eclaircissement

• éclaircissement

From French éclaircissement, from éclaircir (“enlighten, clarify”).

• IPA^(key): /eɪˌklɛə(ɹ)siːsˈmɒ̃n/

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eclaircissement (countable and uncountable, plural eclaircissements)

1. An explanation of something obscure or unknown; clarification, enlightenment.
   • 1751, [Tobias] Smollett, chapter 91, in The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle , volume III, London: Harrison and Co., , →OCLC:

     O]ne of the heroes discovered, in the prize he had made, the very wife of his bosom; and his companion perceived that he had stumbled in the dark upon his own mother. Their mutual astonishment was unspeakable at this eclaircissement […] .

   • 1789, John Moore, Zeluco, Valancourt, published 2008, page 345:

     There is a name written with this pencil over the principal figure; if you wish for any further eclaircissement, apply to me.”

   • 1817 December 31 (indicated as 1818), [Walter Scott], chapter III, in Rob Roy. , volume II, Edinburgh: James Ballantyne and Co. for Archibald Constable and Co. ; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, →OCLC, page 47:

     But either her courage failed, or some other sentiment impeded her seeking an eclaircissement.

   • 1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XXXVIII, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. , volume II, London: Henry Colburn, , →OCLC, page 186:

     "I also fear," added Lady Anne, "that some improper overture, some absolutely shocking eclaircissement will follow your acceptance of the present you speak of, and which has been so lavishly given, as to derogate from the duchess's stand exceedingly, and will, therefore, mortify her,...

   • 1847 January – 1848 July, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter 15, in Vanity Fair , London: Bradbury and Evans , published 1848, →OCLC:

     [W]hen the éclaircissement comes there will be a scene, and hysterics, and a great quarrel, and then a great reconciliation […] .