Lorgnette

What Is A Lorgnette?

A lorgnette is a pair of spectacles or opera glasses mounted onto a stick or a handle. As such, these eyeglasses mounted onto a metal handle can be held in front of the eyes. They are used for viewing operas and are still popular today.  According to Merriam Webster, the word lorgnette is derived from the French word “lorgne” which means to squint. However, despite getting their name from Middle French, George Adams I is believed to have created the first lorgnette in the eighteenth century. Aside from being used in the opera, these glasses have also been used for reading.