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Webster 1913 Edition

Brilliant

Bril′liant

(brĭl′yant)
,
Adj.
[F.
brillant
,
p.
pr.
of
briller
to shine or sparkle (cf. Pr. & Sp.
brillar
, It.
brillare
), fr. L.
beryllus
a precious stone of sea-green color, Prov. It.
brill
. See
Beryl
.]
1.
Sparkling with luster; glittering; very bright;
as, a
brilliant
star
.
2.
Distinguished by qualities which excite admiration; splendid; shining;
as,
brilliant
talents
.
Washington was more solicitous to avoid fatal mistakes than to perform
brilliant
exploits.
Fisher Ames.
Syn. – See
Shining
.

Bril′liant

,
Noun.
[F.
brillant
. See
Brilliant
,
Adj.
]
1.
A diamond or other gem of the finest cut, formed into faces and facets, so as to reflect and refract the light, by which it is rendered more brilliant. It has at the middle, or top, a principal face, called the
table
, which is surrounded by a number of sloping facets forming a
bizet
; below, it has a small face or
collet
, parallel to the table, connected with the
girdle
by a
pavilion
of elongated facets. It is thus distinguished from the rose diamond, which is entirely covered with facets on the surface, and is flat below.
This snuffbox – on the hinge see
brilliants
shine.
Pope.
2.
(Print.)
The smallest size of type used in England printing.
☞ This line is printed in the type called Brilliant.
3.
A kind of cotton goods, figured on the weaving.

Webster 1828 Edition

Brilliant

BRILL'IANT

,
Adj.
[Eng. beryl and pearl.]
1.
Sparkling with luster; glittering; as a brilliant gem; a brilliant dress.
2.
Splendid; shining; as a brilliant achievement.
Washington was more solicitous to avoid fatal mistakes,than to perform brilliant exploits.

BRILL'IANT

,
Noun.
A diamond of the finest cut, formed into angles, so as to refract the light, by which it is rendered more glittering.
1.
In the manege, a brisk,high-spirited horse,with a stately carriage.

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