LORGNON

TileHead’s Word of the Day for 17 January 2012

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LORGNON  (n. pl. -S)

Definition(s):

1. (n.) a pair of eyeglasses or opera glasses with a handle
2. (n.) a monocle or pair of eyeglasses

Useful information for game players:

• Front hooks: (none)
• Back hooks: -S
• Anagrams: (none)
• Longer extensions: (none)
• Wraparounds: (none)
• Other Spellings: (none)
• Related Forms: LORGNETTE

Epilogue:
Modern opera glasses are usually simple and compact BINOCULARS with low levels of magnification (sometimes known as Galilean binoculars).  LORGNONS or LORGNETTES, on the other hand, are those old-timey glasses with a little handle for holding them up to the face, suitable for the opera or anywhere about town.  They were probably not very useful for improving vision, but one looked jolly fashionable while using them!  The word derives from the Middle French lorgne, meaning “squinting.”

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