Posted by Traci on August 12, 1997 at 08:08:56:

Ladies (and gents):

This question may have been addressed before so if so, please direct me to the answer.

In "Persuasion", Jane Austen discusses Mr. Elliot's appearance and says that he was "underhung", a phrase I've yet to have encounter elsewhere. Sir Walter marked it a failing and that it had only gotten worse since their last meeting in London.

What does this mean? Were his clothes not cut well and didn't "hang" properly? Sir Walter was such a clothes horse I have to imagine it had to do with fashion. I am very curious to know.

Anybody?

Follow Ups:

• Re: Mr. Elliot: Underhung? An underbite, perhaps? kathleen (elder) 12:33:31 8/12/97 (16)
  • teeth problems Kathy F. 10:51:03 8/15/97 (1)
    • Re: teeth problems Traci 08:54:10 8/18/97 (0)
  • The old adaptations clarifies Amy 02:26:01 8/14/97 (1)
    • Re: Grateful for the help Traci 07:53:19 8/14/97 (0)
  • Re: Mr. Elliot: Underhung? An underbite, perhaps? AnneM 16:19:12 8/12/97 (11)
    • Re: Mr. Elliot: Underhung? An underbite, perhaps? Claire 23:46:07 8/12/97 (1)
      • Re: Webster's would agree with you, Claire kathleen (elder) 07:17:00 8/13/97 (0)
    • Re: Adjectives with other connotations?! kathleen (elder) 17:41:53 8/12/97 (8)
      • grandsons AnneM 07:59:40 8/13/97 (7)
        • Re: grandsons kathleen (elder) 09:11:56 8/13/97 (6)
          • Re: I'm already there..in the gutter with my thoughts! Traci 15:52:26 8/13/97 (5)
            • Re: having the vapours....... Lesley 23:36:24 8/13/97 (4)
              • Re: having the vapours....... Amy 02:28:00 8/14/97 (3)
                • Re: having the vapours....... Lesley 23:08:47 8/16/97 (0)
                • Re: having the vapours....... Lesley 23:08:44 8/16/97 (0)
                • Re: should not be ashamed to be seen with him... Traci 07:51:44 8/14/97 (0)

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