What is a monocle?

A monocle is a type of corrective lens used to correct or enhance the visual perception in only one eye. It consists of a circular lens, generally with a wire ring around the circumference that can be attached to a string or wire. The other end of the string is then connected to the wearer's clothing to avoid losing the monocle.

The antiquarian Philipp von Stosch wore a monocle in Rome in the 1720s, in order to closely examine engravings and antique engraved gems, but the monocle did not become an article of gentlemen's apparel until the 19th century. It was introduced by the dandy's quizzing glass of the 1790s, as an article of high fashion.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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11 Comments

Jeff Carter

Subtle clue in the picture…

fdeisner

manasphal, You copied and pasted what I said A week earlier but that's okay. The more people who say it the better.

Lupe Hernandez

Would've been a good question if not for the giveaway photo.

William Laughlin

deborahpmercer, I disagree. I do not think you put much thought into your defense of this obvious photo. The photo could have been a grid showing various types of eyewear so as not to give away the answer by being so obvious. All it takes is 5 seconds of thought to find a solution to avoid such "in your face" giveaways.

John W Shreve

Steve Tingle, Just as I was about to place my order.

Steve Tingle

I heard a couple of years ago that the last monocle manufacturer in the UK had gone out of business due to dwindling sales.

fdeisner

Giving the answer of the question in the picture takes out the fun and destroys the question. If you're going to give away the answer with the picture then just make the statement that a monocle is a round eyeglass for one eye or make all four answers the same. The picture giving the answer should not pass review.

Nicholas Miernicki

Jeff Carter, Much too subtle for 1 in 8 of those answering. How can you possibly look at that picture and get this question wrong? It had to take some effort to pick something other than "monocle", WHY?