Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bain-marie \Bain`-ma`rie"\, n. [F.]
   A vessel for holding hot water in which another vessel may be
   heated without scorching its contents; -- used for warming or
   preparing food or pharmaceutical preparations.

Source : WordNet®

bain-marie
     n : a large pan that is filled with hot water; smaller pans can
         be set in a bain-maire to keep food warm or to cook food
         slowly
     [also: {bains-marie} (pl)]