minerva has adopted no words, looked up 0 words, created 2 lists, listed 599 words, written 292 comments, added 0 tags, and loved 0 words.
Comments for minerva
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Where have you been, Minerva? We miss your wonderful citations.
June 26, 2008
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The Goddess of poetry and wisdom is a great fit for Wordie.
October 9, 2007
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Minerva, thank you for that tostications quote, absolutely fantastic.
October 4, 2007
Comments by minerva
minerva commented on the word backfriend
Dr. Johnson's dictionary: from back and friend. A friend back-wards; that is, an enemy in secret. Dr. Johnson's dictionary blog
From OED: A pretended or false friend; an enemy who pretends friendship; a secret or unavowed enemy.
January 17, 2009
minerva commented on the word race music
See also race film, which was a genre from the silent era to the 1940s. I remember seeing a documentary about these movies on AMC or Turner Classic Movies.
February 16, 2008
minerva commented on the word trap street
As someone who has a tendency to get lost, I'm glad I can now blame this failing on trap streets.
February 12, 2008
minerva commented on the word trap street
From Wikipedia: "a fictitious street included on a map, often outside the area the map covers, for the purpose of "trapping" potential copyright violators of the map, who will be unable to justify the inclusion of the "trap street" on their map."
See mountweazel.
February 12, 2008
minerva commented on the word ben
Sung by Michael Jackson. Does it count if Ben was actually a rat?
February 10, 2008
minerva commented on the word bobby mcgee
"Me and Bobby McGee," sung by both Roger Miller and Janis Joplin.
February 10, 2008
minerva commented on the word valleri
Immortalized by The Monkees.
February 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word jessie
Rick Springfield's hit "Jessie's Girl." Spelling notwithstanding, the Jessie in the song is a guy.
February 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word tommy
Song by The Who.
February 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word luka
Song by Suzanne Vega.
February 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word carrie
Song by Swedish band Europe.
February 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word maria elena
Also a song by The Smithereens.
February 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word maria elena
Song performed by the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra.
February 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word mrs potter
Mrs. Potter's Lullaby, by the Counting Crows
February 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word romp
See also romping bout. (Does not apply to river otters.)
February 5, 2008
minerva commented on the word squillo
Squillo is the Italian word for "ring" (as in "telephone ring"). It is also used to indicate a resonant, trumpet-like ringing sound in the voice of opera singers. In current Italian, it is also used a slang term for prostitute. (Wikipedia)
February 2, 2008
minerva commented on the list clarissa-or-the-history-of-a-young-lady
Sionnach, where did you find this?
January 30, 2008
minerva commented on the list clarissa-or-the-history-of-a-young-lady
LMAO! Thanks for that!
January 30, 2008
minerva commented on the list exclamation-words
Zounds! Shazam!
January 30, 2008
minerva commented on the list shindigs
Rout: 6. a large, formal evening party or social gathering. (dictionary.com) 5. A fashionable gathering. (thefreedictionary.com)
January 25, 2008
minerva commented on the word archbishopric
Haha!
January 24, 2008
minerva commented on the list shindigs
Has no one been to a rout?
January 24, 2008
minerva commented on the list shindigs
How about a rout?
January 23, 2008
minerva commented on the list •open-list-what-s-on-em-your-em-work-desk
Yarb, is it a red stapler? Because that would be cool.
January 23, 2008
minerva commented on the list from-the-estate-of-the-brothers-collyer
I just read about these brothers yesterday. If only you could list newspapers more than once.
January 21, 2008
minerva commented on the word fadge
They shall be made, spite of antipathy, to fadge together. --Milton.
January 14, 2008
minerva commented on the word fadge
Also to fit, suit, agree.
January 14, 2008
minerva commented on the word arabick
What he vouchsafed to read of other of your letters has given my lord such a curiosity as makes him desire you to continue your accounts. Pray do: but not in your hellish Arabick...
Mowbray to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word arabick
See arabic. Can also mean a written code.
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word lords-zounter
Lords-zounter, if I have patience with him!
Mowbray to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word lords-zounter
See also zounds.
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word argufying
Now (rot the puppy!) to see him sit silent in a corner, when he has tired himself with his mock-majesty and with his argumentation (who so fond of argufying as he?)...
Mowbray to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word algebra
I send you enclosed a letter from Mr Lovelace; which, though written in the cursed algebra, I know to be such a one as will show what a queer way he is in; for he read it to us with the air of a tragedian.
Mowbray to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word algebra
Can also mean a code.
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word lightsome
...I found there was no prevailing on her to quit it for the people's bedroom, which was neat and lightsome.
Belford to Lovelace, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word lightsome
Unbarred windows, and a lightsomer apartment, she said, had too cheerful an appearance for her mind.
Clarissa Harlowe as quoted by Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word guggle
Something rose in my throat, I know not what, which made me for a moment guggle, as it were, for speech...
Belford to Lovelace, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word paradeful
They sent for the apothecary Rowland had had to her, and gave him, and Rowland, and his wife, and the maid, paradeful injunctions for the utmost care to be taken care of her: no doubt with an Old Bailey forecast.
Belford to Lovelace, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word soily
Methinks, miss, said Sally, you are a little soily, to what we have seen you. Pity such a nice young lady should not have changes of apparel.
Sally Martin to Clarissa Harlowe, as quoted by Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word marplot
A person who mars or defeats a plot, design, or project by meddling.
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word marplot
After Marplot, a character in The Busybody (1709), a play by Susanna Centlivre.
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word proleptically
They were all ready to exclaim again: but I went on, proleptically, as a rhetorician would say, before their voices could break out into words.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 9, 2008
minerva commented on the word lief
See also lieve.
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word stews
Also brothels.
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word lieve
I had now as lieve die here in this place, as anywhere.
Clarissa Harlowe as quoted by Belford to Lovelace, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word lieve
See also lief.
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word fondledom
Help me again to my angel, to my CLARISSA; and thou shalt have a letter from me, or writing at least, part of a letter, every hour.
... Oh return, return, my soul's fondledom, return to thy adoring Lovelace!
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word personate
That, after he found me out there (I know not how), he could procure two women dressed out richly, to personate your ladyship and Miss Montague...
Clarissa Harlowe to Lady Betty Lawrance, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word deemster
To this purpose, the custom in the Isle of Man is a very good one –
‘If a single woman there prosecutes a single man for a rape, the ecclesiastical judges impanel a jury; and, if this jury finds him guilty, he is returned guilty to the temporal courts: where, if he be convicted, the deemster, or judge, delivers to the woman a rope, a sword, and a ring; and she has it in her choice to have him hanged, beheaded, or to marry him.’
Anna Howe to Clarissa Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word boggle
...when your unexampled vigilance and exalted virtue made potions, and rapes, and the utmost violences, necessary to the attainment of his detestable end, we see that he never boggled at them.
Anna Howe to Clarissa Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word ween
...Miss Howe has reason to apprehend vengeance from me, I ween.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word fiddle-faddle
Fiddle-faddle, foolish man!-- what a pother is here!-- I guess how it is: you are ashamed to let us see what sort of people you carried your lady among!
The false Lady Betty Lawrance, as quoted by Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word ignis fatuus
But, alas! my dear, we see that the wisest people are not to be depended upon when love, like an ignis fatuus, holds up its misleading lights before their eyes.
Anna Howe to Clarissa Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word viaticum
Reconciliation with my friends I do not expect; nor pardon from them; at least, till in extremity, and as a viaticum.
Clarissa Harlowe to Mrs. Norton, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word plaintive
I send this by a special messenger who has business only so far as Barnet, because you shall have no need to write again; knowing how you love writing: and knowing likewise, that misfortune makes people plaintive.
Mrs. Howe to Clarissa Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word chequer-work
This comfort, surely, is owing to me; for if life is no worse than chequer-work, I must now have a little white to come, having seen nothing but all black, all unchequered dismal black, for a great, great while!
Clarissa Harlowe to Anna Howe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word counterscarp
Why, the old peer, pox of his tough constitution! (for that would have helped him on,) has made shift by fire and brimstone, and the devil knows what, to force the gout to quit the counterscarp of his stomach, just as it had collected all its strength in order to storm the citadel of his heart.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word raree-show
One pretty little fellow called Wyerley, perhaps; another jiggeting rascal called Biron, a third simpering varlet of the name of Symmes, and a more hideous villain than any of the rest,... : pursue her from raree-show to raree-show, shouldering upon one another at every turn, stopping when she stops, and set a spinning again when she moves.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word ycleped
One pretty little fellow called Wyerley, perhaps;
another jiggeting rascal called Biron, a third simpering varlet of the name of Symmes, and a more hideous villain than any of the rest, with a long bag under his arm, and parchment settlements tagged to his heels, ycleped Solmes...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word ycleped
See yclept.
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word jiggeting
Now behold this pretty little miss skimming from booth to booth, in a very pretty manner. One pretty little fellow called Wyerley, perhaps; another jiggeting rascal called Biron...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word fairing
But here in the present case, to carry on the volant metaphor (for I must either be merry, or mad), is a pretty little miss just come out of her hanging-sleeve-coat, brought to buy a pretty little fairing; for the world, Jack, is but a great fair, thou knowest; and, to give thee serious reflection for serious, all its joys but tinselled hobby-horses, gilt gingerbread, squeaking trumpets, painted drums, and so forth.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word pelf
For though your honour is kind to me in worldly pelf, yet what shall a man get to lose his soul, as holy scripture says, and please your honour?
Joseph Leman to Lovelace, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 4, 2008
minerva commented on the word settlements
I don't find that he has once talked of settlements; much less of the licence. It is hard! But as your evil destiny has thrown you out of all other protection and mediation, you must be father, mother, uncle to yourself; and enter upon the requisite points for yourself.
Anna Howe to Clarissa Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 3, 2008
minerva commented on the word settlements
She then set forth to me, my friends' expectations from me; Mr. Solmes's riches (three times as rich he came out to be as anybody had thought him); the settlements proposed; Mr. Lovelace's bad character; their aversion to him...
Clarissa Harlowe to Anna Howe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 3, 2008
minerva commented on the list of-or-pertaining-to-a-wife-or-wives
There's also jointure, dowry, and settlements. Oh, and there's prenup, too.
January 3, 2008
minerva commented on the word faculty
I proposed a physician indeed; but he would not hear of one. I have great honour for the faculty; and the greater, as I have always observed that those who treat the professors of the art of healing contemptuously, too generally treat higher institutions in the same manner.
Clarissa Harlowe to Anna Howe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 2, 2008
minerva commented on the word faculty
Also: doctors, physicians.
January 2, 2008
minerva commented on the word blowze
See also blowzed.
January 2, 2008
minerva commented on the word t'other
Contraction of the other.
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word for't
Contraction of for it.
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word on't
Contraction for on it.
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word on't
But I grow better and better every hour, I say: the doctor says not: but I am sure I know best: and I will soon be in London, depend on't.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word hap
Also fortune, chance.
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word ha'
Poor Belton!... Who'd ha' thought all should end in such dejected whimpering and terror?
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word to't
Contraction for to it.
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word privado
He bears a very profligate character as to women (for I inquired particularly about that), and is Mr. Lovelace's more especial privado, with whom he holds a regular correspondence...
Mr. Brand to John Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word intimado
But then there is a gentleman of no good character (an intimado of Mr Lovelace's), who is a constant visitor of her, and of the people of the house, whom he regales and treats and has (of consequence) their high good words.
Mr. Brand to John Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word obstropulous
OBSTROPULOUS, adj. (vulgar).—A corruption of obstreperous.
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word quaggy
Behold her then, spreading the whole troubled bed with her huge quaggy carcase...
Belford to Lovelace, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word blacks
But one word to business, Jack. Whom dealtest thou with for thy blacks?-- Wert thou well used?-- I shall want a plaguy parcel of them. For I intend to make every soul of the family mourn-- Outside, if not in.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word blacks
Also: clothing for mourning.
January 1, 2008
minerva commented on the word hard by
Close at hand; not far off.
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word monmouth street
As to clothes for Thursday, Monmouth Street will afford a ready supply. Clothes quite new would make your condition suspected.
Lovelace to M'Donald (aka Tomlinson), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word monmouth street
In London, west of Covent Garden, near Seven Dials, where new and secondhand clothes shops were located in the 18th century. (And where they may be found today as well!)
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word in't
The devil's in't, if such a girl as this shall awe a man of your years and experience.
Lovelace to M'Donald (aka Tomlinson), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word in't
Contraction for in it.
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word canonical hour
You may think it impossible for me to reach London by the canonical hour. If it should, the ceremony may be performed in your own apartment at any time in the day, or at night...
Lovelace to Clarissa Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word canonical hour
Certain stated times of the day, fixed by ecclesiastical laws, and appropriated to the offices of prayer and devotion; also, certain portions of the Breviary, to be used at stated hours of the day. In England, this name is also given to the hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (formerly 8 a. m. to 12 m.) before and after which marriage can not be legally performed in any parish church. via
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word jesuitical
Only that thou hast such jesuitical qualifyings, or I should think thee at last touched with remorse...
Belford to Lovelace, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word gorget
Excuse me, my dear. I am nettled. They have fearfully rumpled my gorget.
Anna Howe to Clarissa Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word david's sow
He is at the Lower Flask-- almost in the condition of David's sow, and please your honour...
Will to Lovelace (as quoted by the latter), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word david's sow
"As drunk as David's sow," proverbial since 1652 (according to the Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs).
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the list going-postal
Poste restante?
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the list going-postal
Post chaise?
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the list going-postal
Post-haste?
December 21, 2007
minerva commented on the word jade
Cursed, cursed toad, devil, jade, passed from each mouth...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 20, 2007
minerva commented on the word jade
Also a loose woman.
December 20, 2007
minerva commented on the word disburthen
I can account now, how it comes about that lovers, when their mistresses are cruel, run into solitude, and disburthen their minds to stocks and stones: for am I not forced to make my complaints to thee?
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 20, 2007
minerva commented on the word bo-peep
...I took coach, with one of the windows quite up, the other almost up, playing at bo-peep at every chariot I saw in my way to Lincoln's Inn Fields...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 20, 2007
minerva commented on the word lexome
This is the beauty of Wordie, that lexome was born here. Start writing that article, adoarns!
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word pickeroon
See picaroon.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word salvo
There never was a rogue, who had not a salvo to himself for being so.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word salvo
Archaic: a bad excuse, evasion, quibble.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word ingenuousness
Obsolete: ingenious.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word peery
Inquisitive (see also nosy).
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word couteau
Knife.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word jet
But for fear these evidences should be suspected, here comes the jet of the business.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word jet
Obsolete: jet (of the business): heart or gist of the matter.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word ingenuity
Obsolete: ingenuousness.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word cunning woman
Wise woman, fortuneteller, witch.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word jilt
...I wonder I could not distinguish the behaviour of the unmatron-like jilt whom thou broughtest to betray me, from the worthy lady whom thou hast the honour to call thy aunt...
Clarissa Harlowe (as quoted by Lovelace), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word jilt
Formerly: a loose, unchaste woman: harlot.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word rebate
I must be properly enabled from that quarter, to pacify her, or, at least, to rebate her first violence.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word rebate
Also to lessen, diminish.
December 19, 2007
minerva commented on the word bugs
Woohoo!
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word 'bating
For abating. See also bating.
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word 'bating
...for now she is as much too lively, as before she was too stupid; and, 'bating that she has pretty frequent lucid intervals, would be deemed raving mad, and I should be obliged to confine her.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word 'bating
...Are all women alike with you?
Yes; I could have answered; 'bating the difference which pride makes.
Lady Sarah Sadleir and Lovelace (as related by him to Belford), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word bating
Also 'bating.
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word hypped
Caesar never knew what it meant to be hypped, I will call it, till he came to be what Pompey was; that is to say, till he arrived at the height of his ambition...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word man in straw
A madman (so called because the inmates of Bedlam slept in straw).
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word flinty
I had written a great part of another long letter, to try to soften thy flinty heart in her favour...
Belford to Lovelace, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word han't
Oops. I meant it would make more sense. Apostrophes have no effect on me whatsoever.
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word bugs
I'm unable to view all my words on one page. And when I click on the next page link, nothing happens.
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word han't
I would certainly make more sense with 2 apostrophes. I can't understand why be'n't should have two.
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word gondang
Gondang it, reesetee! You took my line!
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word eye goop
My sister calls this eye boogers.
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word palpitate
So is this sense of palpitare meaning to fondle relatively new? I recall that in Mozart's Don Giovanni, Donna Elvira sings "...palpitando il cor' mi va."
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the list oh-puck
How about Olivier, who was Roland's sidekick?
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word prithee
I pray thee.
December 18, 2007
minerva commented on the word bugs
John,
From my Wordie lists, when I click on the link for my comments or my tags, I get an error screen that insults you as a person and as a webmaster.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word la'ship
Contraction for ladyship.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word precontract
I verily think, that I have had three or four precontracts in my time, but the good girls have not claimed upon them of a long time...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word precontract
An existing contract that obviates the making of another contract of the same kind: a precontract of marriage. --The Free Dictionary.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word porterly
I've also found this in other works in the phrases "porterly language," and "porterly drunk."
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word porterly
But as to her sordid menace... Broken bones, Belford!-- Who can bear this porterly threatening!
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word romping bout
All I have done to her would have been looked upon as a frolic only, a romping-bout, and laughed off by nine parts in ten of the sex accordingly.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word devoirs
There never was an instance, on such an occasion, where the stranger paid not his first devoirs to my Clarissa.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the list at-least-two-apostrophes-or-your-money-back
Another one: be'n't.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word be'n't
I am sorry, madam, and please you, to find you be'n't well.
Country lad (as quoted by Lovelace), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the list moon
Ah, yes. The bird. (Stupid bird.)
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word han't
What business have you here, or with me?-- You have your letters, han't you?
Clarissa Harlowe to Lovelace (as quoted by him), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word han't
I'm sure it may be so, somewhere. Alas, in Clarissa, it only has the one apostrophe.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word harum-scarum
My little harum-scarum beauty knows not what strange histories every woman living, who has had the least independence of will, could tell her, were such to be as communicative as she is...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word han't
Contraction for have not, haven't.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word bilk
...One hundred and fifty guineas, or pounds, is no small sum to lose-- and by a young creature, who would have bilked her lodgings!
You amaze me, Miss Martin!-- What language do you talk in?-- Bilk my lodgings!-- What is that?
Sally Martin and Clarissa Harlowe (as quoted by Belford), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word promptitude
The women, so used to cry without grief, as they are to laugh without reason, by mere force of example (confound their promptitudes!) must needs pull out their handkerchiefs.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word waltham disguise
How Mr. Lovelace has found me out here, I cannot tell. But such mean devices, such artful, such worse than Waltham disguises put on, to obtrude himself into my company...
Clarissa Harlowe (as quoted by Lovelace), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word waltham disguise
For explanation, see Wikipedia article on the Waltham Black Act.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word figary
These women think that all the business of the world must stand still for their figaries (a good female word, Jack!)-- the greatest triflers in the creation, to fancy themselves the most important beings in it...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word ipecacuanha
Note to self: Never eat pancakes with uselessness. Behold the ipecac flower.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the list moon
Loony?
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word wet finger
I had a good mind to make Miss Rawlins smart for it. Come and see Miss Rawlins, Jack-- If thou likest, I'll get her for thee with a wet finger, as the saying is!
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the word wet finger
With a wet finger means effortlessly, easily.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the list classy-invective
Beware of varlets.
December 17, 2007
minerva commented on the list surprisingly-eponymous
You're right; Nimrod is the reverse of the personification. What is that called?
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the list surprisingly-eponymous
Ammonia, boycott, mausoleum?
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the list surprisingly-eponymous
Nimrod, anyone?
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word loath
For a variant, see loth.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word questpersand
Haha! I have enough trouble trying to draw an ampersand.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word mytninskoe naberezhnoe
Yes (but as St. Petersburg); I stayed in a dorm on Vasilevskii Island-- maybe the very one you mention, because I was within walking distance to the Pribaltiiskaia.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the list problem-words
Yes, it's diner lingo, said to be originally a military term.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word mytninskoe naberezhnoe
Vasilevskii Island?
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the list curry-zone
I'm hungry.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the list problem-words
How about in the weeds?
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the list religiously-derived-interjections
Oh yes, and 'sdeath, meaning God's death.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the list religiously-derived-interjections
There's also marry, from the Virgin Mary.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the list religiously-derived-interjections
There's also oons.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word life of honour
...and not being naturally fond of marriage, and having so much reason to hate her relations, endeavours to prevail upon her to live with him what he calls the life of honour.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word life of honour
For Richardson's Lovelace, cohabitation.
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word woman-eater
Furthermore, I was sensible that the people of the house must needs have a terrible notion of me, as a savage, bloody-minded, obdurate fellow; a perfect woman-eater...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word curvedly
Will not these trembling fingers, which twice have refused to direct the pen, and thus curvedly deform the paper, fail me in the arduous moment?
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word vocatives
Your mamma will not be permitted to be disturbed by your nothing-meaning vocatives!
James Harlowe, Jr. to Clarissa Harlowe, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word ocular
Upon my soul, madam, the fire was real-- (and so it was, Jack!)-- The house might have been consumed by it, as you will be convinced in the morning by ocular demonstration.
Lovelace speaking to Clarissa (as described in his letter to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 16, 2007
minerva commented on the word loth
Variant of loath.
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word 'faith
But I shall be very sick tomorrow. I shall, 'faith.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word 'faith
Contraction for in faith, meaning truly, indeed.
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word ipecacuanha
Well but, Lovelace, how the deuce wilt thou, with that full health and vigour of constitution, and with that bloom in thy face, make anybody believe thou art sick?
How!-- Why take a few grains of ipecacuanha; enough to make me retch like a fury.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word ipecacuanha
Used to make Syrup of Ipecac.
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word styptic
To be sure, I shall break a vessel: there's no doubt of that; and a bottle of Eaton's styptic shall be sent for; but no doctor.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word couchant
Then these little sly rogues, how they lie couchant, ready to spring upon us harmless fellows the moment we are in their reach!
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word rake
Men, some to Bus'ness, some to Pleasure take;
But ev'ry Woman is at heart a Rake:
Men, some to Quiet, some to public Strife;
But ev'ry Lady would be Queen for life
From Alexander Pope's Moral Essay II, 215-18
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word lady easy
Be a Lady Easy to all my pleasures, and valuing those most, who most contributed to them; only sighing in private, that it was not herself at the time...
Lovelace to Belford (on the traits of his ideal wife), Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word lady easy
The wife of the "chronically unfaithful" Sir Charles Easy, in Colley Cibber's 1704 play The Careless Husband.
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the list oh-puck
There are also scores of soubrettes in plays and operas who fill the requirements of sidekick.
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the list oh-puck
Well, since there are characters from Mozart's operas listed, what about Pedrillo, sidekick to Belmont in The Abduction from the Seraglio?
December 15, 2007
minerva commented on the word ex mero motu
But I charge thee, write not a word to me in her favour, if thou meanest her well; for if I spare her, it must be all ex mero motu.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word ex mero motu
Of one's own free will or motion.
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word in petto
In secret, held in reserve. (Literally: in the breast)
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word in petto
I have still more contrivances in embryo. I could tell thee of an hundred, and still hold another hundred in petto, to pop in as I go along, to excite thy surprise, and to keep up thy attention.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word catechize
Here follows a copy of her letter: Thou wilt see by it, that every little monkey is to catechize me.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word physical tribe
Vapourish people are perpetual subjects for diseases to work upon.... The physical tribe's milch cows.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word physical tribe
Doctors, physicians.
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word salubriate
...and the joys of expectation, the highest of all our joys, would salubriate and keep all alive.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word i'n't
Does the business he wants to meet me upon require that it should be at a common friend's?-- A challenge implied; i'n't it, Belford?
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word julap
See julep.
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word vapourish
Vapourish people are perpetual subjects for diseases to work upon. Name but the malady, and it is theirs in a moment.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word soberized
Once or twice... I was prevailed upon to fluster myself, with an intention to make some advances, which, if obliged to recede, I might lay upon raised spirits: but the instant I beheld her, I was soberized into awe and reverence...
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
minerva commented on the word aforehand
...and so much VIGILANCE, so much apprehensiveness, that her fears are ever aforehand with her dangers.
Lovelace to Belford, Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
December 14, 2007
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