complected

[ kuhm-plek-tid ]

adjective

1. complexioned (usually used in combination):

   a light-complected boy.

complected

/ kəmˈplɛktɪd /

adjective

1. See complexioned
   in combination a US dialect word for complexioned

Usage Note

Complected, a back formation from complexion, is an Americanism dating from the early 19th century. Although it has been criticized by some as a dialectal or nonstandard substitution for complexioned, it occurs in the speech of educated persons and occasionally in edited writing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of complected¹

1800–10, Americanism; complect- (back formation from complexion, presumably taken as *complection ) + -ed ³

Example Sentences

He was a likely-lookin' chap enough, but very dark-complected an' sallow-like, with a bad eye, showin' a lot o' the white.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, it was that old brown-complected fellow, said the carpenter.

From Project Gutenberg

Mine was that I would marry a dark-complected man who was very wealthy, and I would go across water to live.

From Project Gutenberg

The Slav folk down in the shanties by the post road are about the only light-complected ones in this neighborhood.

From Project Gutenberg

Let them dig alongside the but slightly darker complected baker and hotel waiter.

From Project Gutenberg