Literary notes about quaint (AI summary)
In literature, "quaint" is often employed to evoke a sense of charming oddity or an appealing antiquated character. Writers use the term to emphasize architecture and local features that carry a timeless, nostalgic quality, as seen in descriptions of peculiar inscriptions and picturesque townscapes [1, 2]. It can also highlight a clever or humorous turn of phrase that sets characters apart, imbuing dialogue with a touch of eccentric sophistication [3, 4]. Additionally, "quaint" is used to draw attention to customs, legal expressions, or even physical objects that seem to belong to a bygone era—whether referring to elaborate heraldic metaphors [5] or the distinctive atmosphere of an ancient village [6].
- Inscriptions in English are often quaint and curious.
— from English Villages by P. H. Ditchfield - They emerged upon an open park, with an ancient hall, displaying the quaint and picturesque architecture of Elizabeth’s time.
— from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - "'What is the difference if I wear a visible or invisible wave on the ocean of my Spirit?' "Mataji replied with a quaint flash of wit.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda - He is so quaint that I am determined to understand him as well as I can.
— from Dracula by Bram Stoker - The explanation of the quaint and happy conceit of these arms and motto is that for every fish which goes up the river to spawn two return to the sea.
— from A Complete Guide to Heraldry by Arthur Charles Fox-Davies - I rejoiced as our little party entered, on July 16th, the quaint village of Konnersreuth.
— from Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda
