In class today
During lexicology today for fun i googled Samuel Johnson. This is the first Englishman to compile a collection of words for his country after the French did it. It is historically important, and feels rather like reading a gd collection of notes from all kinds of sources.
Here are a few interesting Entries:
EXCI'SE. n.s. [accijis, Dutch; excisum, Latin] A hateful tax levied upon commodities, and adjudged not by the common judges of property, but wretches hired by those to whom excise is paid.
IMPO'RTANT.adj. [important, French.] Importunate. A corrupt use of the word. Great France
OATS. n.s. [a_en, Saxon.] A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people.
PA'TRON. n.s. [patron, Fr. Patronus, Latin.]1. One who countenances, supports or protects. Commonly a wretch who supports with indolence, and is paid with flattery.
PE'NSION. n.s: [pension, Fr.] An allowance made to any one without an equivalent. In England it is generally understood to mean pay given to a state hireling for treason to his country.
Despite this there were other entries that show how the language has changed in the last quarter millennium, to those that give us a glimpse of daily life in Johnson's London.
Trying to compile a dictionary, is really like trying to shoot a moving target.
| e.s.t.h.e.r in the arms of Jesus @
8/12/2005 04:55:00 pm |
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