nonplusation

nonplusation

English

Noun

nonplusation (uncountable)

1. The quality of being nonplussed.
   • 1834, Michael Scott, Tom Cringle's Log (volume 1, page 33)

     When the voiture stopped in the village, there seemed to be a nonplusation, to coin a word for the nonce, between my friend and his sisters.

   • 1955, The Artesian (volumes 1-2, page 14)

     When William Rufus returned by moonlight to claim his prize, with Cervantist nonplusation he beheld Edith Matilda — dressed like a novice, kneeling before her altar, counting her beads, with candles burning.

   • 1982, Canadian Literature (issues 92-95, page 24)

     They reside in a state of nonplusation more aware than reason, more trying than insanity.