Pince-nez

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Pince-nez (, , or , plural form same as singular; French pronunciation: [pɛ̃s.ne]) is a style of glasses, popular in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. The lenses are supported without earpieces, in a frame pinching the bridge of the nose. The name "pince-nez" comes from French pincer ('to pinch') and nez ('nose'). English-speakers can use the synonym "nose-nippers". Although pince-nez were used in Europe from the late-14th century, modern ones appeared in the 1840s and reached their peak popularity around 1880 to 1900. Because they did not always stay on the nose when placed, and because of the stigma sometimes attached to the constant wearing of eyeglasses, pince-nez were often connected to the wearer's clothing or ear via a suspension chain, cord, or ribbon so that they could be easily removed and not lost.

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