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Glossary entry

French term or phrase:

méridienne

English translation:

chaise longue

Added to glossary by Miranda Joubioux (X)
Dec 10, 2012 15:21
11 yrs ago
1 viewer *
French term

méridienne

French to English Tech/Engineering Ships, Sailing, Maritime
Target=uk

Context : list of features in a new 55 foot sailing yacht

This word comes up regularly in the text.

Here are the examples

Dans le cockpit, assise réglable en méridienne à la gîte.

Les assises de cockpit disposent de méridiennes afin de se caler au mieux en fonction de l’angle de gîte du bateau et de profiter d’un plus grand confort au mouillage comme en navigation.

Méridiennes (by itself - an option to be ticked in this training software)

Méridienne pivotante agrandissant la capacité d'accueil lors de repas

I would like anyone's thoughts on how to translate these.
Although "meridienne" exists in English, I really don't think its appropriate for cockpit seating. Perhaps this is some kind of asymmetrical seat, or a semi-circular (bucket-style) seat. I find it difficult to see how the heel angle comes into it.
I'm waiting for a video to see what they are talking about, but in the meantime if anyone has ever had to translate this in the past, please let me know how you dealt with it.
Proposed translations (English)
3 chaise longue
4 +3 swivel seat
4 Bench seat
3 méridienne

Discussion

Miranda Joubioux (X) (asker) Dec 11, 2012:
OK - I have just seen a fairly detailed video. Chaise longue is appropriate for the seating around the dining table. The presenter actually sits with his feet up on it and there is a television facing him.
For the cockpit, I think the term is being slightly misused. I see 2 L-shaped cockpit benches on either side. With the use of a special cushion that is placed under the knees you can sit in the corner of the L in a well-supported position when the boat heels.
It just goes to show you that nothing replaces a good look at the boat when it comes to terminology.
Nikki Scott-Despaigne Dec 10, 2012:
If Ikea is anything to go by, then they are actually calling their "méridienne" a "chaise longue" on the UK version of their site. Check this model in both versions : http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/search/?query=SÖDERHAMN Chaise lon...

You could go for "chaise longue" configuration for "méridienne" as some nice perverted way of getting the Brits own back for the French calling tracksuit pants "un jogging".
Nikki Scott-Despaigne Dec 10, 2012:
The modern-day conception of "méridienne" describes a separate chaise-longue affair or indeed an extension thingie for a sofa. Check out the site of the Scandinavian flat-pack furniture we all know : http://www.ikea.com/fr/fr/search/?query=méridienne

Irrespective of there being an arm-rest or not, the idea is that you can put your feet up, Barney Rubble style, straight in front of you.
Miranda Joubioux (X) (asker) Dec 10, 2012:
After further research, I suspect that we are talking about a u-shaped bench seat. It seems a complicated way of saying it. I shall check with the client and get back to you in a few days (boat show at the moment).
Emma Paulay Dec 10, 2012:
@jmleger I am very much a landlubber, especially when the going gets rough ;-)
jmleger Dec 10, 2012:
@Emma Precisely! The arms or ends of the bench are meant to hold you in unsteady seas. I don't know if you have even been on the flybridge of a boat in heavy seas, but let me tell you it will get very rocky. The same goes with the cabin of course, where you need to be seated on something that will hold you in place.
Tony M Dec 10, 2012:
méridienne In house furnishing, what I know as a 'méridienne' is the sort of L-shaped sofa where the 'extra sticky-out bit' is to rest your legs, so a 3-seater sofa is like a 2-seater sofa with a chaise longue in the 3rd position

See this, for example:

http://www.jardindeco.com/Canape-Meridienne-En-Bananier-Et-A...
Drmanu49 Dec 10, 2012:
Check this Bucket Seats (2) w/Flip-Up Thigh-Rise & Swivel / Slider ...
Emma Paulay Dec 10, 2012:
One-arm - or no arms - or with a foot-rest The only reason I can think of for them to be referred to as "méridienne" if they are not indeed a meridienne is that they only have one arm. Having said that, meridiennes can also have no arms at all: http://www.habitat.fr/c/fr/canapes/fauteuils-et-poufs/poufs so it might mean a bench seat as jmleger says, or it might mean that the cockpit seating can be folded down or out...
Miranda Joubioux (X) (asker) Dec 10, 2012:
I missed an example:
Bancs de cockpit avec 2 méridiennes

Proposed translations

8 hrs
Selected

chaise longue

Whilst it might seem odd that "chaise longue" translates "méridienne", it is currently one of the uses in English for what has started to become quite current in land-based interiors over the past few years. See my posts in the discussion section comparing the Ikea .FR and CO.UK sites for example.

Examples of its use afloat :

http://www.norfolkboatsales.co.uk/boat/used/3788878/

Saloon - A masterpiece of design & comfort with every detail thought out for convenience & comfort for everyday use. The elegant chaise longue & the LED tv which rises at the touch of a button are just two of the many new features.


http://www.broomboats.com/broom_370.php (photo)

The new Broom 370 retains the legendary handling and sea keeping of Broom's hand-crafted boats, but this boat offers power, economy, green credentials and sleek interior design. The beautiful and flush panoramic transom window, shows off the joys of the vast aft cabin. The chaise longue in the saloon is contemporary and comfortable and the pop up LCD television is discerningly blended into the hand made solid wood furniture.


http://www.boatinternational.com/yacht-features/diamonds-are...

http://www.naucat.com/katalog/en/motor-boats/sport-cruiser/f...

http://yachtbroker.escapeartist.com/boats/action/view/boat/3...

There are also instances where you will find "chaise-longue" being used to describe sunbeds, but from the context, the meaning is usually pretty clear. When it comes to curved seating next to the helm in the cockpit, then again you will find instances where a short, curved sofa seat thing will be described as a "chaise-longue". I reckon that's a bit of a misuse of the term though!

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Note added at 8 hrs (2012-12-11 00:15:08 GMT)
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Actually, "good" (?) ol' Wikipedia on "chaise longue" in English throws up images of how "méridienne" is no doubt being used in your original : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaise_longue

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Note added at 8 hrs (2012-12-11 00:16:38 GMT)
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You could always go with "fainting couch" for hysterical incidents aboard... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fainting_couch (not a serious suggestion here).
Note from asker:
Ikea is a good example. Thanks for that Nikki. Inside 'chaise longue' seems appropriate. It is merely a rotating extension of the main sofa that can also serve as a seat for the chart table. I'm still not happy about the cockpit layout though. I'm waiting for more information.
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "I wouldn't have thought of this word, but your Ikea link was a clincher. It works perfectly for the interior. I have dealt with the cockpit 'meridienne' differently."
17 mins

Bench seat

Check boat furnishing sites

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Note added at 37 mins (2012-12-10 15:59:13 GMT)
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Not really equivalent of a French "banc". It's is more of a "chaise longue" oa day bed. The méridienne has a raised end to prop pillows against, or in the case of a boat to prop oneself against in heavy seas. It's more of a banquette, as Algerians call their sofa.
Note from asker:
This is a 'banc' in French.
Peer comment(s):
neutral Nikki Scott-Despaigne : I agree with your description of what a "meridieinne" is. However, bench seat does backtranslate as "banc".
2 hrs
That's my point, Nikki.
Something went wrong...
+3
6 mins

swivel seat

How to install swivel seat on aluminum boat - Page 1 - 19662
forums.iboats.com/boat.../how-install-swivel-seat-aluminum-boat-19...
14 Feb 2003 – I searched the forum and didn't see my question. I want to install a swivel seat on my 16 foot 80 gauge welded aluminum boat. Does anyone ...

https://www.whitworths.com.au/main_departments.asp?...
Oceansouth Boat Seat Swivel - Complete Kit, 75602, $49.90, View Thumbnail · Rae-Line Helmsman Deluxe Seat - Bottle Blue, 75691, $369.00, View Thumbnail ...

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Note added at 18 minutes (2012-12-10 15:40:31 GMT)
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It can be set and locked in various positions depending of the boat's position.

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Note added at 35 minutes (2012-12-10 15:57:42 GMT)
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www.searay.com/boat_graphics/electronic.../309101_f.pdf
File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat - Quick View
Two seating plans to choose from. ≈ Abundant ... Storage, Port & Starboard Helm w/Hinged Bow Bolsters. Storage ... Color Coordinated Steering Wheel, Switch Panel, Soft Touch ... Bucket Seats (2) w/Flip-Up Thigh-Rise & Swivel / Slider ...

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Note added at 2 heures (2012-12-10 17:40:36 GMT)
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And by the way it can be an assymetric bucket swivel seat.
Note from asker:
This is a 'siège pivotant'. What is so special about the 'méridienne'? I think it is more than a swivelling seat.
Peer comment(s):
agree Dr Lofthouse
8 mins
Thank you.
agree Emiliano Pantoja
2 hrs
Thank you Emiliano.
agree EirTranslations
3 hrs
Thank you Beatriz.
neutral cc in nyc : Both URLs "not found" when I tried to launch them
3 hrs
Try using the words in the ref to find it. It works for me.
disagree Nikki Scott-Despaigne : It is possible to have a "méridienne" which swivels, altho' the extended length enabling a person to sit down with their feet up would be a fold-away/down arrangement, the essential point is the length of the seat. The FR suggests neither qualification.
14 hrs
Sorry to disagree, but this is a boat, not a living room Nikki.
agree Manoj Chauhan
22 hrs
Thank you.
Something went wrong...
2 hrs

méridienne

It seems to be in some English dictionaries:

Definition of MÉRIDIENNE
: a short sofa of the French Empire period having one arm higher than the other
Origin of MÉRIDIENNE
F, lit., midday nap, fr. fem. of méridien meridian, of midday, fr. OF meridien — more at meridian
This word doesn't usually appear in our free dictionary, but the definition from our premium Unabridged Dictionary is offered here on a limited basis. [...]
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/méridienne

méridienne
[muh-rid-ee-en, muh-rid-ee-en; French mey-ree-dyen] noun, plural mé·ri·di·ennes [muh-rid-ee-enz, muh-rid-ee-enz; French mey-ree-dyen]
French Furniture. a short sofa of the Empire period, having arms of unequal height connected by a back with a sloping top.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/méridienne?s=t

Note that English (American) pronunciation is given as ususal, but separate phonetics are given for the French pronunciation... clearly considered part of the English language.

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Note added at 3 hrs (2012-12-10 18:38:29 GMT)
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Another possibility: chaise in American English

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Note added at 3 hrs (2012-12-10 18:38:59 GMT)
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Sorry, the boldface should only be on chaise

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Note added at 3 hrs (2012-12-10 18:39:36 GMT)
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Double sorry :o :o


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Note added at 3 hrs (2012-12-10 18:40:06 GMT)
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chaise (whew!)

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Note added at 3 hrs (2012-12-10 18:51:00 GMT)
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Or stick with "méridienne," since it's in the English dictionary.
Something went wrong...
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