A Profitable Recreation

A PROFITABLE RECREATION. BY EDWIN F. PARRY.

An unabridged dictionary is considered a most excellent book for reference when the definition or orthography of a word is in question; but it is not often that such a work is brought into re- quisition for general perusal or study; and that it might be used as a means of recreation is scarcely thought of. Yet for either of the two last-named purposes, it will be found entertaining as well as profitable.To enable one to make proper use of the words of our language, some knowledge of their derivation and origin seems necessary. This knowledge may be gained from the dic- tionary, and the search for it will afford an instructive and pleas- ing exercise. It may be indulged in as a pastime either by a single individual or by a number of persons. In the latter case, one of the company can handle the dictionary, and, as words are suggested by the others, turn to them and read the definitions and other explanations given. To trace to their origin words derived or appropriated from other languages is not devoid of interest; but perhaps the ones having the most interesting history are those that have originated through some particular occurrence or custom, or have been formed by the combination of two or more common vocables of our mother tongue. A few such words chosen at random will serve to illustrate these peculiarities of language. First as an example, let us take the term "steward" —a name usually applied now-a-days to a man employed in a hotel, club, or on board a ship, to provide for the table and superintend the culi- nary affairs. A man engaged in large families, or on a large

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estate, to manage the domestic affairs, supervise other servants, collect rents or incomes, keep accounts, etc., is also known as a steward. The term originated from two simple words — "sty," a pen for swine, and "ward," a warden or guardian. Originally a steward was probably one whose chief duty was to care for swine and other domestic animals; and, as duties of a more responsible and elevated character became a part of his calling, a broader and more dignified meaning was given the title. "Blackmail" is another such word, formed by combining the two monosyllables, "black" and "mail," the latter syllable meaning money — black money. Formerly, it was a name applied to coins of the lowest value, as those made of copper, in distinction from silver, or white money. It was also given to other articles that were used in making payments, such as grain or flesh. In past ages, in the north of England and the south of Scotland, certain men who were allied to robbers made raids on the inhabitants of the country; and, from those who wished to be protected from pillage, they exacted a certain rate of money, corn, cattle, or other articles of value. The tribute thus demanded by and paid to these marauders called "mosstroopers," became known as black- mail. These men were styled "mosstroopers," on account of the mossy or boggy character of the country which they infested. The word "blackmail" has not undergone much change of meaning, for it is still applied to money exacted by means of intimidation, or extorted from a person by threats of public accusation, expos- ure or censure; but it is no longer confined to what was known as black money, for it includes the white metal as well. The word "blackguard" has an equally interesting history. As now used, the name is applied to one who uses scurrilous language, or treats others with foul abuse; also to vagabonds, roughs, and scoundrels. When first used, the appellation was given to the scullions and lower menials of a court, or of a nobleman's house- hold, who, in a removal from one residence to another, had charge of the kitchen utensils, and being smutted by them, were jocularly called the "black guard." The name was also given to the servants and hangers on of an army. The word "dunce" is of singular origin. Johannes Duns Scotus, sometimes called the "Subtle Doctor," was a Scottish

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scholastic theologian who died early in the fourteenth century. The schoolmen of that time were called after their great leader, Duns Scotus, "Dunsmen," or "Duncemen." In the revival of learn- ing, these men were violently opposed to classical studies; hence, the name "Dunce" was applied with scorn and contempt to an op- poser of learning, or to one slow at learning, It has since come into common use to designate a dullard, simpleton, or ignoramus. Many other words of general use in our language have also originated from names of persons, as, for instance, the term "boy- cott." As is well known, its meaning is, to combine against a landlord, tradesman, employer or other person, to withhold social or business relations from him, and to deter others from holding such relations. In 1880, a Captain Boycott, a land agent in Mayo, Ireland, was so treated, and from that circumstance the term emanated. The light blue color known as ultramarine received its name from the fact that lapis lazuli, a blue mineral, was formerly used in making the pigment. This mineral was brought from Asia beyond the sea, hence the name, "ultra" (beyond) "marine" (the ocean.)