poppy-head

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poppy-head. Carved finial of a C15 or early C16 Gothic bench-or pew-end, resembling the fleur-de-lys, but often richly decorated with figures, foliage, fruits, and flowers. The term derives from the French poupée, meaning a bunch of hemp or flax tied to a staff, and has nothing to do with the poppy.

Bibliography

Howard & and Crossley (1927);
J. Parker (1850);

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