pièce de résistance

Etymology
Borrowed from ; first use of this word in English appears in 1789 in Richard Cumberland's novel Arundel.

Noun

 * 1) A masterpiece; the most memorable accomplishment of one’s career or lifetime.
 * 2) The chief dish at a dinner.
 * 1) The chief dish at a dinner.

Translations

 * Dutch: pièce de résistance,, ,
 * French:
 * German: Pièce de résistance
 * Italian:
 * Latin: magnum opus
 * Polish:
 * Portuguese: obra prima
 * Spanish: obra maestra

Etymology
Borrowed from.

Noun

 * 1) masterwork, masterpiece
 * 2) The best achievement of an author or artist, representing their major life effort.
 * 3) main course of a meal

Etymology
lit. 'piece which has staying power'. Cp. keystone

Noun

 * 1)  the finest part of something, especially a meal