Jacobean

[ jak-uh-bee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to James I of England or to his period.
2. noting or pertaining to the style of architecture and furnishings prevailing in England in the first half of the 17th century, continuing the Elizabethan style with a gradual introduction of Italian models in architecture and increased elaboration of forms and motifs in furnishings.
3. of or relating to the style of literature and drama produced during the early 17th century.

noun

1. a writer, statesman, or other personage of the Jacobean period.

Jacobean

/ ˌdʒækəˈbɪən /

adjective

1. history characteristic of or relating to James I of England or to the period of his rule (1603–25)
2. of or relating to the style of furniture current at this time, characterized by the use of dark brown carved oak
3. denoting, relating to, or having the style of architecture used in England during this period, characterized by a combination of late Gothic and Palladian motifs

noun

1. any writer or other person who lived in the reign of James I

Other Words From

• an·ti-Jac·o·be·an adjective
• pro-Jac·o·be·an adjective
• qua·si-Jac·o·be·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jacobean¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from New Latin Jacobae(us) “of Jacobus ” (Latinized form of James ) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jacobean¹

C18: from New Latin jacōbaeus , from Jacōbus James

Example Sentences

Every chapter is headed with a brief quote from a Jacobean revenge tragedy by the likes of Webster, Kyd, or Jonson.

From The Daily Beast

The house, Burford Priory, is a largely Jacobean mansion, hidden from view by high walls.

From The Daily Beast

This, sadly, is the kind of Jacobean-comedy language Russia is most comfortable speaking right now.

From The Daily Beast

The Fatal Dowry in substantially its own proper form does not appear ever to have been acted after Jacobean times.

From Project Gutenberg

Adjacent to the church is St Peter's hospital, a picturesque gabled building of Jacobean and earlier date, with a fine court room.

From Project Gutenberg

Each house has its garden, while the centre house, a stately double-fronted Jacobean mansion, has quite a big one.

From Project Gutenberg

After luncheon they drove five or six miles in the motor to Valley House, a place of Jacobean times.

From Project Gutenberg

A lettered balustrade, a rather favourite device in Elizabethan and Jacobean work, is to be seen here.

From Project Gutenberg