lorgnette

thumb|right|Folding set of Lorgnette spectacles, The Higgins Art Gallery & Museum|Bedford Museum, Bedford. thumb|right|Lorgnette used by David Scott Mitchell

A lorgnette () is a pair of spectacles with a handle, used to hold them in place, rather than fitting over the ears or nose. The word lorgnette is derived from the French lorgner, to take a sidelong look at, and Middle French, from lorgne, squinting. Their precise origin is debated: some sources describe English scientist George Adams the elder as their inventor, while others cite his son George Adams the younger.