kit-cat

American  

[kit-kat] / ˈkɪtˌkæt /

Or kit-kat

noun

1. any of a series of half-length portraits of members of the Kit-Cat Club that were painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller between 1702 and 1717, measuring almost uniformly 28 × 36 inches (71 × 91 centimeters), characteristically portray the head, upper torso, and hands, and are now in the National Gallery, London.

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Example Sentences

The clock on the mantle had been removed to the desk, and in its place was a large portrait neither square nor yet exactly kit-cat, but in proportion more nearly resembled the latter.

From Infelice by Evans, Augusta J. (Augusta Jane)

The portraits of most of the members of this society were painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller, of one size; thence still called the kit-cat size.

From 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue by Grose, Francis

The dimity curtains were drawn aside, the casement window was opened and carefully hooked back, and the kit-cat living portrait of a pleasant plump little woman of about forty appeared in the frame.

From One Maid's Mischief by Fenn, George Manville

"About so big," answered the other, pointing to a kit-cat.

From Bohemians of the Latin Quarter by Murger, Henry

His prices until he went to London were certainly not high: two guineas for a three-quarter portrait and six for a whole figure on a kit-cat canvas.

From Art in England Notes and Studies by Cook, Dutton