The Death of Fissiparous and Other Words: A Dictionary of Words & Phrases on the Verge of Extinction

caudle

KAWD-duhl

noun

a warm drink prepared for the sick from wine, eggs, bread, sugar and various spices

1884Eliza ChaseOver the Border: AcadiaAnd all this for the hope of a couple of apostle spoons, and a cup to eat caudle in.1895Frank BarrettA Set of RoguesThus, then, did she devote her time till sundown, whereabouts Mrs. Butterby raps at her door to know if she will have a cup of warm caudle to comfort her, at the same time telling her that Mr. Hopkins will not sup with her, as he has Captain Evans for his guest at the lodge.1900Mary JohnstonTo Have and To HoldThe brother of my Lord de la Warre stood up with the groom, the brother of my Lord of Northumberland gave away the bride and was the first to kiss her, and the President himself held the caudle to their lips that night.

Labels: Eliza Chase, Frank Barrett, Mary Johnston

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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janizary

JA-nuh-saer-ee

noun

elite members of the Turkish army from the 15th to 19th century

1845Steen Steensen BlicherTwelve StoriesAbout half a mile out of the village, a little Hungarian, a boy of ten or twelve years, came running after me, pursued by a troop of Janizaries. He was half naked. I saw he couldn't hold out long. So I turned back and took him up on my horse. Just then the first Janizary reached me. Before he fell, he gave me this memento of him across my face. But I saved my little Hungarian.1849Herman MelvilleMardi and A Voyage ThitherNow, one of these boats was to be made way with. No facile matter, truly. Harder than for any dashing young Janizary to run off with a sultana from the Grand Turk's seraglio. Still, the thing could be done, for, by Jove, it had been.1874Ambrose BierceCobwebs From an Empty SkullA janizary standing here split his visage to grin, but it was surprising how quickly the Sultana had his head off.1895Frank BarrettA Set of RoguesBut at the same time, turning his back on a janizary who stood hard by, he gave me a most significant wink and a little beck, as if I were to follow him presently.

Labels: Ambrose Bierce, Frank Barrett, Herman Melville, Steen Steensen Blicher

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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