I guess I should have googled "dab-chick" myself, but I didn't think the word was still in use today. I wonder if dabchicks were/are especially nervous or easily startled? Thanks also for the info about the widespread use of makeup in the 18th century. I certainly knew it was in use among the upper classes, but I didn't know quite how widespread or acceptable it was. (However, I do wonder whether there was a difference between country ways and city ways. I suspect that JA meant Sir Walter's criticism of LR for not using makeup to be a point in her favour!)