divan

Plural: divans

Noun

• A long backless sofa or couch, often without arms.
• a long backless sofa (usually with pillows against a wall)
• a Muslim council of state
• a collection of Persian or Arabic poems (usually by one author)
• a Muslim council chamber or law court
• A Muslim council of state, specifically that of viziers of the Ottoman Empire that discussed and recommended new laws and law changes to a higher authority (the sultan).
• The council chamber where this court is held; (by extension), any court of justice.
• Any council or assembly.
• A couch or sofa-like piece of furniture made of a mattress lying against the wall and on either the floor or an elevated structure.
• An establishment that serves cigars and coffee, and may offer other amenities such as books, newspapers, and chess.
• A collection of poems, especially one written by an author in Arabic or Persian.

Examples

• After a grueling Scrabble match, I longed to recline on a comfortable DIVAN.

Synonyms

diwan