E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Style (1 syl.)
is from the Latin stylus (an iron pencil for writing on waxen tablets, etc.). The characteristic of a person’s writing is called his style. Metaphorically it is applied to composition and speech. Good writing is stylish, and, metaphorically, smartness of dress and deportment is so called.
1
“Style is the dress of thought, and a well-dressed thought, like a well-dressed man, appears to great advantage.”—Chesterfield: Letter ccxi. p. 361.
