Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A scented white powder used to sprinkle upon the hair of the head, in very general use in hair-dressing in the eighteenth century. An English law required it to be made exclusively of starch, but flour was sometimes used.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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He wore neither peruke nor hair-powder; and his chestnut locks, curling close to his head like those of an antique statue, showed not the least touch of time, though the owner must have been at least fifty.
Redgauntlet 2008
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He would whirl my paternal cane out of my hand, box my hair-powder out of my ears.
The Virginians 2006
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I think the loss of the hair-powder afflicted her most; but she said not a word even about that.
The Way We Live Now 2004
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In France the shoeblacks are all Savoyards, the porters of hotels all Swiss, and in the days of hoops and hair-powder in England, no man could give the regular swing to a sedan-chair but a bog-trotting Irishman.
The Alhambra 2002
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In France the shoeblacks are all Savoyards, the porters of hotels all Swiss, and in the days of hoops and hair-powder in England, no man could give the regular swing to a sedan-chair but a bog-trotting Irishman.
The Alhambra 2002
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His forehead, and the upper part of his head, were bald; but the use of hair-powder gave a fine effect to his massive, but good-humoured features, that glowed with the rich tint of a hale old age.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, September 25, 1841 Various
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Theatre Royal Drury-lane, Mr. W.C. Macready offers to replace the breeches if cracked in stooping; also, to guarantee a liberal allowance of hair-powder to fall from the wig, and make the usual effective and dignified huge point while the Mayor is bowing to the king.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, November 13, 1841 Various
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Well, yesterday (that means what day you like) 'Papa' had rouge and hair-powder to buy;
Theocritus, translated into English Verse 300 BC-260 BC Theocritus
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One day, when she was talking in this strain, some one tried to cast ridicule upon the Prince on account of the style in which he wore his hair, and the four valets de chambre, who made the hair-powder fly in all directions, while Kaunitz ran about that he might only catch the superfine part of it.
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One day, when she was talking in this strain, some one tried to cast ridicule upon the Prince on account of the style in which he wore his hair, and the four valets de chambre, who made the hair-powder fly in all directions, while Kaunitz ran about that he might only catch the superfine part of it.
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