248 SNEERING AND DEFIANCE. Chap. X. 



differs but little from that already described, when the 

 lips are retracted and the grinning teeth exposed. The 

 difference consists solely in the upper lip being retracted 

 in such a manner that the canine tooth on one side of 

 the face alone is shown; the face itself being generally 

 a little upturned and half averted from the person caus- 

 ing offence. The other signs of rage are not necessarily 

 present. This expression may occasionally be observed 

 in a person who sneers at or defies another, though there 

 may be no real anger; as when any one is playfully ac- 

 cused of some fault, and answers, " I scorn the imputa- 

 tion." The expression is not a common one, but I have 

 seen it exhibited with perfect distinctness by a lady 

 who was being quizzed by another person. It was de- 

 scribed by Parsons as long ago as 1746, with an engrav- 

 ing, showing the uncovered canine on one side. 14 Mr. 

 Pejlander, without my having made any allusion to the 

 subject, asked me whether I had ever noticed this ex- 

 pression, as he had been much struck by it. He has 

 photographed for me (Plate IV. fig 1) a lady, who some- 

 times unintentionally displays the canine on one side, 

 and who can do so voluntarily with unusual distinctness. 

 The expression of a half-playful sneer graduates into 

 one of great ferocity when, together with a heavily 

 frowning brow and fierce eye, the canine tooth is exposed. 

 A Bengalee boy was accused before Mr. Scott of some 

 misdeed. The delinquent did not dare to give vent to 

 his wrath in words, but it was plainly shown on his 

 countenance, sometimes by a defiant frown, and some- 

 times " by a thoroughly canine snarl." When this was 

 exhibited, " the corner of the lip over the eye-tooth, 

 which happened in this case to be large and projecting, 

 was raised on the side of his accuser, a strong frown 



14 



Transact. Philosoph. Soc, Ai)pendix, 1746, p. 65. 



