viraginian

English

Etymology

From Latin virāgin-, oblique stem of virāgō + -ian.

Adjective

viraginian (comparative more viraginian, superlative most viraginian)

1. (rare) Of or pertaining to a virago; having the qualities of a virago.

   Synonym: viraginous

   • 1642, John Milton, Apology for Smectymnuus:

     But does it not argue rather the lascivious promptness of his own fancy, who, from the harmless mention of a sleekstone, could neigh out the remembrance of his old conversation among the viraginian trollops?

   • 1879, Michigan Medical News, volume 2, Detroit, Michigan, page 146:

     We have, at different times, received viraginian epistles from gentlemen of the pellets […]

   • 2002 [1970], Anthony Burgess, Shakespeare, New York: Carroll & Graf, page 58:

     I feel that Anne reserved her viraginian acts for the circumstances of her new life more than for Will’s suspected infidelities.

References

• “viraginian”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.