niello noun & verb. [nɪ'ɛlǝʊ] E19.
[Italian from Latin nigellus dim. of niger black.]
A. noun. Pl. -lli [-li:], -llos.
1. A black composition of sulphur with silver, lead, or copper, for filling engraved designs on silver or other metals. E19.

2. (A specimen of) such ornamental work; an article decorated with niello. M19.

3. An impression on paper of a design to be filled with niello. M19.
b. verb trans. Inlay with niello. Chiefly as nielloed ppl adjective. M19.

■ niellated ppl adjective inlaid in niello L19.

■ niellist noun a person skilled in working with niello M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲