a French term used among artists, and literally signifies a hollow cavity or pit, out of which something has been scooped or dug: whence it is used to signify that kind of sculpture, where the lines and figures are cut and formed within the face or plan of the plate or matter engraved; and thus it stands in opposition to relievo, where the lines and figures are embossed, and rise prominent above the face of the matter engraved on.