Camberwell beauty

noun

1. mourning cloak.

Camberwell beauty

/ -wəl; ˈkæmbəˌwɛl /

noun

1. a nymphalid butterfly, Nymphalis antiopa, of temperate regions, having dark purple wings with cream-yellow borders US namemourning cloak

Word History and Origins

Origin of Camberwell beauty¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of Camberwell beauty¹

C19: named after Camberwell, a district of S London

Example Sentences

A Camberwell Beauty darted through the open door and made its way, in erratic plunges, great wings waving, down the sunny aisle.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a Camberwell Beauty, and Hildegarde followed it about a little as it hovered lazily from one daisy to another.

From Project Gutenberg

She was so good to see that people called her "The Camberwell Beauty."

From Project Gutenberg

In many books this species is spoken of by its English name Camberwell Beauty.

From Project Gutenberg