cartouche

noun

1. Architecture. a rounded, convex surface, usually surrounded with carved ornamental scrollwork, for receiving a painted or low-relief decoration, as an escutcheon.
2. an oval or oblong figure, as on ancient Egyptian monuments, enclosing characters that represent the name of a sovereign.
3. the case containing the inflammable materials in certain fireworks.
4. cartridge(def 1).
5. a box for cartridges.

noun

1. a carved or cast ornamental tablet or panel in the form of a scroll, sometimes having an inscription
2. an oblong figure enclosing characters expressing royal or divine names in Egyptian hieroglyphics
3. the paper case holding combustible materials in certain fireworks
4. rare a cartridge or a box for cartridges

n.

1610s, “scroll-like ornament,” also “paper cartridge,” from French cartouche, the French form of cartridge (q.v.). Application to Egyptian hieroglyphics dates from 1830, on resemblance to rolled paper cartridges.