bluestocking

[ bloo-stok-ing ]

noun

1. a woman with considerable scholarly, literary, or intellectual ability or interest.
2. a member of a mid-18th-century London literary circle:

   Lady Montagu was a celebrated bluestocking.

bluestocking

/ ˈbluːˌstɒkɪŋ /

noun

1. derogatory.
   a scholarly or intellectual woman

Other Words From

• bluestocking·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bluestocking¹

1675–85; so called from the informal attire, especially blue woolen instead of black silk stockings, worn by some women of the group bluestocking ( def 2 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of bluestocking¹

from the blue worsted stockings worn by members of a C18 literary society

Example Sentences

I didn’t think it was possible for an actor as natural as Jayne Houdyshell to ever look out of place on stage, but she seemed completely at sea in the role of Maria, Vanya’s mother, an old bluestocking with a bent for armchair radicalism.

From Los Angeles Times

Although she’s not given much to do, the astringent Anne Gee Byrd lends Marya, Vanya’s bluestocking mother, a feisty, antagonistic presence.

From Los Angeles Times

A Regency romance with a master of a disguise and a Bluestocking?

From Salon

The free books are the main perk of bookstagram, said Jennifer Lewis of Bluestocking Bookshelf.

From The Guardian

Not only do they call into question the veracity of the Bluestocking story line but they also progressively drain it of interest.

From Los Angeles Times