瞿く然ぜん

taru-adjective, adverb taking the 'to' particle

surprised; startled; with a look of surprise

Literary or classical word describing a sudden surprised expression or change in demeanor. Often used adverbially with と (e.g., 瞿然として). Rare in everyday speech.

• 彼かれはその知しらせを聞きいて瞿く然ぜんとした。

  He looked startled upon hearing the news.

• 瞿く然ぜんとして目めを見み開ひらいた。

  He opened his eyes wide in surprise.