SINCE 1828
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abat-jour

noun
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\ ˌäˌbäˈzhu̇(ə)r, F ȧbȧzhüür \
plural abat-jours\ -​u̇(ə)rz , -​üür \

Definition of abat-jour

1 : a device (such as a sloping soffit of a lintel or a movable screen) for deflecting daylight downward as it enters a window
2 : skylight

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First Known Use of abat-jour

1838, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for abat-jour

borrowed from French, literally, "(it) strikes down (abat) the daylight (jour)," from abattre "to strike down" + jour "day, daylight," going back to Old French jorn, jor, going back to Late Latin diurnum (Latin, "daily ration, daybook"), from neuter of Latin diurnus "daily"

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The first known use of abat-jour was in 1838

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Dictionary Entries Near abat-jour

abatised

abat-jour

abator

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Cite this Entry

“Abat-jour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abat-jour. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

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