Dictionary

gay science en · NOUN

Etymology

Calque of Provençal gai saber.

Meanings

1. (dated) The art of poetry.
   • For the Normans, as well as the reſt, were Dabblers in The Gay Science; and we learn from Hiſtory that they ſung the Exploits of Roland juſt before they began that memorable Battle wherein William the Baſtard got the Crown of England. 1720, Pierre Daniel Huet, “Monsieur Huet's Letter upon the Original of Romances”, in A Select Collection of Novels, London: John Watts, page xlii:
   • The Norman had here laid aside some of his northern roughness, and become and apt disciple of the gay science in which Frederick had won a foremost place. 1874, George William Cox, chapter XI, in The Crusades, New York: Scribner, Armstrong & Co., page 192:

Forms

Relateds

dismal science