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quod erat demonstrandum kwawd AER-awt de-muhn-STRAN-duhm phrase that which was to be demonstrated; used in mathematics at the end of proof and is often symbolized with a small square; abbreviation: QED 1829Honore De BalzacThe Girl With The Golden EyesIf this hurried glance at the population of Paris has enabled us to conceive the rarity of a Raphaelesque face, and the passionate admiration which such an one must inspire at the first sight, the prime interest of our history will have been justified. Quod erat demonstrandum—if one may be permitted to apply scholastic formulae to the science of manners.1897Henry Seton MerrimanThe Grey LadyAnd it is thus that the little habits are acquired, and the little habits make the woman, therefore the little habits make the match. Quod erat demonstrandum.1905Donald MacKenzie WallaceRussiaNow vot is evidently the same root as the German vat in Vater, and the English fath in father. Quod erat demonstrandum.1971Poul AndersonOperation Chaos'Remember, this is a gut issue. Nornwell manufactures a lot of police and defense equipment, like witchmark fluorescers and basilisk goggles. We're under contract to develop more kinds. The police and the armed forces serve the Establishment. The Establishment is evil. Therefore Nornwell must be shut down.' | 'Quod erat demonstrandum about,' she sighed.'Labels: Donald MacKenzie Wallace, Henry Seton Merriman, Honore De Balzac, Poul Anderson
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Entry By: CJ Cooney
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ab initio ab in-ISH-ee-oh adverb from the beginning; at the beginning 1899Honore De BalzacThe CelibatesIt is to be observed that though quite without morals of any kind, she is not ab initio or intrinsically a she-fiend like Valerie or Lisbeth.1913G. Roger HudlestonThe Catholic EncyclopediaHe [Richard Fetherston] took part in the session of Convocation which began in April, 1529, and was one of the few members who refused to sign the Act declaring Henry's marriage with Catharine to be illegal ab initio, through the pope's inability to grant a dispensation in such a case.1914Clarence E. MulfordBar-20 DaysWell, gentlemen, you look tired and thirsty. This is considered good for all human ailments of whatsoever nature, degree, or wheresoever located, in part or entirety, ab initio,' Mr. Jones remarked, filling glasses.Labels: Clarence E. Mulford, G. Roger Hudleston, Honore De Balzac
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urbi et orbi OOR-bee et OR-bee phrase to the city and the world; to Rome and the world; to all; to everyone 1844Honore De BalzacGaudissart IIWhat idler in the streets has not beheld the Persian, that Asiatic potentate, ruffling it above the door at the corner of the Rue de la Bourse and the Rue de Richelieu, with a message to deliver urbi et orbi, 'Here I reign more tranquilly than at Lahore'?1865Jules VerneThe Moon-VoyageThe subscription opened at Baltimore, for this end extended thence to all the world—urbi et orbi.1896Henryk SienkiewiczQuo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of NeroBut he, standing on the height, with his extended right hand made the sign of the cross, blessing in the hour of death—Urbi et orbi! (the city and the world).Labels: Henryk Sienkiewicz, Honore De Balzac, Jules Verne
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je ne sais quoi zhuh nuh say KWAW noun an unexplainable certain something; the 'it' factor 1838Honore De BalzacScenes from a Courtesans LifeNotwithstanding these defects, notwithstanding her board-like carriage, she had by birth and education a grand air, a proud demeanor, in short, everything that has been well named le je ne sais quoi, due partly, perhaps, to her uncompromising simplicity of dress, which stamped her as a woman of noble blood.1929Agatha ChristiePartners In Crime'On the contrary,' said Tuppence, 'there is a feminine subtlety about my conversation, a je ne sais quoi, that no gross male could ever attain to.…'1998Orson Scott CardHomebody...you bring a special je ne sais quoi to the discussion of plumbing fixtures.Labels: Agatha Christie, Honore De Balzac, Orson Scott Card
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