black-a-vised

[ blak-uh-vahyst, -vahyzd ]

adjective

1. having a dark complexion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black-a-vised¹

1750–60; Scots blackaviced, equivalent to black a vice (one) black of face ( black + a ³ + obsolete vice < Middle French vis; visage ) + -ed ³

Example Sentences

"I kom," and they saw the black-a-vised crew set to launching a boat, with vicious side-glances at their oppressor.

From Project Gutenberg

A night or two later, to his amazement, Macro came out of his own cabin more black-a-vised than he had ever seen him, and asked abruptly, "Where's that cross?"

From Project Gutenberg

But these black-a-vised rogues of ours defy reasoning.

From Project Gutenberg

Dude Hennick, dashing, black-a-vised flyer, will soon reappear in Milton Caniff's comic strip, Terry and the Pirates.

From Time Magazine Archive

Lean, black-a-vised, hollow-eyed, Monsignor Sheen is a persuasive, lucid speaker, with a well-cultivated voice, who can make religion sensible and attractive to great masses of people.

From Time Magazine Archive