† exorˈnation Obs.
[ad. L. exornātiōn-em (used Rhet. by Cicero and Cornificius), n. of action f. exornāre: see exorn.]
The action of adorning, the condition of being adorned; decoration, embellishment. Also, an instance, method, or means of embellishment; an adornment. Chiefly Rhet.
| 1548 Udall Erasm. Par. Luke Pref. 3 a, The painted colours, and exornacions of Rethorike. 1553 T. Wilson Rhet. 90 Exornacion is a gorgiousse beautifiynge of the tongue with borowed wordes. 1589 Warner Alb. Eng. (1612) 331 For the greater reuerence and exornation of the present solemnity. 1624 Gag for Pope 14 In the Orchards..amongst other exornations and furnitures of comelines, they haue whole trees of Sauine. a 1640 Jackson Creed xi. xlvi. Wks. XI. 364 Artificial exornations, or words more choice than such as spring out of the matters handled. 1657 J. Smith Myst. Rhet. 221 Many times repeating.. but yet with other words..and exornations. |