Definition: a type of upholstered armchair with closed sides (vs. open ones, as in a fauteuil); the sides are usually upholstered, but can also be made of cane; built for comfort, it has a long, wide cushioned seat; the back can be high or low, and in shape square, round, curved or conical (flowing without a break into the arms); developed in France ca. 1725, at the end of the Régence period, it flourished throughout the 18th century; characteristic of Louis XV, Louis XVI and other Rococo styles
Pronunciation: burr-jair
Also Known As: wing chair (a high-backed precursor)
Example: Despite being 250 years old, the deep-seated Louis XV-style bergère still functioned as a comfortable easy chair.
