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Webster 1913 Edition


Black-letter

Black′-letˊter

,
Adj.
1.
Written or printed in black letter;
as, a
black-letter
manuscript or book
.
2.
Given to the study of books in black letter; that is, of old books; out of date.
Kemble, a
black-letter
man!
J. Boaden.
3.
Of or pertaining to the days in the calendar not marked with red letters as saints’ days; – compare
red-letter
.
Hence:
Unlucky; inauspicious.

Definition 2024


black-letter

black-letter

See also: blackletter and black letter

English

Noun

black-letter

  1. attributive form of black letter
    black-letter law
  2. Written or printed in black letter.
    a black-letter manuscript or book
  3. Given to the study of books in black letter; old-fashioned.
    • J. Boaden
      Kemble, a black-letter man!
  4. Of or relating to the days in the calendar not marked with red letters as saints' days; unlucky; inauspicious.