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Beauty

Origin: oe. Beaute, beute, OF. Beaute, biaute, pr. Beltat, f. Beaute, fr. An assumed LL. Bellitas, from L. Bellus pretty. See Beau.

1. An assemblage or graces or properties pleasing to the eye, the ear, the intellect, the aesthetic faculty, or the moral sense. Beauty consists of a certain composition of colour 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, especially. a beautiful woman. All the admired beauties of Verona. (Shak)

4. Prevailing style or taste; rage; fashion. 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.