brown study

deep, serious absorption in thought: Lost in a brown study, she was oblivious to the noise.

Origin of brown study

First recorded in 1525–35

After all, employment, next to a clear conscience, is the best antidote to a brown-study.

Hildebrand |Anonymous
He had eaten next to nothing during the meal, and had sat in a sort of brown-study from which Alice kindly forbore to arouse him.

The Damnation of Theron Ware |Harold Frederic
"And more people to do it, too," muttered Tom Trefethen, as he sank into a brown-study.

The Copper Princess |Kirk Munroe
By the help of brown-study from the interior of our brain, from revelation, or from experience?

The Positive Outcome of Philosophy |Joseph Dietzgen

Toby put another doughnut in the outstretched hand, and then sat silently, as if in a brown-study over some difficult problem.

Harper's Young People, January 25, 1881 |Various

brown study

a mood of deep absorption or thoughtfulness; reverie