dialectal : having a dark complexion

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from black entry 1 + Middle French vis "face" + -ed entry 1, with -a- after blackamoor

First Known Use

1720, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of black-a-vised was in 1720

Dictionary Entries Near black-a-vised

Cite this Entry

“Black-a-vised.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/black-a-vised. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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