kenspeckle
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of kenspeckle
1705–15; derivative ( see -le) of kenspeck (< Scandinavian; compare Norwegian kjennespak quick at recognizing, literally, know-clever); see ken
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Photograph: DC Thompson/Dandy/PA When the last great struggle for 's soul is at an end, Alex Salmond may yet have cause to thank the nation's kenspeckle comic publishers, DC Thomson.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 18, 2012
"We'll be terrible kenspeckle to the gentry we ken of."
From Salute to Adventurers by John Buchan
Yet, here he was, sauntering about the badly lighted streets of a town where his kenspeckle figure was familiar to every inhabitant.
From Tracks of a Rolling Stone by Henry J. (Henry John) Coke
A description of him was added, and the stray was so kenspeckle, that Mistress Croale saw the necessity of haste to any hope of advantage.
From Sir Gibbie by George MacDonald
I wonder what he will say…Your notion of the Aristocrat being kenspeckle, and the best men of a good lot being thus easily selected is new to me, and striking.
From Life and Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 2 by Sir Francis Darwin
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
