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• half mourning
  half mourning

  noun

  a mourning garb less somber than deep mourning, usually following a period of deep mourning.
• half-mourning
  half-mourning

  noun

  dark grey clothes worn by some during a period after full formal mourning

half mourning

American  

noun

1. a mourning garb less somber than deep mourning, usually following a period of deep mourning.

2. the period during which it is worn.

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half-mourning British  

noun

1. dark grey clothes worn by some during a period after full formal mourning

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Etymology

Origin of half mourning

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

half mourning half-mourning

Her husband sits on one end of the frilly sofa, half asleep from the long night, half mourning.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

To stand on a platform with her was to be made conspicuous, and Ruth generally found herself unconsciously going into half mourning for the day, when she went anywhere by rail with her aunt.

From The Danvers Jewels, and Sir Charles Danvers by Cholmondeley, Mary

"At once," Wendy replied resolutely, for the horrible thought had come to her: "Perhaps mother is in half mourning by this time."

From Peter Pan by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)

The funeral rites were half festive, half mourning.

From The World and Its People: Book VII Views in Africa by Badlam, Anna B.

This may be shortened at discretion to six months of deep mourning followed by six months of semi-mourning or three months of deep mourning and six of half mourning.

From Book of Etiquette Volume I by Eichler, Lillian

Perhaps he would slide truffle slices under the skin for poulet en demi-deuil, the rarely seen chicken in half-mourning made famous by Eugènie Brazier, the chef who founded La Mère Brazier.

From New York Times ● Jul. 21, 2020

Victor Fargeau saw at a glance that the count and Sophie were dressed in half-mourning, and instantly divined that their visit was one of condolence.

From The World Masters by Griffith, George Chetwynd

But no; neither of them had, it was evident, seen my ladies in half-mourning, about whom I was diffident of inquiring directly.

From She and I, Volume 1 by Hutcheson, John C. (John Conroy)

The lively combination of black, white, gray, and lavender, gives them the appearance of being in agreeable half-mourning.

From Sheep, Swine, and Poultry Embracing the History and Varieties of Each; The Best Modes of Breeding; Their Feeding and Management; Together with etc. by Jennings, Robert

I want to see you out of mourning—well, in half-mourning, then.

From Shining Ferry by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir