reticule
(ˈrɛtɪkjʊl)
[a. F. réticule, ad. L. rēticulum: see reticulum and -cule.]
1. = reticle 2.
| 1727–38 Chambers Cycl. s.v., The reticule is a little frame, consisting of thirteen fine silken threads, equidistant [etc.]. 1773 Phil. Trans. LXIV. 33 Two object-glasses, with a reticule at the focus. 1839 Penny Cycl. XV. 176/1 The reticule, or diaphragm,..is any fixed arrangement of wires or bars which can be applied to a telescope for the purpose of measurement. 1878 Lockyer Stargazing 221 Hooke and Auzout..pointed out how valuable the reticule of Malvasia would be if one of the wires were movable. |
2. a. A small bag, usually made of some woven material, for carrying on the arm or in the hand, used by ladies as a pocket or workbag. (Cf. ridicule n.2)
| 1801 C. Wilmot Let. 13 Dec. in Irish Peer (1920) 21 ‘Reticules’..are a species of little Workbag worn by the Ladies, containing snuff-boxes, Billet-doux, Purses, Handkerchiefs, Fans, Prayer-Books, Bon-Bons, Visiting tickets. 1824 Miss Mitford Village Ser. i. (1863) 227 She ornaments the reticules, bell-ropes, ottomans and chair-covers of all her acquaintance. 1847 L. Hunt Men, Women, & B. I. ii. 25 The lady, about to pay her fare, suddenly misses her reticule. 1885 Morn. Post 13 June 2 Stealing a leather hand-bag, a red plush reticule, and a piece of sponge. |
b. reticule-basket, a small basket resembling, or serving the purpose of, a reticule.
| 1848 Zoologist VI. 2073 They sometimes took away with them a reticule-basket full. 1857 Mrs. Carlyle Lett. II. 309 You came tripping in with a reticule-basket, and gave me little cakes. |
3. Astr. One of the southern constellations, situated near Hydra. (Named by Lacaille.)
| 1868 Lockyer Guillemin's Heavens (ed. 3) 335 From the Ship we pass..by the Flying Fish, Doradus, and the Reticule, and we arrive at Eridanus. |