bluestocking

American  

[bloo-stok-ing] / ˈbluˌstɒk ɪŋ /

noun

1. a woman with considerable scholarly, literary, or intellectual ability or interest.

2. a member of a mid-18th-century London literary circle.

   Lady Montagu was a celebrated bluestocking.

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bluestocking British  

/ ˈbluːˌstɒkɪŋ /

noun

1. derogatory a scholarly or intellectual woman

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Other Word Forms

• bluestockingism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of bluestocking

1675–85; so called from the informal attire, especially blue woolen instead of black silk stockings, worn by some women of the group bluestocking ( def. 2 )

Explanation

An intellectual, well-read woman was once known as a bluestocking. You can describe your scholarly sister, who's knowledgeable about many subjects, as a bluestocking — no matter what color her socks are. The term bluestocking was first used in the 18th century to refer to a group of English women who decided they'd rather have intellectual conversations with educated guests than sit around playing cards and chatting. Because at least one of their guests wore inexpensive, blue worsted stockings, people who disapproved started calling these ladies bluestockings. They quickly reclaimed the term, happily calling their group "The Blue Stockings Society."

Example Sentences

A Regency romance with a master of a disguise and a Bluestocking?

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2022

The free books are the main perk of bookstagram, said Jennifer Lewis of Bluestocking Bookshelf.

From The Guardian • Sep. 27, 2019

The Bat facsimile dust jacket by Lady Bluestocking.

From Scientific American • May 2, 2013

Bluestocking females campaigned furiously for women's suffrage and human rights.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Bluestocking paused and looked round the circle of interested faces.

From Modern marriage and how to bear it by Braby, Maud Churton