释义 |
ˈshell-work 1. Work consisting of an arrangement of shells in patterns for ornamentation; shells lining the walls of an artificial grotto.
1611Cotgr. s.v., Coquillage, shell-worke; worke made of, or trimd with, shells. 1675H. Woolley Gentlew. Comp. 10 All works wrought with a Needle, all Transparent works, Shell-work, Moss-work. a1700Evelyn Diary 27 Feb. 1644, A large..grotto of shell-worke. 1728Gardiner Rapin, Gardens (ed. 3) iii. 131 Some Artists will their grotts..Of Pumice..build; The splendid Roof with shining Shell-work grace. 1773Johnson in Boswell (1831) III. 12 She knows French, musick, and drawing, sews neatly, makes shell-work. 1809Malkin Gil Blas iv. ix. ⁋5 A rude front built of pebbles and shell-work. 1836Penny Cycl. VI. 432/1 The delicate petals arranged with the most artificial symmetry, so as to resemble curious shell-work. 1891Farrar Darkn. & Dawn xxvi, A reticulated shellwork of pale blue was fastened by threads of glass to the opalescent vase within. †2. Shells adhering to a ship's bottom. rare.
1698Froger Voy. 170 Our Ships being too foul, too full of Herbs and Shell-work, to think of gaining upon Vessels newly careened. |