(definition) by Webster 1913 Tue Dec 21 1999 at 21:56:27

As*ton"ish*ment (#), n. [Cf. OF. estnnement, F. 'etonnement.]

1.

The condition of one who is stunned. Hence: Numbness; loss of sensation; stupor; loss of sense.

[Obs.]

A coldness and astonishment in his loins, as folk say. Holland.

2.

Dismay; consternation.

[Archaic]

Spenser.

3.

The overpowering emotion excited when something unaccountable, wonderful, or dreadful is presented to the mind; an intense degree of surprise; amazement.

Lest the place And my quaint habits breed astonishment. Milton.

4.

The object causing such an emotion.

Thou shalt become an astonishment. Deut. xxviii. 37.

Syn. -- Amazement; wonder; surprise.

 

© Webster 1913.

del.icio.us Furl Facebook Digg StumbleUpon Reddit (unvotable) (I like it!)
Y'know, if you log in, you can write something here, or contact authors directly on the site. Create a New User if you don't already have an account.