brown study, in a

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Daydreaming or deeply contemplative, as in Margaret sits in the library, in a brown study. This term dates from the late 1500s, and although by then in a study had long meant “lost in thought,” the reason for adding brown is unclear. Moreover, the present idiom also is ambiguous, some holding that it denotes genuine thoughtfulness and others that it signifies absentmindedness.

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Words nearby brown study, in a

brown-state, brown stem rot, brownstone, brownstoner, brown study, brown study, in a, brown sugar, Brownsville, Brown Swiss, brown-tail moth, brown thrasher

How to use brown study, in a in a sentence

She completed a yoga teacher-training program and, in the spring of 2008, went on a retreat in Peru to study with shamans.
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In fact, in a recent study of their users internationally, it was the lowest priority for most.
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ROME — What does it take for a Hollywood A-lister to get a private audience with Pope Francis?
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But in the case of black women, another study found no lack of interest.
The Unbearable Whiteness of Congress|Dean Obeidallah|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

There was deep brown flesh, and bronze flesh, and pallid white flesh, and flesh turned red from the hot sun.
Powerful Congressman Writes About ‘Fleshy Breasts’|Asawin Suebsaeng|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The case was an assault and battery that came off between two men named Brown and Henderson.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
"There's just one thing I'd like to ask, if you don't mind," said Cynthia, coming suddenly out of a brown study.
The Boarded-Up House|Augusta Huiell Seaman
It separates into three layers upon standing—a brown deposit, a clear fluid, and a frothy layer.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
His lordship retired shortly to his study, Hetton and Mr. Haggard betook themselves to the billiard-room.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
I pictured him as slim and young looking, smooth-faced, with golden curly hair, and big brown eyes.
The Boarded-Up House|Augusta Huiell Seaman