Archaic Word of the Day!

Bairn – Child

 

Ex.  ‘Dem bairns is alright wit’ me.

Archaic Word of the Day

Jeroboam-size/type of wine bottle.

I came across this word when reading George Saintsbury’s excellent Notes on a Cellar-Book. 

WikiPedia lists at this page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine_bottle

 

If you are further interested in wine please check out this list of wine personalities: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wine_personalities

Everyone from a Rothschild to Saintsbury is listed.

Archaic Word of the Day!

Today’s word comes from the following website:

http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/xArchaisms.html

Cuckold – man married to an adulteress     

“Who would not make her husband a cuckold to make him a monarch? (Emilia to Desdemona, Othello, Act IV, Scene III).    

Archaic Word of the Day!

Heydeguye-a kind of country dance.

From Spenser’s The Shepheardes Calender, in June;

But frendly Faeries, met with many Graces,

And lightfote Nymphes can chace the lingring night,

With Heydeguyes, and trimly trodden traces,

Whilst systers nyne, which dwell on Parnasse hight,

Doe make them musick, for their more delight:

 

 If you like English Country Dance Music may I suggest this publication:

http://www.elderly.com/books/items/449-1.htm

 

Or for some aural/visual stimulation check out these contradancers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnQNMi3skus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sbW0fSAX-4&feature=related

Archaic Word of the Day!

From AskOxford.com:

varlet

/vaarlit/

  • noun 1 archaic an unprincipled rogue. 2 historical a male attendant or servant.

  — ORIGIN Old French, variant of valet (see VALET).