brilliantine

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A hair pomade, making the hair shine brilliantly.

   • The hairdresser's shop was warm and glittering. It smelled of soap and burnt paper and wallflower brilliantine.
   • "I wouldn't regret it," said Linda, "if I took Eileen by the shoulders and shook her till I shook the rouge off her cheek, and the brilliantine off her hair, and a million mean little subterfuges out of her soul.
2. 2

   A smooth shiny, luxurious fabric, often of alpaca or vicuña.

   • Bathing Suit of Brilliantine in Navy Blue and Black, trimmed with white mohair braid and buttons (no bloomers). Special 3.95
3. 3

   To apply brilliantine to the hair.

   • And the waiter, of course, dips his fingers into the gravy—his nasty, greasy fingers which he is for ever running through his brilliantined hair.

The neighborhood