lachrymatory noun & adjective. ['lakrɪmǝt(ǝ)ri] Also lacrimatory, lacrymatory. M17.
[from Latin lacrima (see LACHRYMAL), after CHRISMATORY: see -ORY¹.]
A. noun.
1. A phial of a kind found in ancient Roman tombs and conjectured to be intended to hold tears. M17.

2. A pocket handkerchief. joc. E19.
b. adjective. Of or pertaining to tears; tending to cause tears. Of a vase: (conjectured to be) intended to contain tears. M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲