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Sunday 11 March 2012

Entry: éclat (n.)


In context: "Hal's head, closely monitored by deLint and Staff, is judged still level and focused and unswollen/-bludgeoned by the sudden éclat and rise in general expectations."

Definition: Brilliancy, radiance, dazzling effect (in lit. sense or with conscious metaphor).  And/or ‘Lustre’ of reputation; social distinction; celebrity, renown

Other: Interesting etymology (and check out the SNOOT at the end!):


Etymology:  < French éclat , Old French esclat , related to éclater , Old French esclater to burst, burst out. The senses occurring in English use are taken (with more or less accuracy) directly < French. In 18th cent. and first half of the 19th cent. the word was in much more frequent use than it has been subsequently. (Sometimes ignorantly written éclât .)


SNOOT score: 1

Page: 155
 
Source: Oxford English Dictionary


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