Obs. [It. superlative of claro clear, illustrious:—L. clārissimus ‘most illustrious,’ a title of honor.] A Venetian grandee; a magnifico, a magnate.
1605. B. Jonson, Volpone, V. ii. But your Clarissimo, old Round-back, he Will crump you, like a Hog-louse, with the touch.
1611. Coryat, Crudities, 246. About them sit the Clarissimoes of Venice.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Wks., 77/1. None but braue Sparkes, rich heires, Clarissimoes and Magnificoes, would goe to the cost of it.
