[rollei_list] Re: OT: meaning of term
- From: "Eric Goldstein" <egoldste@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:35:08 -0400
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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