_Rococo_ (No. 20. p. 321.).--The _history_ of this word appears
to be involved in uncertainty. Some French authorities derive it
from "_rocaille_," rock-work, pebbles for a grotto, &c.; others
from "_Rocco_," an architect (whose existence, however, I cannot
trace), the author, it is to be supposed, {357} of the antiquated,
unfashionable, and false style which the word "Rococo" is employed
to designate. The _use_ of the word is said to have first arisen in
France towards the end of the reign of Louis XV. or the beginning
of that of Louis XVI., and it is now employed in the above senses,
not only in architecture, but in literature, fashion, and the arts
generally.