lorgnette etymology

Etymology:

  • French: lorgnette
  • Latin: longum, meaning "long"

Meaning:

  • A pair of eyeglasses with a long handle used as an aid for holding them in front of the eyes.
  • Fig., a person who looks at or scrutinizes.

Origin:

The term "lorgnette" was first used in the 17th century to describe a small, handheld telescope popular among theater-goers. These devices allowed people to view performances from a distance. Over time, lorgnettes evolved into eyeglasses with an elongated handle at the side.

Initially, lorgnettes were primarily used by women as a fashion accessory. They were often adorned with decorative handles made of ivory, silver, or gold. They were also used to convey social status or to create an air of mystery.

In the 19th century, lorgnettes became more popular among men as a functional aid for vision. However, they gradually fell out of fashion in the early 20th century with the advent of regular eyeglasses.

Today, lorgnettes are primarily used by collectors or for historical reenactments. They are also sometimes seen as a whimsical or ironic accessory.

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