Сапты көзілдірік және оның тарихы

Pair of spectacles with a handle
the Thoroughbred racehorse

A lorgnette (/l//ɔː/'/n//j//ɛ//t/) is a pair of spectacles with a handle, used to hold them in place, rather than fitting over the ears or nose. The word lorgnette is derived from the French lorgner, to take a sidelong look at, and Middle French, from lorgne, squinting. Their precise origin is debated: some sources describe English scientist George Adams the elder as their inventor, while others cite his son George Adams the younger. The lorgnette was usually used as a piece of jewelry, rather than to enhance vision. Fashionable ladies usually preferred them to spectacles. These were very popular at masquerade parties and used often at the opera. They were worn popularly in the 19th century. The lorgnette was employed as a prop and affectation by early 20th century trial lawyer Earl Rogers, and one is featured on the front cover dust jacket of his biography, Final Verdict, by his daughter Adela Rogers St. Johns.

This word comes from French lorgnette, from lorgner (to take a sidelong look at), but it is a false friend: the equivalent French name for this (obsolete) optical instrument is face à main while lorgnette (or lunette d'approche, longue vue) usually means a ship captain's (monocular) telescope.

Lorgnettes can typically be identified as a pair of spectacles on the end of a handle. Many lorgnettes had handles which also served as a protective case for the lenses to fold into, therefore making it easier to carry around. The fan lorgnette and the double lorgnette are examples of variations of the lorgnette. The fan lorgnette is an accessory where the lorgnette is hidden in the fan and used to inconspicuously observe others. An unusual variant of the fan lorgnette is the French/Spanish “Flirtation Fan” or “Eventail Cocarde” which has a unique use of mirrors and methods of opening and closing. It was not common practice for women to use optical aids unless they were to partake in specific activities or tasks in which they were required to use them such as sewing or reading. In this work, the lorgnette was described as "a kind of substitute for spectacles. Both eyes are used at once, without any effort", and was accompanied with an illustration. It was thought of as an attractive alternative to conventional glasses or spectacles, as these were considered unbecoming for women to wear in public. Lorgnettes were considered to be a great addition to outfits. This was especially so for women preparing their attire to go to the theatre or opera. The Duchess of Windsor is said to have owned a collection of lorgnettes and thereby to have brought the lorgnette back to fashion in the 1950s.