Lorgnette

For the Thoroughbred racehorse, see La Lorgnette.
Lorgnette used by David Scott Mitchell
Silver Lorgnette, circa 1909

A lorgnette (/lɔːˈnjɛt/) is a pair of spectacles with a handle, used to hold them in place, rather than fitting over the ears or nose. It is derived from the French lorgner, to take a sidelong look at, and Middle French, from lorgne, squinting.[1] They were invented by an Englishman named George Adams. The lorgnette was usually used as a piece of jewelry, rather than to enhance vision. Fashionable ladies usually preferred them to spectacles. These were very popular at masquerade parties and used often at the opera (becoming the model for today's opera glasses). They were worn popularly in the 19th century.

The lorgnette was employed as a prop and affectation by early 20th century trial lawyer Earl Rogers, and one is featured on the front cover dust jacket of his biography, Final Verdict, by his daughter Adela Rogers St. Johns.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Lorgnette - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary". Merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  2. ↑ Final Verdict by Adela Rogers St. Johns, 1962, Doubleday & Co.