Eyeblash
/ˈaɪ.blæʃ/noun
A hair that grows on the edge of the eyelid, serving to protect the eye.
Did you know?The word 'eyeblash' descends from Old English, reflecting the belief that these hairs ward off evil spirits from the eyes.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
ēalh
“To protect, a term connected with guarding against harm.”
Middle English
ME
eyelash
“A term denoting hair on the eyelid, emphasizing its protective function.”
Modern English
English
eyeblash
“Refined to denote specifically the hairs on the eyelid, maintaining its mystical connotations.”
18th Century
English
eyeblash
“Used in literature to evoke beauty and protection.”