opera glassn.
/ˈɒp(ə)rə ˌɡlɑːs/, /ˈɒp(ə)rə ˌɡlas/, U.S. /ˈɑp(ə)rə ˌɡlæs/ A small decorative optical instrument having a low magnification and designed for use at the opera or theatre, originally in the form of a short telescope (now historical), and later (usually in plural) in the form of a small pair of (typically non-prismatic) binoculars. Also called theatre glass.Some early types incorporated a diagonal mirror for covert viewing to the side (cf. quot. 1738).
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the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > optical instruments > instrument for distant vision > [noun] > opera glass(es)
opera glass1738
lorgnon1846
lorgnette1859
jumelle1865
1738 R. Smith Compl. Syst. Opticks II. iii. xiii. 377 There is an instrument sold in the shops which some call an opera-glass, others a diagonal perspective; it is properly a reflecting perspective, so contrived for viewing a person in a publick place that no one can distinguish who it is you look at.
1763 Philos. Trans. 1762 (Royal Soc.) 52 542 Beginning of the eclipse, through an achromic opera-glass.
1790 B. Wynne Jrnl. Oct. in Wynne Diaries (1952) I. iii. 48 We can see the belfry of St. Marks with the help of opera-glasses.
1842 W. T. Brande Dict. Sci., Lit. & Art 846/1 The common opera-glass is nothing else than the Galilean telescope, invented by Galileo in 1609.
1886 Philos. Trans. 1885 (Royal Soc.) 176 348 An opera-glass, magnifying about twice, was employed between the analyser and the eye.
1898 Kansas City (Missouri) Star 18 Dec. 1/2 (advt.) Gold spectacles, eye glasses, opera glasses at lowest prices.
1928 Sci. Monthly Oct. 330/2 He may be able to recognize them [sc. rainforest trees] by using an opera glass.
1951 L. P. Hartley My Fellow Devils xv. 152 All the same, when he had gone, she fetched her operaglasses.
2001 Kenyon Rev. Winter 164 In their final, aching pas de deux, fans with opera glasses could actually read his lips.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1738