Generally it has two associated meanings:
1. delicate or gauzy, so as to be transparent
2. fragile or insubstantial.
Clearly it is derived from the Greek word: diaphane - transparent
The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as : Permitting the free passage of light and vision; perfectly transparent; pellucid.
They first record of the word being used was in 1645 Howell Lett. i. xxviii. 54 ‘Such a diaphonous pellucid dainty body as you see a Crystall-glasse is.’
Although for it’s first association with female attire one must wait until: 1895 The Lady 31 Jan. 133 'With this was worn a diaphanous white picture hat caught up with white ribbons.'
1 comment:
Diaphanous is n ot merely a lovely word, it's a lovely concept. For me, the first pic is tops but you know me and my tastes by now xxxxx
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