ə̇nˈgrāv, en- verb
( engraved -vd ; engraved “ ; or archaic en·grav·en -vən ; engraving ; engraves )
Etymology: Middle French engraver, from en- en- (I) + graver to engrave, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German graban to dig; English engrave influenced in inflection (note past participle engraven ) by grave, v. — more at grave (v.)
transitive verb
1.
a. : to produce (as letters, figures, or devices) by means of incised lines, spaces, or points
engrave an inscription on stone
b. : to impress deeply : infix as if with a graver
engrave principles in men's minds — John Locke †1704
2.
a. : to cut upon (as wood, stone, or metal) with a graving instrument in order to form an inscription or pictorial representation either of the incised lines, spaces, or points (as in copperplate engraving) or of the surface left in relief (as in wood engraving)
b. : to incise (a metal plate or wooden surface) for the purpose of printing therefrom
engraved the plates for a new series of banknotes
c. : to print from an engraved plate
an engraved calling card
— used especially when raised printing results
d. : photoengrave
3. obsolete : to represent (as a scene) in sculpture
intransitive verb
1. : to make engravings
busily engraving on wood
2. : to be suitable for engraving
that clear classic profile would engrave well