[rollei_list] Re: OT: meaning of term

OK, Marc, I'll try this again...

> Looks like you need to inform the Merriam-Webster people, who provided the 
> definition and
> derivation...

Where in that sentence is there a suggestion that dictionaries are
dispositive? I agree with you, Tolkein, and my grade school teacher
Mrs. Stanton, who first clued me into the point you are making.

As for revisiting my library, I am most fortunate... the beautifully
restored main branch of the Brookline (MA) town library is within
walking distance of our house, and I'm there several times a week...
If you ever make if up this way please join me...


Eric Goldstein

On 9/28/07, Marc James Small <marcsmall@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> At 12:57 PM 9/28/2007, Eric Goldstein wrote:
>  >Looks like you need to inform the Merriam-Webster people, who provided
>  >the definition and derivation...
>
> Eric
>
> I would suggest that you revisit your library and
> dig out the notes Tolkien made while serving as a
> contributing editor to the OED.  He recognized
> that dictionary definitions can be helpful but can never be dispositive.
>
> The term "refuse" has been properly set out and
> defined in military dictionaries since the
> 1840's.  It is covered in detail in "Brains"
> Hallecks writings and in Daniel Havey Hill's book
> on basic tactics, both dating from the 1850's.  I
> have no time for Merriam-Webster, which now
> produces works more full of errors, apparently,
> than facts -- come over to the Anglo-Saxon List,
> where their entries are occasionally the subject
> of protracted horror for their inadequacies and errors.
>
> Marc
>
>
> msmall@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Cha robh bàs fir gun ghràs fir!
>
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