xanthous, a. Ethnol.
(ˈzænθəs)
[f. Gr. ξανθός yellow + -ous.]
Applied to those races, or that type, of mankind characterized by yellow or yellowish hair and light complexion; fair, blond. Also said of the hair, complexion, etc. Opp. to melanic 1, melanous.
| 1829 T. Price Ess. Physiogn. & Physiol. Inhab. Brit. 3 It is true that the Greek and Roman writers do describe the various barbarous tribes of Europe,..representing some to be of the fair, or, as it has been styled, Xanthous complexion; others of the dark, or Melanic. 1834 Nat. Philos., Phys. Geog. 64/1 (U.K.S.) Men of the xanthous variety of colour are known to spring up among the negroes in Africa. 1876 W. F. Skene Celtic Scot. I. i. ii. 126 The Caledonii..were larger in body,..and less xanthous. 1896 Allbutt's Syst. Med. I. 35 The xanthous type with chestnut, red, or fair hair. |