See Also: semblance(dictionary)
semblance(dictionary)

semblance (iou)



semblance noun. ME.
[Old & mod. French, formed as SEMBLE verb2: see -ANCE. Superseded SEMBLANT noun.]
The fact of appearing to view; in semblance, visible, to be seen. rare. Only in ME.
An apparent outward view or impression of something not actually there or differing in reality from its perceptible aspect. ME.
M. Gordon I kept up the semblance of a perfectly false cheer. M. Lane The children were united only in preserving before Charles a semblance of harmony.
b. An apparition or vision of a person etc. L15.
E. Fenton I last the visionary Semblance view'd Of Hercules, a shadowy Form.
c. The bare appearance, the slightest indication, (of). Usu. in neg. contexts. E19.
J. R. Green The fall of Strafford had put an end to all semblance of rule.
The appearance or outward aspect of a person or thing; the form or likeness of a person or thing, esp. as considered with regard to another similar person or thing. LME.
M. Arnold The vulgar part of human nature which busies itself with the semblance and doings of..sovereigns. F. Parkman The lake narrowed to the semblance of a tranquil river.
A person's bearing or manner. arch. LME.
Pope Him..the haughty Suitors greet With semblance fair, but inward deep deceit.
A person or thing resembling another, a representation or copy of. LME.
J. Ruskin Constant pleasure from whatever is a type or semblance of divine attributes.
The fact or quality of being like something; similarity, resemblance. Also foll. by to. L15.
J. G. Campbell Recognize in them a semblance to the Fairy tales of the North of Ireland.
Likelihood, probability. M16-M17.
N. Bacon Yet some semblance there is, that it was yet more ancient.
Phrases: in semblance now arch. rare (a) see sense 1 above; (b) in appearance only. make semblance (a) arch. make an appearance or pretence (of doing, that etc., to do); (b) have or assume a (specified) look or manner. show semblance = make semblance (b) above.