BAROQUE

I. adjective Usage: often capitalized Etymology: French, from Middle French barroque irregularly shaped (of a pearl), from Portuguese barroco irregularly shaped pearl Date: 1765 of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a style of artistic expression prevalent especially in the 17th century that is marked generally by use of complex forms, bold ornamentation, and the juxtaposition of contrasting elements often conveying a sense of drama, movement, and tension, characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance, irregularly shaped, ~ly adverb II. noun Usage: often capitalized Date: 1877 the ~ style or the period in which it flourished