pince-nez

[ pans-ney, pins-; French pans-ney ]

noun

, plural pince-nez [pans, -neyz, pins, -, pa, n, s-, ney].

1. a pair of glasses held on the face by a spring that grips the nose.

pince-nez

/ pɛ̃sne; ˈpænsˌneɪ; ˈpɪns- /

noun

1. eyeglasses that are held in place only by means of a clip over the bridge of the nose

Word History and Origins

Origin of pince-nez¹

1875–80; < French: literally, (it) pinches (the) nose

Word History and Origins

Origin of pince-nez¹

C19: French, literally: pinch-nose

Related Words

• specs
• sunglasses