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Webster 1913 Edition

Beauty

Beau′ty

(bū′ty̆)
,
Noun.
;
pl.
Beauties
(bū′tĭz)
.
[OE.
beaute
,
beute
, OF.
beauté
,
biauté
, Pr.
beltat
, F.
beauté
, fr. an assumed LL.
bellitas
, from L.
bellus
pretty. See
Beau
.]
1.
An assemblage of graces or properties pleasing to the eye, the ear, the intellect, the æsthetic faculty, or the moral sense.
Beauty
consists of a certain composition of color and figure, causing delight in the beholder.
Locke.
The production of
beauty
by a multiplicity of symmetrical parts uniting in a consistent whole.
Wordsworth.
The old definition of
beauty
, in the Roman school, was, “multitude in unity;” and there is no doubt that such is the principle of
beauty
.
Coleridge.
2.
A particular grace, feature, ornament, or excellence; anything beautiful;
as, the
beauties
of nature
.
3.
A beautiful person, esp. a beautiful woman.
All the admired
beauties
of Verona.
Shakespeare
4.
Prevailing style or taste; rage; fashion.
[Obs.]
She stained her hair yellow, which was then the
beauty
.
Jer. Taylor.
Beauty spot
,
a patch or spot placed on the face with intent to heighten beauty by contrast.

Webster 1828 Edition

Beauty

BEAU'TY

,
Noun.
bu'ty.
1.
An assemblage of graces, or an assemblage of properties in the form of the person or any other object, which pleases the eye. In the person, due proportion or symmetry of parts constitutes the most essential property to which we annex the term beauty. In the face, the regularity and symmetry of the features, the color of the skin, the expression of the eye, are among the principal properties which constitute beauty. But as it is hardly possible to define all the properties which constitute beauty, we may observe in general, that beauty consists in whatever pleases the eye of the beholder, whether in the human body, in a tree, in a landscape, or in any other object.
Beauty is intrinsic, and perceived by the eye at first view, or relative, to perceive which the aid of the understanding and reflection is requisite. Thus, the beauty of a machine is not perceived, till we understand its uses, and adaptation to its purpose. This is called the beauty of utility. By any easy transition, the word beauty is used to express what is pleasing to the other senses, or to the understanding. Thus we say, the beauty of a thought, of a remark, of sound, &c.
So beauty, armed with virtue, bows the soul
With a commanding, but a sweet control.
2.
A particular grace, feature or ornament; any particular thing which is beautiful and pleasing; as the beauties of nature.
3.
A particular excellence, or a part which surpasses in excellence that with which it is united; as the beauties of an author.
4.
A beautiful person, In scripture, the chief dignity or ornament. 2 Sam.1.
5.
In the arts, symmetry of parts; harmony; justness of composition.
6.
Joy and gladness. Is.61. Order, prosperity,peace,holiness, Ezek. 26.

BEAU'TY

,
Verb.
T.
bu'ty. To adorn; to beautify or embellish. Obs.

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