in|tagl|io

in|tagl|io «ihn TAL yoh, -TAHL-», noun, plural -ios, verb, -ioed, -io|ing.

–n.

1. the process of engraving or carving by making cuts in the surface.

2. ornamentation by figures or designs sunk below the surface.

3. a figure or design engraved or carved in this way.

4. a gem ornamented in this way: »

He had also a seal ring, a veritable antique intaglio (Washington Irving).

5. a mold to be cast in relief, such as a countersunk die.

6. Graphic Arts. a method of printing in which paper is pressed into inked lines below the surface of the plate or cylinder. The ink is wiped off the surface but remains in the recesses, as in etching and photogravure.

–v.t.

to carve or engrave in intaglio.

╂[< Italian intaglio < intagliare engrave < in- into + tagliare cut < Late Latin tāliāre to cut]