Bewhiskered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
bewhiskered
[bษชหwษชskษrd ]
Definition
describing animals
The term 'bewhiskered' is often used to describe an animal, particularly a cat, that has long or prominent whiskers. These whiskers are sensitive tactile hairs that help the animal navigate its surroundings. Being bewhiskered typically indicates a characteristic trait of certain breeds or individual animals. It can also evoke a sense of curiosity or playfulness associated with these animals. The word can be used in both a literal sense, referring to the actual whiskers, and a figurative sense, to characterize someone's facial hair.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The bewhiskered cat prowled the garden.
- He admired the bewhiskered face of the old tomcat.
- Bewhiskered creatures often capture the hearts of children.
- The bewhiskered dog sniffed around curiously.
Translations
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Origin of 'bewhiskered'
The word 'bewhiskered' is a compound adjective derived from the prefix 'be-' and the noun 'whisker.' The prefix 'be-' comes from Old English, meaning 'to cover with' or 'to affect with,' while 'whisker' has its roots in the Middle Dutch 'wisker,' which is derived from the Proto-Germanic *wiskล, meaning 'to brush' or 'to wave.' The combination of these elements signifies something covered or characterized by whiskers. The usage of the term can be traced back to the 19th century when it began to appear in literary descriptions of animals, particularly in a whimsical or affectionate context. Through the years, 'bewhiskered' has grown to embody not only the physical attribute of having whiskers but also a certain charm or personality associated with those animals.