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Pastimes : SI Grammar and Spelling Lab
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To: E who wrote (1991)3/1/1999 9:06:00 PM
From: The Philosopher  Read Replies (2) of 4711
 
Er, you nearly got me. But trying to wiggle off the hook is such fun!

There is a difference, IMO, between archaic uses of existing words, and archaic words. In the latter case, there is no confusion because the word,if unfamiliar, merely has to be looked up to ascertain its meaning. But employing an archaic usage of a currently used word causes confusion because it is not clear whether the word is used in its current or archaic sense. There are many words the meaning or usage of which has changed over time. Once the change is commonly accepted, I think we have to accept the new usage.

So why does the dictionary record the archaic usage? For two reasons: to enable us to understand older works which use the word in its earlier sense, and to give a history of the language.

So I hold my ground. But I admit that you had me squirming. And I envy you your rapid access to the OED. Do you have the print edition (full or 2-volume) or the CD Rom version, or did you have to go to the library?
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