[Origin: 1350–1400; ME < AF, MF claret, cleret, alter., by suffix substitution, of OF claré wine mixed with honey and herbs or spices < ML clarātum, equiv. to L clār(us) clear+ -ātus-ate1]
1398, "light-colored wine," from O.Fr. (vin) claret "clear (wine), light-colored red wine," from L. clarus "clear." Meaning "red wine of Bordeaux" first attested 1700.
Clar"et\ (kl[a^]r"[e^]t), n. [OE. claret, clare, clarry, OF. claret, clar['e], fr. cler, F. clair, clear, fr. L. clarus clear. See Clear.] The name first given in England to the red wines of M['e]doc, in France, and afterwards extended to all the red Bordeaux wines. The name is also given to similar wines made in the United States.
Clear\ (kl[=e]r), a. [Compar. Clearer (-[~e]r); superl. Clearest.] [OE. cler, cleer, OF. cler, F. clair, fr.L. clarus, clear, broght, loud, distinct, renownwd; perh. akin to L. clamare to call, E. claim. Cf. Chanticleer, Clairvoyant, Claret, Clarufy.]1. Free from opaqueness; transparent; bright; light; luminous; unclouded. The stream is so transparent, pure, and clear. --Denham. Fair as the moon, clear as the sun. --Canticles vi. 10. 2. Free from ambiguity or indistinctness; lucid; perspicuous; plain; evident; manifest; indubitable. One truth is clear; whatever is, is right. --Pope. 3. Able to perceive clearly; keen; acute; penetrating; discriminating; as, a clear intellect; a clear head. Mother of science! now I feel thy power Within me clear, not only to discern Things in their causes, but to trace the ways Of highest agents. --Milton. 4. Not clouded with passion; serene; cheerful. With a countenance as clear As friendship wears at feasts. --Shak. 5. Easily or distinctly heard; audible; canorous. Hark! the numbers soft and clear Gently steal upon the ear. --Pope. 6. Without mixture; entirely pure; as, clear sand. 7. Without defect or blemish, such as freckles or knots; as, a clear complexion; clear lumber. 8. Free from guilt or stain; unblemished. Statesman, yet friend to truth! in soul sincere, In action faithful, and in honor clear. --Pope. 9. Without diminution; in full; net; as, clear profit. I often wished that I had clear, For life, six hundred pounds a-year. --Swift . 10. Free from impediment or obstruction; unobstructed; as, a clear view; to keep clear of debt. My companion . . . left the way clear for him. --Addison. 11. Free from embarrassment; detention, etc. The cruel corporal whispered in my ear, Five pounds, if rightly tipped, would set me clear. --Gay. Clear breach. See under Breach, n., 4. Clear days (Law.), days reckoned from one day to another, excluding both the first and last day; as, from Sunday to Sunday there are six clear days. Clear stuff, boards, planks, etc., free from knots. Syn: Manifest; pure; unmixed; pellucid; transparent; luminous; obvious; visible; plain; evident; apparent; distinct; perspicuous. See Manifest.
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