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Lorgnette: meaning, definitions and examples

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lorgnette

 

[ lษ”หrหˆnษ›t ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

type of glasses

A lorgnette is a pair of glasses or spectacle frames with a handle, used for viewing objects at a distance. It is typically designed to be held in the hand rather than worn on the face. The word is derived from the French term for 'large nose,' as the glasses were often used by those who preferred not to obstruct their facial features. Lorgnettes were popular in the 19th century, especially among the aristocracy, and served as a fashionable accessory in addition to a functional item. Today, they are considered more of a novelty or antique.

Synonyms

binoculars, spectacles

Examples of usage

  • She held her lorgnette up to admire the artwork.
  • The gentleman adjusted his lorgnette to see better.
  • At the opera, many attendees sported stylish lorgnettes.

Translations

Translations of the word "lorgnette" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฒเฅ‰เคฐเฅเคจเฅ‡เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะพั€ะณะฝะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒญใƒซใƒใƒƒใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋กœ๋ฅด๋„ท

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ูˆุฑู†ูŠุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้•ฟ็ญ’้•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะปะพั€ะฝะตั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒแƒ แƒœแƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lorgnette

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ lorgnette

Etymology

The term 'lorgnette' traces back to the 19th century, originating from the French word 'lorgner,' which means 'to look at' or 'to peep.' This word itself derives from the old French 'lorgne,' referring to a person who has a peculiar way of looking. Initially, the lorgnette was associated with the upper classes in Europe who used it both as a fashion statement and a practical tool for enhancing their vision in social gatherings, theatres, and other public events. As these glasses gained popularity, they became symbols of sophistication and refinement. Interestingly, the design featured a handle that allowed users to elevate the lenses closer to their eyes without physically resting them on the face, which was a novel approach to eyewear at the time.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,612, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.