pendant

(pen′dənt)

noun

a hanging ornamental object, as one suspended from an earring or a necklace
the stem and ring of a pocket watch
either of a pair; match or companion piece
anything hanging, as the pull chain on a lamp
a decorative piece suspended from a ceiling or roof: used esp. in Gothic architecture

Origin: ME pendaunt < OFr pendant, prp. of pendre < L pendere, to hang < IE base *(s)pen(d)-, to pull, stretch > spin

adjective

pendent

Related Forms:

See pendant in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also pen·dent

noun

Something suspended from something else, especially an ornament or piece of jewelry attached to a necklace or bracelet.
A hanging lamp or chandelier.
A sculptured ornament suspended from a vaulted Gothic roof or ceiling.
One of a matched pair; a companion piece.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English pendaunt

Origin: , from Old French pendant

Origin: , from present participle of pendre, to hang

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *pendere

Origin: , from Latin pendēre; see (s)pen- in Indo-European roots

(click for a larger image)