Pl. chefs-d’œuvre. [Fr.: lit. ‘chief (piece) of work.’] A masterpiece.
1762–71. H. Walpole, Vertue’s Anecd. Paint. (1786), IV. 80. In 1721 Arlaud brought this chef d’œuvre to London, but would not sell it.
1813. Moore, Post-bag, viii. 68. While some chefs-d’œuvre live to weary one.
1831. Scott, Diary, 26 March, in Lockhart’s Life. A rare collection of chefs d’œuvre.
1882. T. Mozley, Remin., Ser. I. I. ix. A house of some architectural pretensions, his chef d’œuvre, people said.
