black-a-vised

[ blak-uh-vahyst, -vahyzd ]

adjective

1. having a dark complexion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black-a-vised¹

1750–60; Scots blackaviced, equivalent to black a vice (one) black of face ( black + a ³ + obsolete vice < Middle French vis; visage ) + -ed ³

Example Sentences

He and his black-a-vised kinfolk had little to do with the villagers, and the village had even less to do with them.

From Project Gutenberg

They were a black-a-vised, ill-favored pair, these miners upon whose hospitality fate had thrown them.

From Project Gutenberg

"I misjudged that black-a-vised fellow," said Ichabod to Lantrim.

From Project Gutenberg