from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fresco \Fres"co\, n.; pl. {Frescoes} or {Frescos}. [It., fr.
fresco fresh; of German origin. See {Fresh}, a.]
1. A cool, refreshing state of the air; duskiness; coolness;
shade. [R.] --Prior.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Fine Arts)
(a) The art of painting on freshly spread plaster, before
it dries.
(b) In modern parlance, incorrectly applied to painting on
plaster in any manner.
(c) A painting on plaster in either of senses
a and
b .
[1913 Webster]
{al fresco} in the open air; out of doors; outdoors; as, to
dine al fresco.
[PJC]