Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word Cheshire cat. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word Cheshire cat, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say Cheshire cat in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word Cheshire cat you have here. The definition of the word Cheshire cat will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofCheshire cat, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
the Cheshire cat in the 1866 publication of Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Etymology
Term attested since at least the 1780s in the expression grin like a Cheshire cat. The reason why Cheshire was combined with cat is disputed: see here for more information.
“Please would you tell me,” said Alice, a little timidly, for she was not quite sure whether it was good manners for her to speak first, “why your cat grins like that?” “It’s a Cheshire-Cat,” said the Duchess, “and that’s why.”
‘It’s almost as if we’ve gone silly with happiness,’ said Marcus two days later. ‘Everyone in the house going round grinning like a lot of Cheshire Cats! The family I mean.’ ‘And Jess,’ said Kitto quickly. ‘Oh well, Jess is as good as family,’ said Fanny comfortably. Jessamy said nothing, but she looked up quickly and her smile would have rivalled any Cheshire Cat.
