Tincture of adulation

Posted by RRC on October 04, 2008 at 21:18

In Reply to: Tincture of adulation posted by Kate on October 04, 2008 at 18:31:

: Where does the term "tincture of adulation" come from and what does it mean? e.g. "Without the slightest tincture of adulation, he was easy, courteous and affable." as found in "The Port Folio" By Joseph Dennie, John Elihu Hall.

A tincture is an extract of the essence of something using alcohol. Since the pure essence is diluted with alcohol, metaphorically, it means a hint or trace of something.
Adulation is excessive praise or flattery, so
"Without a hint of excessive praise,..." He was nice without being obsequious, fawning, overly flattering, ingratiating, etc.

• Tincture of adulation Smokey Stover 05/October/08
• Tincture of adulation Smokey Stover 05/October/08