from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Mirror \Mir"ror\, n. [OE. mirour, F. miroir, OF. also mireor,
fr. (assumed) LL. miratorium, fr. mirare to look at, L.
mirari to wonder. See {Marvel}, and cf. {Miracle},
{Mirador}.]
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1. A looking-glass or a speculum; any glass or polished
substance that forms images by the reflection of rays of
light.
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And in her hand she held a mirror bright,
Wherein her face she often view[`e]d fair.
--Spenser.
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2. That which gives a true representation, or in which a true
image may be seen; hence, a pattern; an exemplar.
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She is mirour of all courtesy. --Chaucer.
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O goddess, heavenly bright,
Mirror of grace and majesty divine. --Spenser.
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3. (Zool.) See {Speculum}.
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{Mirror carp} (Zool.), a domesticated variety of the carp,
having only three or fur rows of very large scales side.
{Mirror plate}.
(a) A flat glass mirror without a frame.
(b) Flat glass used for making mirrors.
{Mirror writing}, a manner or form of backward writing,
making manuscript resembling in slant and order of letters
the reflection of ordinary writing in a mirror. The
substitution of this manner of writing for the common
manner is a symptom of some kinds of nervous disease.
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