 |
Chenu
(French). Hoary, grey-headed. This word is much used in Paris
to signify good, delicate, exquisite in flavour, delicious, de bon
goût. It was originally applied to wine which is improved by age.
Thus we
hear-commonly in Paris the expression, “Voilá du vin qui est
bien chenu” (mellow with age). Sometimes gris (grey, with
age) is substituted, as, “Nous en boirons tant de ce bon vin gris”
(Le Tresor des Chansons Nouvelles, p. 78). The word, however, is by
no means limited to wine, but is applied to well-nigh everything
worthy of commendation. We even hear Chenu Reluit, good morning;
and Chenu sorgue, good night.
“Reluit,” of course, means “sunshine,” and “sorgue” is an old French
word for evening or brown. “Chenument” = á merveille.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894 More on Chenu from Infoplease:
- Chenu - Chenu (French). Hoary, grey-headed. This word is much used in Paris to signify good, delicate, ...
- Saint Thomas Aquinas: Bibliography - Bibliography His works have been widely translated, the more important ones in various versions. ...
- Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: C - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "C"
|
|
