[fil.i.gree] n [modif. of F filigrane, fr. It filigrana, fr. L filum + granum grain--more at corn] (1693) 1: ornamental work esp. of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces
2. a: ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design b: a pattern or design resembling such openwork "a ~ of frost" c: ornamentation, embellishment "writings ... heavy with late Victorian ~ --Jack Beatty"
[2]filigree vt fil.i.greed ; fil.i.gree.ing (1831): to adorn with or as if with filigree