"Means merely after the Arabian manner; and, so far as etymology is concerned, might therefore be general in its application. In practice, however, it is used to characterise a peculiar kind of fantastic decoration commonly employed in conjunction with architecture, and which the Spanish Moors are supposed to have introduced into modern Europe." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Arabesque

"Means merely after the Arabian manner; and, so far as etymology is concerned, might therefore be general…