1. An ornamental tablet or panel, often oval or oblong, used as a decorative element in architecture or design.
Usage: common in Renaissance and Baroque architecture
2. In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, an oval or oblong enclosure containing the name of a pharaoh or deity.
Usage: Egyptology
3. A decorative scroll or banner, typically containing an inscription or coat of arms.
Usage: heraldry, design

Examples

• The Renaissance palace featured ornate cartouches above each doorway.
• Archaeologists studied the pharaoh's name inscribed within the cartouche.
• The coat of arms was displayed on a decorative cartouche in the center of the shield.
• The architect designed cartouches as framing elements for the building's sculptural reliefs.
• Ancient Egyptian cartouches often contained royal titles and hieroglyphic symbols.
• The ornamental cartouche added elegance to the baroque interior design.