Words at Play : 12 Words That Secretly Come from Body Parts
Definition:
: coolly and patronizingly haughty
About the Word:
Supercilious is one of those delightful words that makes more sense when one discovers its etymology. It comes from the Latin word supercilium, which, in addition to meaning 'pride' and 'haughtiness,' means 'eyebrow.' Any time you encounter someone being supercilious there is a better than average chance that they are raising their eyebrows at you.
Example:
"And now methinks I hear the libertine, with supercilious leer, cry, preach no more your musty morals; hence to deserts fly." — John Stagg, "The Pleasures of Contemplation", in Miscellaneous Poems, 1807
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