PEARL, PEARLY
ADJECTIVES
► BACCATED set with pearls → 1731 obs.
► MARGARITAL pearl-like → a1618 obs.
► MARGARITACEOUS pearly → 1826
► MARGARITIFEROUS 1. producing pearls → 1656
2. wearing pearls → 1838
► ORIENT applied to pearls and precious stones of superior value and brilliancy, as coming anciently from the East; precious, excellent; brilliant, lustrous, sparkling → c1400
► ORIENTAL applied to pearls and precious stones → c1385
NOUNS
► EYE the transparency and lustre of a pearl or precious stone → 1699 obs.
► MARGARET a pearl → 1310 arch.
► MARGARITE a pearl → 1310 obs.
► MARGERIE ► MARGERY a pearl → a1300 obs.
► MILK ROPE a pearl necklace → 1942 Amer. sl. (Bk.)
► ONION a pearl → 1688 obs.
► ORIENT the colour or peculiar lustre of a pearl of the best quality → 1755
► ORIENTAL an oriental pearl or other gem → 1377 obs.
► OYSTER a pearl → 1917
► OYSTERBERRY a pearl → 1917 Amer. jocular usage
► OYSTER FRUIT pearls → 1942 Amer. sl. (Bk.)
► PEARLING a string of pearls → 1847 Sc.
► POILS pearls → 1942 Amer. sl. (Bk.)
► REAL OYSTERS genuine pearls → 1935 UK criminals’ sl.
► SNIDE a stolen pearl → 1933 Aust. sl.
► TEARS pearls → 1942 Amer. sl. (Bk.)
NOUNS – PERSON
► OYSTER a society woman who is paid to wear stolen pearls, hoping to entice an offer of purchase → 1970 UK criminals’ sl.
Lexicophilia 