grotesque



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Grotesque \Gro*tesque"\ (gr[-o]*t[e^]sk"), a. [F., fr. It.
   grottesco, fr. grotta grotto. See Grotto.]
   1. Like the figures found in ancient grottoes; grottolike.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Hence: Wildly or strangely formed; whimsical; extravagant;
      of irregular forms and proportions; fantastic; ludicrous;
      antic. "Grotesque design." --Dryden. "Grotesque
      incidents." --Macaulay.
      [1913 Webster]
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Grotesque \Gro*tesque\, n.
   1. A whimsical figure, or scene, such as is found in old
      crypts and grottoes. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Artificial grotto-work.
      [1913 Webster]














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