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Definition 2024


Charles's_Wain

Charles' Wain

English

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Proper noun

Charles' Wain

  1. (astronomy) A bright circumpolar asterism of the northern sky, said to resemble a wagon or cart. It is part of the constellation Ursa Major and includes the seven stars Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez, Alioth, Mizar, and Alkaid.
    • 1597William Shakespeare, 1 Henry IV ii 1
      Charles waine is ouer the new Chimney, and yet our horse not packt.
    • 1874Thomas Hardy, Far from the Madding Crowd ch. vi
      Charles's Wain was getting towards a right angle with the Pole star, and Gabriel concluded that it must be about nine o'clock.
    • 1920H.P. Lovecraft, Polaris
      Down from the heights reels the glittering Cassiopeia as the hours wear on, while Charles’ Wain lumbers up from behind the vapour-soaked swamp trees that sway in the night-wind.

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