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A fossil word is a word that is broadly obsolete but remains in current use due to its presence within an idiom or phrase. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] An example for a word sense is 'ado' in 'much ado'. An example for a phrase is ' in point ' (relevant), which is retained in the larger phrases ' case in point ' (also 'case on point' in the legal context) and ...
For example, the works of Shakespeare are old enough that some obsolete words or senses are encountered therein, for which glosses (annotations) are often provided in the margins. Archaisms can either be used deliberately (to achieve a specific effect) or as part of a specific jargon (for example in law) or formula (for example in religious ...
A dialectal word can become part of the standard language in a compound, but not in its root form: e.g. blatherskite ("one who talks nonsense"), as Scots has the word skite ("contemptible person"). A word can become obsolete in its root form but remain current in a compound: e.g. lukewarm from Middle English luke ("tepid").
The meaning of the small bloodsucking creature coexisted with the meaning of physician. The former is still used today. lich corpse lich liss relief liss reave: rob reave Today found mostly in "Reaver", meaning robber or highwayman. rime: number rime ruth pity ruth Usage persists to a greater degree in "Ruthless" and to a lesser degree "Ruthful".
In the history of science, forms of words are often coined to describe newly observed phenomena. Sometimes the words chosen reflect assumptions about the phenomenon which later turn out to be erroneous. In most cases, the original forms of words then become archaic and fall into disuse, with notable exceptions. This list documents such archaisms.
The meanings that the OED lists for 'mouse-hawk' are short-eared owl, hen harrier and rough-legged buzzard, but 'mouse-hawk' is an alternate name, not the main name. The Middle English word busard was borrowed around 1300, ultimately from Latin būtēo. [1] ryðða: 'mastiff'. The word mastiff was borrowed around 1387, ultimately from Latin. [1]
Here's how the process of deleting a word from the dictionary works and why it happens in the first place. Ever tried reading the whole dictionary? Here's how long it would take you.
Obsolete term Preferred term Reference Notes Apoplexy: Stroke [1] Also a general term for internal bleeding in a specific organ. Bends: Decompression sickness [2] Referred to the associated musculoskeletal issues of decompression illness. Bilious remitting fever: Dengue fever [3] Used in reference to a 1780 outbreak in Philadelphia. Break-bone ...