Easel \Ea"sel\, n. [D. ezel ass, donkey, hence, easel, or G.
esel; akin to E. ass. See {Ass}.]
A frame (commonly) of wood serving to hold a canvas upright,
or nearly upright, for the painter's convenience or for
exhibition.
[1913 Webster]
{Easel picture}, {Easel piece}, a painting of moderate size
such as is made while resting on an easel, as
distinguished from a painting on a wall or ceiling.
[1913 Webster]