3 uses
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Definition
distorted and unnatural in shape or size — especially in a disturbing way
or:
ugly or gross
or:
ugly or gross
- The vulgar, who, in those dreary old times, were always contributing a grotesque horror to what interested their imaginations, had a story about the scarlet letter which we might readily work up into a terrific legend.Chapter 5 -- Hester at her Needle (97% in)
- Carried away by the grotesque horror of this picture, the minister, unawares, and to his own infinite alarm, burst into a great peal of laughter.Chapter 12 -- The Minister's Vigil (45% in)
- Nor would it have been impracticable, in the observance of majestic ceremonies, to combine mirthful recreation with solemnity, and give, as it were, a grotesque and brilliant embroidery to the great robe of state, which a nation, at such festivals, puts on.Chapter 21 -- The New England Holiday (47% in)
There are no more uses of "grotesque" in The Scarlet Letter.
Typical Usage
(best examples)