limn Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb trace the shape of
delineate; outline.
verb make a portrait of
portray; depict.
- Goya wanted to portray his mistress, the Duchess of Alba

OE. limnen, fr. luminen, for enluminen, F. enluminer to illuminate, to limn, LL. illuminare to paint. . See Illuminate, Luminous.

imperfect & past participle Limned ; present participle & verbal noun Limning

To draw or paint; especially, to represent in an artistic way with pencil or brush.
Let a painter carelessly limn out a million of faces, and you shall find them all different. Sir T. Browne.
To illumine, as books or parchments, with ornamental figures, letters, or borders.