Lorgnette

A lorgnette is a pair of eyeglasses or opera glasses with a handle. This handheld optical device, often folding or extending, is held up to the eyes, offering a temporary means of magnified viewing. Primarily used for theatrical performances, observing social events, or reading, lorgnettes are frequently associated with elegance and sophistication, and their design often features decorative embellishments. The frame can be crafted from various materials, like gold, tortoiseshell, or enamel. While no longer a mainstream necessity due to modern alternatives, lorgnettes remain a charming relic of the past.

Lorgnette meaning with examples

• Lady Ashworth, never seen without her elegant lorgnette, adjusted it to better observe the dazzling gowns at the opera. She'd delicately raise the handle and peer over the rim, critically assessing each ensemble and gossiping to her companion. The room was full of such moments where they observed each other with scrutiny and curiosity.
• At the art auction, the seasoned collector employed a finely crafted lorgnette to examine the brushstrokes of the Old Masters, meticulously assessing their authenticity and worth. He considered his lorgnette to be a key piece in his assessment because of its careful magnification.
• While trying to read a challenging piece of literature with faded print, she retrieved a small, antique lorgnette from her handbag. The magnification it provided aided in the clear reading of each word. It allowed her to fully immerse in the story and the intricate details within the passage.
• In a historical drama, the actress playing a wealthy socialite would dramatically deploy her lorgnette to look with disdain at her less affluent rivals. The lorgnette, in this instance, was used to show a subtle form of dominance and superiority.