释义 |
emˈbellishment [f. as prec. + -ment.] 1. The action or process of embellishing or beautifying; decoration, ornamentation.
1623Cockeram Eng. Dict. ii, Beautifying, Embellishment, Decoration. 1678Trans. Crt. Spain 206 The thing that contributed most to the embellishment of that Festival, was the great abundance of Ladies. 1711Addison Spect. No. 1 ⁋8, I am sensible they might not tend to the Embellishment of my paper. 1868Milman St. Paul's 340 A Turkish merchant devoted no less a sum than 10,000l. to the internal embellishment of St. Paul's. 2. That which embellishes or beautifies, lit. and fig.; an ornament, decoration, setting off; esp. a grace of diction or composition, a poetical image, episode, or hyperbole; also, in pejorative sense, an exaggeration (cf. embellish v. 1 c).
1632Quarles Div. Fancies iv. lxxx. (1660) 165 But now, has not the least Imbellishment Of Heav'nly knowledge. 1662Fuller Worthies (1840) III. 256 Abatement is made for poetical embellishments. 1664H. More Myst. Iniq. 223 A book that has some pleasing embellishments on the back. 1717Lady M. W. Montague Lett. II. xliv. 22 A relation, that has..received many embellishments from my hand. 1772Pennant Tours Scotl. (1774) 343 Nor are the lofty headlands a less embellishment. 1830D'Israeli Chas. I, III. ii. 18 Formed for peace, and the embellishments of life. |