head-lifting

Updated: May 28, 2025

Any creature who will not look you squarely in the eye whose only oblique glances are inspired by fear, distrust, or a view to attack, who has no way of returning caresses, and whose favorite expression is one of head-lifting disdain, may be "noble" or "useful," but can be hardly said to add to the gayety of nations.

- Short Stories of Various Types

Any creature who will not look you squarely in the eye whose only oblique glances are inspired by fear, distrust, or a view to attack; who has no way of returning caresses, and whose favorite expression is one of head-lifting disdain, may be "noble" or "useful," but can be hardly said to add to the gayety of nations.

Bret Harte - The Bell-Ringer of Angel's