arbiter elegantiae

noun

ar·​bi·​ter el·​e·​gan·​ti·​ae
ˈär-bə-tər-ˌe-lə-ˈgan-shē-ˌē
variants or arbiter elegantiarum
: a person who prescribes, rules on, or is a recognized authority on matters of social behavior and taste

Word History

Etymology

Latin, judge of elegance

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arbiter elegantiae was in 1728

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Dictionary Entries Near arbiter elegantiae

Cite this Entry

“Arbiter elegantiae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arbiter%20elegantiae. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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