[Fr., f. lorgner to squint: see -ETTE.] a. A pair of eye-glasses held in the hand, usually by a long metal, ivory or tortoise-shell handle. b. An opera-glass.
1820. Hogg, in Blackw. Mag., VI. 392. When eyes meet eyes, what need of Lorgnette?
1882. Serjt. Ballantine, Exper., vii. 72. The court was crowded with ladies … furnished with lorgnettes.
attrib. 1873. Browning, Red Cott. Nt.-cap, 982. Lace gets more homage than from lorgnette-stare.
Hence Lorgnetted a., furnished with lorgnettes.
1853. Daily Even. Transcript (Boston), 27 May, 4/1. The gloved exquisite and the lorgnetted young lady may fancy themselves in a delirium of delight.
1860. All Year Round, No. 52. 34. Down the staircase came the … crinolined, lorgnetted, opera-cloaked … throng.
