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coiner koin-ur noun a counterfeiter; a maker of counterfeit coins or money; a creator of new words and/or phrases 1766Oliver GoldsmithThe Vicar of WakefieldHe now at once recollected me; for the gloominess of the place and the approaching night had prevented his distinguishing my features before.—'Yes, Sir,' returned Mr Jenkinson, 'I remember you perfectly well; I bought an horse, but forgot to pay for him. Your neighbour Flamborough is the only prosecutor I am any way afraid of at the next assizes: for he intends to swear positively against me as a coiner. I am heartily sorry, Sir, I ever deceived you, or indeed any man; for you see,' continued he, shewing his shackles, 'what my tricks have brought me to.'1861Charles DickensGreat ExpectationsThey shook hands again, and as we walked away Wemmick said to me, 'A Coiner, a very good workman. The Recorder's report is made to-day, and he is sure to be executed on Monday. Still you see, as far as it goes, a pair of pigeons are portable property, all the same.'1931Virginia WoolfThe WavesThat is, I am a natural coiner of words, a blower of bubbles through one thing and another.Labels: Charles Dickens, Oliver Goldsmith, Virginia Woolf
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prosaic pro-SAY-ik adjective dull; ordinary; pedestrian; everyday; to describe something as prose, in contrast to poetry 1850Charles Dickens David Copperfield 'Why, the plain state of the case, Mrs. Micawber,' said Traddles, mildly breaking the truth to her. 'I mean the real prosaic fact, you know -' | 'Just so,' said Mrs. Micawber, 'my dear Mr. Traddles, I wish to be as prosaic and literal as possible on a subject of so much importance.'1910Stewart Edward White The Rules of the Game The whole landscape became ghostly, full of depths and shadows, mysteries and allurements, heights and spaces unknown to the more prosaic day. 1918H. B. Irving A Book of Remarkable Criminals Crime in the nineteenth century becomes more scientific in its methods and in its detection also. The revolver places a more hasty, less decorous weapon than the old-fashioned pistol in the hands of the determined burglar. The literature of crime, such as it is, becomes vulgar and prosaic.2003Simon WinchesterThe Meaning of EverythingThe prosaic concerns of the people suggest the placid temper of the time.Labels: Charles Dickens, H. B. Irving, Simon Winchester, Stewart Edward White
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abjure ab-JUR verb to avoid; to abstain from; to renounce; to reject 1846Charles DickensPictures From ItalyWhen I hint a dislike of nunneries for young girls who abjure the world before they have ever proved or known it; or doubt the ex officio sanctity of all Priests and Friars; I do no more than many conscientious Catholics both abroad and at home.1918M. InostranzevIranian Influence on Moslem LiteratureNot only all Central Asia but the territories marching with the Indian and Persian frontiers, where persecution of the elder faith could not have been relatively mild, the population professing Islam have been unable to abjure in their entirety rites and practices akin to those of Zoroastrianism.1977Brian DaleyThe Doomfarers of CoramonderEven Springbuck's last-ditch offer to abjure his royal heritage without trial was rebuffed with a cold reminder that it was his duty to put the affair squarely in the laps of the gods.Labels: Brian Daley, Charles Dickens, M. Inostranzev
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