I. märˈkē, mȧˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: modification ( marquise being taken as plural) of French marquise, literally, marchioness — more at marquise
1. or mar·kee “
a. : a large field tent formerly used by an officer of high rank
during the bitter winter of 1777-78, Washington lived and worked in this flimsy marquee — National Geographic
b. : a large tent set up for an outdoor party, reception, or exhibition
a collation and a dance in marquees on the lawn — W.S.Maugham
2.
a. : a permanent canopy usually of metal and glass projecting over the entrance to a building (as a hotel)
b. : a similar canopy at a theater entrance usually brightly lighted and displaying the title of the attraction and the names of the principal performers
the electric sign on the marquee of the theater entrance — Burr Leyson
II. adjective
Etymology: marquee , noun
: having or associated with the name recognition and drawing power of one whose name appears on a marquee : big-name : star