Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Chippendale \Chip"pen*dale\, a.
   Designating furniture designed, or like that designed, by
   Thomas Chippendale, an English cabinetmaker of the 18th
   century. Chippendale furniture was generally of simple but
   graceful outline with delicately carved rococo ornamentation,
   sculptured either in the solid wood or, in the cheaper
   specimens, separately and glued on. In the more elaborate
   pieces three types are recognized: {French Chippendale},
   having much detail, like Louis Quatorze and Louis Quinze;
   {Chinese Chippendale}, marked by latticework and pagodalike
   pediments; and {Gothic Chippendale}, attempting to adapt
   medieval details. The forms, as of the cabriole and
   chairbacks, often resemble Queen Anne. In chairs, the seat is
   widened at the front, and the back toward the top widened and
   bent backward, except in Chinese Chippendale, in which the
   backs are usually rectangular. -- {Chip"pen*dal*ism}, n.

         It must be clearly and unmistakably understood, then,
         that, whenever painted (that is to say, decorated with
         painted enrichment) or inlaid furniture is described as
         Chippendale, no matter where or by whom, it is a
         million chances to one that the description is
         incorrect.                               --R. D. Benn.