noun
lorgnette
lor-NYET/lɔːrˈnjet/
Eyeglasses held by a handle rather than worn.
The lorgnette joins two lenses to a long handle at one side.
Etymology
Lorgner, 'to squint' or 'ogle,' combines with a diminutive ending to name a small viewing instrument—the handled glasses used for looking. The verb's deeper ancestry is uncertain.
In context
making an imaginary lorgnette of his thumb and forefinger, he peered through it
More examples
- He holds the lorgnette by its handle and examines the painting.
- The antique lorgnette folds neatly into its case.
- The museum displays several lorgnettes with silver handles.
Forms
lorgnette · lorgnettes
Similar words
- eyeglasses
- A broader term, usually for glasses worn on the face.
- spectacles
- A more formal term for glasses, usually without a handle.