COMPLEXION • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Complexion

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/kəmpˈɛkʃən/ Listen

noun

Complexion n.

The state of being complex; complexity. (Obs.) "Though the terms of propositions may be complex, yet... it is properly called a simple syllogism, since the complexion does not belong to the syllogistic form of it."

A combination; a complex. (Archaic) "This paragraph is... a complexion of sophisms."

The bodily constitution; the temperament; habitude, or natural disposition; character; nature. (Obs.) "If his complexion incline him to melancholy." "It is the complexion of them all to leave the dam."

The color or hue of the skin, esp. of the face. "Tall was her stature, her complexion dark." "Between the pale complexion of true love, And the red glow of scorn and proud disdain."

The general appearance or aspect; as, the complexion of the sky; the complexion of the news.

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Etymology of 'Complexion'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Complexion" Quotes from Famous Books

... description. It nearer resembles that of Clay than that of Webster; but it is unlike either. It is very large, and phrenologically well proportioned, betokening power in all its developments. A slightly Roman nose, a wide-cut mouth, and a dark complexion, with the appearance of having been weather-beaten, complete ...

— The Every-day Life of Abraham Lincoln • Francis Fisher Browne

... of the country even when summoned to urban ceremonies. He wore a grey felt hat, and a light jacket which displayed the straightness of his shoulders. Mrs. Warricombe and her daughter were more fashionably equipped, with taste which proclaimed their social standing. Save her fresh yet delicate complexion the lady had no particular personal charm. Of the young girl it could only be said that she exhibited a graceful immaturity, with perchance a little more earnestness than is common at her age; her voice, even when she spoke gaily, ...

— Born in Exile • George Gissing

... a complexion of that velvety whiteness that never tans. His eyes were calm, yet attractive, with a peculiar insinuating charm when he talked that made it seem easy and natural to respond to his wishes. In listening he had an ingratiating manner that was ...

— Over the Pass • Frederick Palmer

... was his day, though one likes as well to follow and see where a brook goes as to find one's way to the places it comes from, and its tiny springs and headwaters, and in this case trout were not to be considered. William's only real anxiety was lest I might suffer from mosquitoes. His own complexion was still strangely impaired by its defenses, but I kept forgetting it, and looking to see if we were treading fresh pennyroyal underfoot, so efficient was Mrs. Todd's remedy. I was conscious, after we parted, and I turned to see if he were already fishing, ...

— The Queen's Twin and Other Stories • Sarah Orne Jewett

... the advantages of the monastic life, created by vows, is that it is wholly in keeping with human nature such as God created it. Men differ in their spiritual complexion more widely even than they do in mental caliber and physical make-up. All are not fitted by character and general condition for the same 'career; we are "cut out" for our peculiar tasks. It is the calling of one to be ...

— Explanation of Catholic Morals - A Concise, Reasoned, and Popular Exposition of Catholic Morals • John H. Stapleton

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