eclaircissement

plural eclaircissements · alternative éclaircissement

1. countableuncountableAn explanation of something obscure or unknown; clarification, enlightenment.First known use 17th c.

   But either her courage failed, or some other sentiment impeded her seeking an eclaircissement.

   1817 December 31 (indicated as 1818), [Walter Scott], chapter III, in Rob Roy. […], volume II, Edinburgh: […] James Ballantyne and Co. for Archibald Constable and Co. […]; London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown, →OCLC, page 47

   4 more examples

   One of the heroes discovered, in the prize he had made, the very wife of his bosom; and his companion perceived that he had stumbled in the dark upon his own mother. Their mutual astonishment was unspeakable at this eclaircissement […].

   1751, [Tobias] Smollett, chapter 91, in The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle […], volume III, London: Harrison and Co., […], →OCLC

   There is a name written with this pencil over the principal figure; if you wish for any further eclaircissement, apply to me.”

   1789, John Moore, Zeluco, Valancourt, published 2008, page 345

   "I also fear," added Lady Anne, "that some improper overture, some absolutely shocking eclaircissement will follow your acceptance of the present you speak of, and which has been so lavishly given, as to derogate from the duchess's stand exceedingly, and will, therefore, mortify her,...

   1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XXXVIII, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 186

   [W]hen the éclaircissement comes there will be a scene, and hysterics, and a great quarrel, and then a great reconciliation […].

   1847 January – 1848 July, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter 15, in Vanity Fair […], London: Bradbury and Evans […], published 1848, →OCLC