pince-nez

[pans-ney, pins-, pans-ney]

noun

plural

pince-nez 

1. a pair of glasses held on the face by a spring that grips the nose.

pince-nez

/ pɛ̃sne, ˈpænsˌneɪ, ˈpɪns- /

noun

1. eyeglasses that are held in place only by means of a clip over the bridge of the nose

Word History and Origins

Origin of pince-nez¹

1875–80; < French: literally, (it) pinches (the) nose

Word History and Origins

Origin of pince-nez¹

C19: French, literally: pinch-nose

Related Words

• specs 
• sunglasses