[Fr., = I know not what.] An indescribable or inexpressible something. Also attrib.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Je-ne-scay-quoi, four French words, contracted as it were into one, and signifies I know not what, we use to say they are troubled with the Je-ne-scay-quoy, that faign themselves sick out of niceness but know not where their own grief lies, or what ayls them.
1671. Aubrey, Countrey Revell, II. iii. Seemed to give a mournefull je n’scay quoy.
1696. D’Urfey, Don Quix., III. IV. 38. Some sweet alluring Jen Scay Quoy, Some pleasing pretty tickling Toy.
a. 1734. North, Exam., III. viii. § 14 (1740), 592. Now this Word Post has a je ne sçai quoi Sound of a deep Design.
1745. Gentl. Mag., 324. So refined a Je-ne-scay-quoy was about ’em, For goddesses there was no reason to doubt ’em.
1774. Foote, Cozeners, III. Wks. 1799, II. 185. There is, besides, an elegance, a je ne scai quoi, in your son’s air.
1881. W. S. Gilbert, Patience, II. A … Je-ne-sais-quoi young man.
1894. Sir E. Sullivan, Woman, 71. Her famous nepenthe was simply the irresistible fascination of her ‘Je ne sais quoi.’
