brightening (britning)

[Verbal n. of bright en, v.] 1. The flash of light which pa es over the surface of the melted metal when lead containing silver is a ayed on a cupel in a muffle. At the moment of the brightening, the quiet. This occurs as soon as the last trace of lead has Candles were blazing at all the windows. The public which had before been in rapid motion, becomes perfectly places were as bright as at noonday. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., x. 2. Transmitting light; clear; transparent, as liquors. From the brightest wines He turn'd abhorrent. Thomson. 3. Manifest to the mind, as light is to the eye; evident; clear. He must not proceed too swiftly, that he may with more ease and brighter evidence draw the learner on. Watts, Improvement of the Mind. 4. Resplendent, as with beauty; splendid. IMG:content-2541.png:[blocks in formation] 5. Illustrious; glorious: as, the brightest period of a kingdom. The brightest annals of a female reign. Cotton, Wonders of the Peake. 6. Having or marked by brilliant mental qualities; quick in wit; witty; clever; not dull: as, he is by no means bright; a bright remark; a bright book. If parts allure thee, think how Bacon shined, The wisest, brightest , meanest of mankind. Pope , E ay on Man, iv. 282. 7. Sparkling in action or manner; animated or animating; vivacious; lively; cheerful. Be bright and jovial among your guests to-night. Shak., Macbeth, iii. 2. The golden-crowned thrush, with the dullest of gold upon his crown, but the brightest of songs in his heart. The Century, XXXII. 276. 8. Favorable; pleasing; auspicious: as, a bright prospect. Give up the promise of bright days that cast IMG:content-2542.png:[blocks in formation]