Have you ever wondered what the literal meaning of 'pince-nez' is? The term 'pince-nez' is a French word that translates to 'pinch-nose' in English. This term refers to a style of eyeglasses that do not have earpieces, but instead pinch onto the bridge of the wearer's nose.

Pince-nez glasses were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were often associated with intellectuals and professionals. They were a common accessory for both men and women during this time period. Unlike modern glasses that have arms that hook over the ears, pince-nez glasses stayed in place by pinching onto the nose, hence the name 'pinch-nose'.

These glasses were typically made of metal or plastic and could be worn in a variety of styles, including the 'C-bridge' style which had a curved bridge that wrapped around the nose, or the 'D-bridge' style which had a straight bridge that pinched onto the nose.

While pince-nez glasses are not as commonly worn today, they are still considered a stylish and vintage accessory by some. They have been featured in period films and television shows, adding a touch of nostalgia to the characters who wear them.

If you are interested in learning more about pince-nez glasses and their history, there are many resources available online. Websites like eyeglasses.com offer articles and information about the different styles of pince-nez glasses and how they were worn in the past. You can also find vintage pince-nez glasses for sale on websites like Etsy, where collectors and enthusiasts buy and sell these unique eyewear pieces.

So next time you see a character in a period drama wearing pince-nez glasses, you'll know that they are sporting a style of eyewear that was once popular among intellectuals and professionals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The literal meaning of 'pince-nez' may be 'pinch-nose', but these glasses were definitely a fashionable and practical accessory in their time.

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