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April 04, 2004And the dictionary quest begins...
I've finally started a task I've meant to undertake for a few years now--to read my Websters New Twentieth Century Dictionary (Unabridged) in search of unknown and exciting words. I've only just begun, but I've already uncovered the following beauties:
Abacinate to destroy the sight of by placing a red-hot copper basin close to the eyes.
Abactor in law, one who steals herds of cattle, in distinction from one who steals a head or two.
Abbozzo a rough sketch or outline of anything, as of a picture or a poem; a preliminary draft.
Absinthism absinthe poisoning, a diseased condition caused by habitually drinking too much absinthe.
A capriccio in music at pleasure; at whatever tempo and with whatever expression the performer likes.
Accloy to fill; to stuff; to fill to satiety.
Accolent one who dwells near by; a neighbor.
Acerval pertaining to a heap.
Achilous in anatomy and botany, possessing no lips or only rudimentary ones.
Acinaciform in botany, formed like or resembling a scimitar.
Aclys an ancient weapon consisting of a short club studded with sharp points and attached to a cord, which enabled the thrower to draw it back after having launched it against an enemy.
I'll try to remember to post each day's most interesting words on here for public consumption.
Posted by patrick at April 4, 2004 12:46 AM
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