arch. [ad. med.L. lūna lit. ‘moon,’ hence ‘fit of lunacy’ (cf. LUNATIC), whence F. lune, MHG. lûne (G. laune whim, humor).] pl. Fits of frenzy or lunacy; mad freaks or tantrums. (Cf. LINE sb.2 29.)

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1611.  Shaks., Wint. T., II. ii. 30. These dangerous, vnsafe Lunes i’ th’ King,—beshrew them.

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1778.  Johnson, Lett. to Mrs. Thrale, 14 Nov. My master is in his old lunes and so am I.

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1799.  Lamb, John Woodvil, III. Let him alone. I have seen him in these lunes before.

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1867.  J. H. Stirling, in Fortn. Rev., Oct., 381. This is the central weak point, the special lunes of the De Quincey nature.

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1883.  Symonds, Renaiss. It., Ital. Lit., II. II. x. 97. Their tales for the most part are the lunes of wanton love.

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