furniture, particularly in France and England.