false dawn

noun

1. zodiacal light occurring before sunrise.

false dawn

noun

1. zodiacal light appearing just before sunrise

Word History and Origins

Origin of false dawn¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

In important ways, it has revealed that the Obama administration, too, is a false dawn.

From The Daily Beast

In short, it reveals that the Bush administration was a false dawn.

From The Daily Beast

"But it is a false dawn," said the Abb Susini of Olmeta, himself an insatiable reader of newspapers, a keen and ardent politician.

From Project Gutenberg

They took turns keeping the watch until the gray of false dawn became the clearer light of morning.

From Project Gutenberg

When he opened the back door he faced the west, but even the sky at that point of the compass showed the glow of the false dawn.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a kind of false dawn—and then—ah, well, it is rather late, so suppose we get to business.

From Project Gutenberg

The Lady, looking at him over her glass, let her condescending smile fade away like a false dawn.

From Project Gutenberg