brown study

noun

1. deep, serious absorption in thought:

   Lost in a brown study, she was oblivious to the noise.

brown study

noun

1. a mood of deep absorption or thoughtfulness; reverie

Word History and Origins

Origin of brown study¹

First recorded in 1525–35

Example Sentences

"There's just one thing I'd like to ask, if you don't mind," said Cynthia, coming suddenly out of a brown study.

From Project Gutenberg

Dale made his deductions, after which he stood in a brown study beside his horse, waiting for John.

From Project Gutenberg

Then with a glance of inquiry at his Captain, who had fallen into a brown study, "Rear rank, take open order!"

From Project Gutenberg

"I've never heard him spoken of in that way before," said Eleanor, speaking as if she were in a brown study.

From Project Gutenberg

Jim did not pursue the conversation further, but went down very deep into a brown study.

From Project Gutenberg