n. & v.
--n.
1. the obscuring of the reflected light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the eye or between it and its source of illumination.
2 a deprivation of light or the period of this.
3 a rapid or sudden loss of importance or prominence, esp. in relation to another or a newly-arrived person or thing.
--v.tr.
1. (of a celestial body) obscure the light from or to (another).
2 intercept (light, esp. of a lighthouse).
3 deprive of prominence or importance; outshine, surpass.
Phrases and idioms:
in eclipse
1. surpassed; in decline.
2 (of a bird) having lost its courting plumage.
Derivatives:
eclipser n.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L f. Gk ekleipsis f. ekleipo fail to appear, be eclipsed f. leipo leave