zendalettohttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zendaletto_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezendaletto, n.
Revised 2018

zendalettonoun

  1. 1.
    1789–
    Chiefly with reference to 18th-cent. Venice: a large shawl or veil of a type typically worn by women to cover the head and shoulders, sometimes being supported on a wire frame or headdress. Now rare (chiefly historical or archaic).
    1. 1789
      A Venetian lady's mode of appearance in her zendalet, without which nobody stirs out of their house in a morning. It consists of a full black silk petticoat..flounced with gauze... A skeleton wire upon the head,..over it a large piece of black mode or persian, so as to shade the face like a curtain.
      H. L. Piozzi, Observations Journey France vol. I. 184
    2. 1795
      The Bourgeoise universally wear the zendalet, a piece of black silk, with which they cover their heads; and which, crossing before, is finally tied behind their waists.
      J. Trusler, Habitable World Described vol. XVIII. xxxii. 181
    3. a1816
      In Zendalet or hat, and dress that cover'd like a pall.
      J. McHenry in Journal Rutgers Univ. Library (1945) June 52
    4. 1821
      The black veil, worn by the ladies, was called zendal, or zendaletto.
      London Magazine January 14/2
    5. 1910
      Over their heads they fasten that zendaletto of white lace, which inwreathes the waist, the shoulders, and the smile.
      translation of P. Monnier, Venice in 18th Century iv. 57
    6. 1920
      It was torn from a zendaletto, such as the women wear on the isle of Zanthe.
      N. Gallizier, Leopard Prince i. xiv. 103
    7. 2006
      Historical etchings show the voluminous veil known as the nizioleta or zendaleto that women wrapped around their heads and bodies in a figure-of-eight.
      Meanjin vol. 65 ii. 6
  2. 2.
    1794–1824
    † A gondola. Obsolete.
    1. 1794
      The Count led Emily to his zendaletto.
      A. Radcliffe, Mysteries of Udolpho vol. II. iii. 93
    2. 1814
      When moonlight cheers the scenes we love,..And zendalettos seem to move Upon a sea of liquid light.
      Gondolier ii. i, in New British Theatre vol. III. 183
    3. 1824
      I would jump into my own zendaletta, and give a signal for pursuit.
      W. Irving, Tales of Traveller vol. I. 103

zendaletto, n. was revised in June 2018.

zendaletto, n. was last modified in September 2024.