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

a dictionary of words and phrases on the verge of extinction — updated daily — for the word obsessed!

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the death of fissiparous and other words

A dictionary in progress by CJ Cooney.

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I'm CJ Cooney, a writer on communication, ideas, culture and history. This blog is a chronicle of my adventures in lexicography.

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If reading were a sin, the average person today would be a saint. And this dictionary in progress would be blasphemy. More...

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caitiff
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REFERENCEER
REF-ren-sear. Noun. 1. Anyone who enjoys reading or browsing dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopedias, and other sundry reference materials. 2. A publisher of reference material. 3. CJ's book blog adventure.

caitiff

KAY-tuhf

noun, adjective

a despicable coward; a loathsome wretch

1915Jeffery FarnolMy Lady CapriceBase caitiff, hold!1921Giovanni BoccaccioThe Decameron...you stretch forth your delicate hands and cull the roses, leaving the thorns alone: which, being interpreted, means that you will leave the caitiff husband to abide in sorry plight with his dishonour…1949Henry KuttnerSee You LaterDidn't you realize what this caitiff schmo was planning, the stinkard?

Labels: Giovanni Boccaccio, Henry Kuttner, Jeffery Farnol

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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iwis

ee-WIS

adverb

certainly; with certitude

1904UnknownThe NibelungendliedHad he so gladly lingered: | iwis it was that he, Now whensoe'er he wished it, | Kriemhild the maiden fair could see.1921Giovanni BoccaccioThe DecameronLazy and uncleanly and a liar he is, Negligent, disobedient and foulmouthed, iwis, And reckless and witless and mannerless: and therewithal he has some other petty vices, which 'twere best to pass over.

Labels: Giovanni Boccaccio, Unknown

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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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