Each definition is rare or obsolete, but that just means you can save your breath to cool your porridge.Okay, look, all the jokes can't be good. You have to expect that once in a while.akele, v.1. trans.a. To make cold, to cool. Also fig.: †to make less ardent, vigorous, or vital, to assuage, quench (obs.). … Continue reading Cool It
Tag: archaic
No! Not the face!
The origin of this word is from an Old French word meaning to hit someone in the face. The literal meaning didn't come over to English, but I like the emphasis placed on the severity via the analogy.affront, v.1. To insult (a person or thing personified) to his face, to treat with avowed or open … Continue reading No! Not the face!
License to pun
We've all heard someone make a pun on "a frayed knot/afraid not", yeah? Turns out it's not just a stupid joke, the words really are connected.affray, v.Obs. or arch.1. To disturb, or startle, from sleep or quiet, as a sudden noise does; passing into the sense of alarm, as the effect of such startling. arch.b. … Continue reading License to pun
My theory bites the dust.
I had speculated that words with references as recent as the 19 century would not be considered obsolete or archaic because of their use within about 200 years of the modern day. This word blows that theory right out of the water. The most recent reference is from 1870, so there must be some other … Continue reading My theory bites the dust.
Encompassing multitudes
Perhaps I'm not understanding it properly, but sense 1c seems a bit broad to me. admit, v. To let come or go in, (1) willingly, as a person does, (2) by physical capacity as a thing. The secondary meanings are earlier in Eng. than the primary, for which native words were in use. I. As … Continue reading Encompassing multitudes
An interesting connection
I did not suspect the first couple meanings at all, and, having read them, would not have suspected that the word was related to "cloy".accloy, v.Obs. or arch.The development of meaning is fully seen under CLOY.1. To drive a nail into a horse's foot when shoeing; hence, to lame. lit. and fig.2. To pierce, stab. … Continue reading An interesting connection
Hiding, not stealing.
I thought this word meant steal, but now I learn it means simply run and hide. That impression came, I think from these lines from Casablanca, "I've often speculated why you don't return to America. Did you abscond with the church funds? Run off with a senator's wife? I like to think you killed a … Continue reading Hiding, not stealing.
We shouldn’t start suddenly
But here is a word that ought to see more use.abruption1. A breaking off, an interruption, a sudden break (in a narrative, etc.). arch.2. A sudden snapping or breaking; the breaking away of portions of a mass.
Neh 