Luster

n. One who lusts.

n. [Fr. lustre, Sp. lustre, lustro, It. lustro, from Lat. lustrum, a purificatory sacrifice, from lucere, to be light or clear, to shine. Cf. ILLUSTRIOUS and LUSTRUM.]

1Sense 1. A sacrifice. [Rare.]

But turning to his luster, calves and dam He showed abhorred death. Chapman.

2Sense 2. The quality of being polished, or of having a polished or brilliant surface; the quality of brilliancy; splendor; brightness.

He hath in his eye the right mark and very true luster of the diamond. More.

He is born whose quickening birth Gives life and luster, public mirth. Herrick.

3Sense 3. Renown; splendor; distinction.

His ancestors continued about four hundred years, rather without obscurity than with any great share of luster. Wotton.

4Sense 4. A candlestick ornamented with drops or pendants of cut glass. Pope.

5Sense 5. (Min.) The appearance of the surface of a mineral as affected by, or dependent upon, peculiarities of its reflecting qualities.

☞ There are six principal recognized kinds of luster, namely, metallic, vitreous, resinous, pearly, silky, and adamantine. With respect to intensity, luster is characterized as splendent, shining, glistening, glimmering, and dull. Dana.

6Sense 6. [Lat. lustrum.] The space of five years. See LUSTRUM.