noun

davenport

A small writing desk with a sloping top and drawers.

The collector opens a drawer in the antique davenport.

Etymology

The desk is traditionally named after a Captain Davenport for whom the design was made. The customer’s surname became the furniture type’s name.

More examples

  • Letters lay on the davenport's sloping writing surface.
  • The small davenport fitted beside the window.
  • A furniture guide identified the desk as a davenport.

Forms

davenport · davenports

Similar words

writing desk
A broader desk category without the specific antique design.