| 释义 |
‖ spirituˈel, -ˈelle, a.
[F. spirituel masc., -elle fem.: see spiritual a.]
Of a highly refined character or nature, esp. in conjunction with liveliness or quickness of mind.
The distinction between the masc. and fem. forms has not always been observed in English.
α1673Dryden Marr. à la Mode iii. i, Do not call it my service, that's too vulgar; but do my baise-mains to the princess Amalthea; that is spirituelle! 1738Mrs. Delany Life & Corr. (1861) II. 20 She has such a flow of spirits and of wit;..she is by much the most spirituelle creature I ever met with. 1867A. J. Wilson Vashti xvii, To-day there was a spirituelle beauty in the white face that he had never seen before. 1886Illustr. Lond. News 9 Jan. 45/1 The expression of her countenance..was spirituelle in a high degree. 1895Q. Rev. Oct. 467 She was as delightful, racy, spirituelle a companion after as before her religious change.
β1709Mrs. Manley Secret Mem. (1720) III. 120 She was very Beautiful, and more Eveliez and Spirituel than any I had met. Ibid. 146 Gay Conversation of the Modish, most Spirituel. 1833Lytton Godolphin lxiv, The admired—the cultivated—spirituel—the splendid Godolphin.
Hence spirituˈelly adv.
1825New Monthly Mag. XV. 367 It tells them some very disagreeable truths, and..tells them so spirituel-ly, that..the castigation..is sport to all the rest of the world. |