old words

Old Word Series (2)

/ inkspeare
Photo by M.A.D.

While I was rereading The Royal Path of Life by T.L. Haines A.M./L.W. Yaggy M.S., it occurred to me that there were many words that we don’t see much in books today. Many of them I understood by just rereading the sentence and focusing on the context, but other words I had to look up. This aroused my curiosity, and I thought it would be a good idea to share some of these words and the meaning in a series of posts.

The Royal Path of Life was written in 1876; I own a revised edition (1884). What I love about this book besides the engraved leather binding, gilded title, and gorgeous woodcuts illustrations is the common sense and wisdom found throughout its pages which bleed of the way of living of the times. Here are six words I found interesting. Many words today are derivatives, and many of these old words are obsolete.

From Merriam-Webster and OED

Macademize – To construct or finish (a road) by compacting into a solid mass a layer of small broken stone on a convex well-drained roadbed and using a binder. First known use 1823. Used after John Louden McAdam (1756-1836), civil engineer, pioneer of this method.

Bespattered (bespatter) – Spatter. Synonyms – dash, spatter, splatter, plash, splash. First known use in 1602. I could not find the etymology of this word.

Bedimmed (bedim) – To make less bright. To make indistinct. First known use 1565. From dim, Germanic, Old English.

Trifles (trifle) – Something of little value, substance, or importance. First known use 14th century. Middle English period. From Anglo French.

Irksome – Tedious. First known use 15th century. Formed within English by derivation.

Timorous – Of a timid disposition. Fearful. First known use 15th century. Middle English. From Medieval Latin (timorous), from Latin (timor).

Some of these words, one can make up the meaning, especially when they are close to Latin or Spanish (if you speak the language), for example, timorous. I hope you enjoyed these interesting words.

Old Words Series (1)

/ inkspeare
Photo by Maria Diaz

I love to collect antique books (and writing instruments). There is some magic about these tomes. Although none of mine have great monetary value, these tomes are valuable to me. Whether for its old-fashion wisdom, their depiction of a long-gone era, rich in the culture of the time, or the way these look (material, colors, patterns used in their making …), these books are a delight for me, a gift to my senses.

While I was rereading The Royal Path of Life by T.L. Haines A.M./L.W. Yaggy M.S., it occurred to me that there were many words that we don’t see much in books today. Many of them I understood by just rereading the sentence and focusing on the context, but other words I had to look up. This aroused my curiosity, and I thought it would be a good idea to share some of these words and the meaning in a series of posts.

The Royal Path of Life was written in 1876; I own a revised edition (1884). What I love about this book besides the engraved leather binding, gilded title, and gorgeous woodcuts illustrations is the common sense and wisdom found throughout its pages which bleed of the way of living of the times. Here are five words I found interesting. Many words today are derivatives, and many of these old words are obsolete.

Sundered – to break apart or in two: separate by or as if by violence or by intervening time or space. (Merriam-Webster). Earliest known use: old English period, pre-1150. (from OED)

Cynosure – One that serves to direct or guide. A center of attraction or attention. (Merriam-Webster). Its origins are Greek, and it passed into Latin, later French, then to English. Earliest known use was in the late 1500s (OED).

Sire – Father, male ancestor, a man of rank and authority. (Merriam- Webster). From the old English pre-1150. Inherited from Germanic. Last recorded in the 1500. It is obsolete. (OED)

Sinews – I only found the word sinew, what seems to be a derivative. It means solid resilient strength, power. (Merriam-Webster). The earliest known use, early 1500. From the old English, pre-1150.

Boon – A timely benefit: blessing. Benefit favor. Favorable (archaic meaning). (Merriam-Webster). From the earliest Middle English period (1150-1500), A borrowing from the Scandinavian. (OED).

Even if we never use these words again, it is a good mental exercise, and entertaining as well. Hope you enjoy reading about these old words. Does anybody say commode anymore?