open sesame (opnses"ame)

[ Laughing, one day she gave the key, My riddle's open -sesame. Lowell, The Pregnant Comment. An Opera is a poetical tale or fiction, represented by vocal and instrumental musick, adorned with scenes, machines, and dancing. Dryden, Albion and Albanius. Pref. She went from opera , park, a embly, play. Pope , To Mi Blount, on her Leaving the Town, 1. 13. 2. The score or words of a musical drama, either printed or in manuscript; a libretto.- 3. A theater where operas are performed; an open-steek (ō'pn-stek), n. of openwork stitching. The word is also used adjectively. [Scotch.] Ah! it's a brave kirk-nane o' yere whigmaleeries and curliewurlies and open - steek hems about it. Scott , Rob Roy, xix.