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Literary notes about Maculate (AI summary)

In literature, maculate is employed as a richly layered term that conveys both literal stains and metaphorical blemishes. It often appears to describe physical markings—a threadbare appearance on clothing or a small, discolored feature that hints at decay or neglect, as seen when a character is detailed as having “maculate clothing” or being “maculate” in appearance [1], [2], [3]. At the same time, the word is juxtaposed with “immaculate” to highlight contrasts between purity and corruption, whether in realms of theology or moral philosophy [4], [5]. Additionally, maculate serves as a tool for drawing attention to hidden imperfections or the tainting of an otherwise pristine facade, thereby deepening our understanding of character or setting by suggesting that even beauty may conceal elements of defilement [6], [7].
  1. His wasted palms rested on knees that resembled bones draped with maculate clothing; his sere head fell forward.
    — from The Happy End by Joseph Hergesheimer
  2. The room was long, dark, narrow, slovenly, spaced with tables on which were maculate cloths and lamps with faded shades.
    — from The Paliser case by Edgar Saltus
  3. Mr. Potter seized the bundle, and, loosening its folds, exposed a rather maculate small boy, having the paternal cast of feature.
    — from Sixpenny Pieces by A. Neil (Albert Neil) Lyons
  4. Transubstantiation or consubstantiation, conception, maculate or immaculate, were a matter of small moment with him.
    — from Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine — Volume 54, No. 335, September 1843 by Various
  5. And one , that is Duns Scotus the champion of the Im- maculate Conception.
    — from Poems of Gerard Manley HopkinsNow First Published by Gerard Manley Hopkins
  6. But the tears and blood which follow violence and wrong maculate the pages of history on which their glory is recorded.
    — from Hidden Treasures; Or, Why Some Succeed While Others Fail by Harry A. Lewis
  7. In the maculate atmosphere of flat wine and stale cologne he had a sharp recurrence of the scent of pines, lifting warmly in sunny space.
    — from The Three Black Pennys: A Novel by Joseph Hergesheimer

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