CONTINUED. The Latin verb that comes next in order, from which we have English words derived, and formed for the most part with a preposition for a prefix

The Latin verb that comes next in order, from which we have English words derived, and formed for the most part with a preposition for a prefix, is porto, to carry, with its participle portĀtus, carried. From this root we have several words in our present English. The bearing or carriage of a man is called his " port."* A " porter" is one who carries burdens; and the well known liquor is so called as having been the drink of stout London porters. A " portmanteau" is a trunk for carry­ing clothes, originally from the French, and meaning a box for carrying a mantle (French

* " What! think you much to pay two thousand crowns, And bear the name and port of gentlemen?"

Henry VI.

Part 2, Act iv

LECTURE V.

manteau, whence " mantua-maker") or cloak. Of like derivation is "portfolio" for carrying a folio; both, however, belong to the class of words com­pounded of a noun and a verb. " Portable " means fit or able to be carried. " Comport" and " comportment" apply to the carriage or bearing of a person; from con and porto, to bring together. Of similar signification is " deportment," now applied to the carriage or behaviour: originally " deport" meant to carry away from, and was applied to banishing or sending into exile. To " export" is to carry out of any place, as to " import" is to carry into. The latter word is however often used in the sense of conveying a meaning; and from the weight borne or carried, anything that is of great consequence, or meta­phorically of weight, is said to be a matter of " importance." The word was formerly used to signify importunity.* The obsolete word " im­portable"† is now changed to " insupportable," that cannot be carried, and under the weight of which one sinks. The " purport" of any treatise or discourse is the "import" or meaning of it, that which is carried forward — pur being put for pro. To " report"is to carry bach a noise, as the "report" of a gun, or news which is "related,"

* " Upon importance of so slight and trivial a nature."

Cymbeline, Act i. sc. 3.

†" Burden that been importable "— Chaucer. " Both charge him with importable power."— Spencer.

LECTURE V. 131

that is, carried back: and a " reporter" is one who makes such report. To " support" is to bear or carry under, and hence a " supporter" is one that helps or sustains. To " transport" is to carry beyond or across; and " transportation," a word more frequently used a few years ago than at present, always signified the sending beyond the seas of convicts, now condemned to penal ser­vitude.

From posse, to be able, potens, (potentis) powerful, we have " possible," that may be accom­plished, and its opposite " impossible;" and the derivatives " possibility" and " impossibility;" also " potent" and " potency," " impotent" and " im-potency." A "potentate" means one possessed of power; while through the French we have a "puissant" prince. The " posse comitatus" means the power or force of the county.

Postulo, to demand, gives us " postulant" and " postulate," anything demanded or sought; also " expostulate," to demand or require as a right; and "expostulation," a remonstrance as against the invasion of a right. The words also refer to a dispute or to an investigation—demand­ing from or out of.

PrÆcor, to pray, prÆcĀtus, entreated, supply such words as " pray" and " prayer;" also " depre­cate," to entreat that any evil may be averted from us, to pray against the anger one is con­scious of having deserved. To " imprecate" is to

LECTURE V.

pray against, in the sense of to the injury of another, to pray that evil may fall upon any one; and hence an " imprecation" means a curse. That is said to be " precarious," which is to be hoped for only by prayer and entreaties, and which, therefore, depending on the will of another, must be more or less uncertain of attainment.

Prehendo is to take hold of; and the participle prehensus means seized. Hence we have several words conveying this idea. To " apprehend" is to lay hold of; and the word is applied metapho­rically to the act of the mind taking in the meaning; it is also used to describe one's sus­pecting or becoming " apprehensive" of danger. To " misapprehend" is not to understand rightly. In like manner, the proper meaning of " com­prehend" is to take within, to enclose;* but figuratively the word is used to signify taking within the mind, grasping by the powers of the understanding; and that which may be so understood is " comprehensible," otherwise, it is " incomprehensible." A "comprehensive" view of any subject is an embracing it in all its parts, or bearings. An " apprentice" is one who " apprehends"—takes or teaches himself, or is

* In the Authorized Version of the New Testament the word " apprehend" is used in its original meaning (Phil iii. 12, 13). And in the Athanasian Creed, "incomprehensible" is the translation of immensus, meaning not to be comprehended in space, immeasurably great; without reference to the mind or intellect.

LECTURE V. 133

taught by others. To " apprize" is to give notice or information, that is, to take or convey to another— ap being put for ad. This word comes to us through the French. Through the same channel we have " comprise," to take within or to enclose. An " enterprise" is a matter taken in hand, from intro within. An " impregnable" fortress is one that cannot be taken. To " im­prison" is to put into or keep in " prison," that is, a place for those taken or " apprehended." That which is acquired or captured is a " prize"; and that which is taken as an equivalent in a purchase is the " price" at which it is valued. A "reprisal" means that which is taken back, in the way of retaliation. To "reprehend" is to take again or hold back; and metaphorically it signifies to reprimand or reprove. " Reprehen­sible" means deserving of blame; and " repre-hensive" is given to reproof. To " surprise" is to catch upon, to overtake, that is, suddenly; and is applied to the excitement of the feelings by un­expected appearances. Nearly all these words have been derived from Latin, through the French.

From premo to press, and pressus, pressed, we have the verb to " press," as also the name of a case in which clothes are kept in " press"; and the machine used for printing or impressing the paper with the types; and figuratively the term has come to be applied to literature, especially

LECTURE V.

to newspaper printing. Hence the terms, " gen­tlemen of the press," " opinions of the press," and " the liberty of the press," so highly prized by freemen that they would bear with the " licentiousness of the press" rather than tolerate a censorship. A " press-gang" were persons authorized in time of war to " press" or force men into the navy, a system now happily done away with. A " press-bed" is so called because it folds or shuts up in the form of a " press."* To "express" is to press out, or to utter (i.e. outer†) our thoughts. This word is also used to signify sending out speedily or specially, as an " express" train; whence the term " expressly." The verb " express" is now seldom used in its proper and literal sense of forcing out by " compression," as the juice from the grape.‡ " Express" was also used to denote an exact resemblance, as in the authorised version of the 17th century, and in the notes to the Rhemish Testament, our Saviour is described as " the express image" of the Father's person. (Heb. i. 3.) We speak also of the " expression" of a man's countenance, and the word is likewise applied to

* " The chest (press), contrived a double debt to pay,

A bed by night, a chest of drawers by day."— Goldsmith.

† English Boots. Third Edition, p. 35.

‡ "Amongst the watery juices of fruit are all the fruits out of which drink is expressed; as the grape and the apple."—"The juices that are fleshy and cannot make drink by expression" — Bacon.

LECTURE V. 185

the form or mode of language by which thoughts are uttered or " expressed"; and to a particular phrase, as when we speak of a vulgar or a genteel " expression." " Pressure" is the act of pressing or crushing, as if by a heavy weight; and it is applied metaphorically to a weight on the mind, or the burden of cares. The word "pressure" is to be found in Shakspeare for resemblance or likeness. In Hamlet's address to the players, he is represented as reminding them that the purpose of playing is, " to hold as 'twere the mirror up to nature; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time her form and pressure"* Similar to this is the more common use of the word " impression," applied to a seal pressed upon the wax, or to an engraving which has been pressed upon the steel or copper plate. To " impress" is to press upon, or into, to mark or infix deeply; and hence an opinion fixed in the mind is meta­phorically called an " impression." " Impressive" means fitted to make an " impression" on the mind or feelings, and it is also used to signify capable of being " impressed." To " compress" is to press together; and the word is applied figuratively to denote a concise method of stating an argument, or treating upon any subject. To " depress" is to press down, and hence " depression" means low-ness of spirits. To " oppress" is to press against;

* H amlet Act iii. sc. 2.

136 LECTURE V.

and " oppression" is an act of cruelty or injustice. The word is also used to denote hardship or cala­mity, or when a man is said to suffer " oppression;" and laws or rulers that press or bear hard upon the subject are " oppressive." To " suppress" is to press under, to keep down; and is also used to signify keeping under in secret, and so practising a " suppression" of the truth. In Shakspeare, we find " insuppressive" used to designate what can­not be subdued or kept under.*

Probo, to prove or try, and probĀtus, proved,
supply several words. Hence we have " probable"

properly signifying provable, or that may be

proved; but now applied to what is only likely to
be, as contradistinguished from demonstrable. It
implies less than moral certainty; and " probabi­
lity" is so contrasted with demonstration by
Locke.† A " probate" is a certificate that a will
has been duly proved by the witnesses. " Proba­
tion" signifies trial; and our present life is de­
scribed as a state of " probation," as being a con­
dition of moral trial. When a surgeon searches
a wound (for example a gun-shot wound to try

or prove if the bullet be lodged there) he is said

* "... But do not stain

The even virtue of our enterprise,

Nor the insuppressive metal of our spirits."

Julius Cæsar. Act. ii. sc. 1.

† " Probability is the appearance of the agreement or disagreement

of two ideas, by the intervention of proofs, whose connection is not constant, but appears for the most part to be so."— Locke.

LECTURE V. 137

to " probe" it; and the word is used in a figura­tive sense to describe a searching examination, with a view to ascertain the real though hidden cha­racter; and if it bears the test, there we pronounce " probity" or honesty to dwell. The search has put it to the " proof," which implies what has stood the trial, or has been " proved." Armour and steel are said to be " proof," when hardened so as to stand a certain trial. The word is also applied to alcohol which has been tested. A printer's " proof" is the rough draft of a sheet when first pulled, to prove if it be correct or otherwise. In Scotland a jury, not feeling that there has been sufficient evidence to prove the guilt of the accused, nor yet being satisfied by the evidence of his innocence, may bring in a verdict of "not proven," which probably other jurors would sometimes be glad to be allowed to do. In Shakspeare we find " approve" used, both in the sense of finding guilty,* and as meaning to prove, simply.† To " approve" is now used to denote a favourable feeling towards a person or thing; " approval" and " approbation" convey the same idea; while the opposites are " disapproval" and

* "And he that is approv'd in this offence, Though he had twinn'd with me, at a birth, Shall lose me."— Othello. Act ii. sc. 3.

† " That if again this apparition come,

He may approve our eyes, and speak to it."

Hamlet. Act i. sc. 1.

LECTURE V.

" disapprobation." In all these cases ap is put for ad, as a prefix. The " disproof" of an error is the confutation of it The negatives of " pro­bable" and " probability" are formed with the prefix im for not, and those of " proved" and " improvable" with the prefix un. To " improve" is to advance in goodness; Dr. Johnson observes that it means " to raise from good to better," and that we "amend a bad, but improve a good thing." To "reprove" is to blame or censure; and was formerly used in the sense of disproving;* and " reprobate" denotes what is rejected, as not standing " proof" or trial, and being insensible to " reproof."

Propitio, to appease or atone, gives us " propi­tiate" and " propitiation," implying reconcilia­tion; also " propitious" and " unpropitious," sig­nifying favourable or the reverse.

Pungo, to point (punctus, pricked or pointed), gives " pungent" and " pungency," signifying sharp or piercing; also " punctual" that can be pointed, pertaining to a point, and hence exact. " Punctuality" is a good quality, but " puncti­lious" conveys the idea of over-nicety and too great exactness. To " punctuate" is to mark or divide a sentence by points or stops; and this is

* " Reprove my allegation if you can; Or else conclude my words effectual."

Henry VI. Part 2, Act iii. "What doth your arguing reprove?"— Job vi. 25.

LECTURE V. 139

called " punctuation." A " puncture" is a wound by a sharp-pointed weapon. " Compunction" is a word applied to a sharp wound of conscience. Shakspeare has " compunctious" for repentant, sorrowful, or tender.* To " expunge" is to blot out. A " point" means the sharp end of any instrument; and is applied metaphorically to the sting of an epigram, as also to the particular thing required, the aim one's efforts point to. To " appoint" is to bring to a point, to settle, or pre­pare; the opposite to which is " disappoint."† " Poignant" and " poignancy" are sharp words which have come to us through the French, con­veying the idea of pain and irritation.

From punio, to punish, participle punĪtus, punished, come " punish," and " punishable" or deserving of " punishment," also " punitive," that is, inflicting punishment. When a man commits a crime and does not meet with the penalty that he deserves in consequence, he is said to do it with " impunity," that is, without punishment.

Puto, to lop off or prune, also to think or compute, supplies "putative," signifying supposed; " dispute," to think differently from; " impute," to place into the account of, to lay to the charge

* " Stop up th' access and passage to remorse, That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose."— Macbeth.

† Shakspeare has " disappointed" for unprepared: "unhousell'd, dis­appointed, unane al'd."— Hamlet. Act i. sc, 5.

LECTURE V.

of another; and " repute," literally to think again, and hence to consider favourably; whence comesa good" repute" or " reputation." All these have re­ference to the verb puto, in the sense of thinking. From the meaning of the word, to " compute" or reckon, we have "account," which is not so apparent. It is to be noted that this word was formerly spelt " accompt," and no doubt was derived from ad, cum, and puto: the first preposition being changed into ac, and the second being in composition com; the prevalent taste for abbreviation, (which I shall have occasion more particularly to notice in a future Lecture) led to the dropping out of the two vowels of puto; and hence, the strangely spelt word " accompt," from which, of comparatively late years, the letters un were substituted for mp, which were never pronounced; thus we have " account," which was always the phonetic name. Hence we have " count," " accountable," and " accountant;" and in like manner " recount" to reckon or tell over again, and " discount" to count from, being so much paid back from a princi­pal sum, for the use of the latter. When shares are at a " discount," it is that a deduction is reck­oned and taken from the original value. This word was formerly spelt " discompt" A " depu-tation" may mean a number told or reckoned off, to represent the entire body, and a " deputy" is one so reckoned off. The words " amputate" and

LECTURE V.

" amputation" are derived from puto, in the sense of cutting off or pruning.

QuÆro to seek, and quÆsĪtus sought, supply the root of many words. Of these, a " query" or a " question," and going in " quest" of any thing, are obvious. To " acquire" and " acquisition," also " acquirement" and " acquisitive," formed of this verb or its participle with the prefix ad, imply a seeking after or towards an object so as to attain it. A " conqueror" is one who " conquers," or as it used to be written conquirs: a term now applied to gaining anything by force; but the original word did not necessarily convey such a meaning, as is shewn by Dr. Richardson, quoting from high legal authority.* " Exquisite" is sought or picked out of, and hence means excellent, exact, or elaborate. An " inquest" is an " inquiry," now generally restricted to that held by the coroner, or officer appointed by the crown, to " inquire" into the cause of violent or sudden death. The " inquisition" was established to inquire into the faith of persons suspected by the dominant party;

* " What we call purchase, perquisitio, the fendists called conquest, conquæstus or conquisitio; both denoting any means of acquiring an estate, out of the common course of inheritance. And this is still the proper phrase in the north of Scotland; as it was among the Norman jurists, who styled the first purchaser (that is, he who brought the estate into the family that at present owns it) the conqueror or conque-reur, which seems to be all that was meant by the appellation which was given to William the Norman."— Blackstone.

LECTURE V.

and the word was formerly used to signify a strict and judicial inquiry. An " inquisitor" was a judge of the inquisition; and "inquisitorial" is a term applied with this reference to a searching inquiry, conducted in a secret manner and without full evidence. An " inquisitive" person is one who is fond of asking questions. A " perquisite" meant that which was eagerly sought after, per signifying thoroughly; the term is used to desig­nate gains or emoluments beyond and in addition to the regular wages or salary. To " require" is to ask again, to demand; and the word is used to signify need or necessity.* Of the same meaning are "requirement" and " requisites." A " request" is an asking again, that is, earnestly; seeking diligently, and repeatedly if necessary.

From QUEROR to complain, we have " queru­lous" and " querulousness;" also " quarrel" and " quarrelsome;" all unpleasant sounding words, and of unpleasing signification.

Rado, to shave, (rasus, scraped) gives us " raze," to rub smooth or level, and hence to lay prostrate, and applied to the destruction of cities " laid even with the ground." This word sounds like raise, a word of Anglo-Saxon origin and of

* In the authorized Version we find require used in both senses, of demanding and of being necessary. " At the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man."— Gen. ix. 5. " The king's business required haste."—1 Sam. xxi. 8.

LECTURE V. 143

an opposite meaning—the one being to pull down and the other to rear up. To " raze" a besieged city is to destroy it, but when a siege is raised, the city is delivered; the word seige being of French origin, and signifying a sitting down before the city, with a view to beleaguer it, this last being a Saxon word meaning to lay wait for. " Raze" is sometimes spelt " rase;" and Dr. John­son would write " rase" when it signifies to strike lightly, and " raze," when it signifies to ruin.* To " erase" is to rub out, and " abrasion" is the act of "abrading," or rubbing off from. A " razor" is an instrument used for shaving; and a " rasher" is a thin slice of bacon cut or pared off the flitch.

Ranceo is to be rancid; from which comes "rancid" itself; as also " rancour," although this latter may be a word of Saxon origin, describing a feeling that wrings the heart, and signifying as Johnson defines it " inveterate malignity."† Hence also we have " rank," in the sense of strong smelling or "rancid;" to be distinguished not

* " He certifies your lordship that this night He dreamt the boar had rased off his helm."

Richard III. Act iii. sc. 2. " Can'st thou not minister to a mind diseas'd, Pluck from the memory a rooted sorrow, Raze out the written troubles of the brain?"

Macbeth. Act v. sc. 3. † " Respecting what a rancorous mind he bears."

Henry VI Part 2, Act iii.

LECTURE V.

only from rank, signifying a degree of dignity, derived from the French, but also from rank meaning luxuriant, strong, and high growing,* a word of Anglo-Saxon origin. This term is also applied figuratively to any thing very wicked and abominable.† To " rankle" means to be inflamed in mind or body, the literal signification being to fester, or breed corruption.

Rapio is to snatch, or carry away by force, and, with its participle raptus, snatched away, supplies the root of such words as " rape," " rapa­cious," and "rapacity;" also " rapture," and " rap­turous," denoting a carrying away of the feelings; and " enrapture," to transport or carry away with pleasure. A " rapid " stream carries itself along with force, and in its " rapidity" snatches off what is thrown into it. To " ravage" a country is to carry off persons and goods by force; and " rapine" is the act of plundering.

From rego, to rule, and also to make straight, and its participle, rectus, ruled, we have many words. A " regent" is one who rules, usually applied to one who exercises authority for another during the minority or other incapacity of the sovereign; and a regency is the time of such

* " Seven ears of corn came out upon one stalk, rank and good." Gen, xli. 5.

† "0 my offence is rank, it smells to heav'n; It hath the primal eldest curse upon't, A brother's murder!"— Hamlet. Act iii. sc. 3.

LECTURE V. 145

rule. "Regimen" and " regiment" are both from this root; the first meaning living by rule as to diet,* and the latter a body of men under rule and discipline. A queen " regnant" is so called, when " reigning" or governing in her own right, in contradistinction to a queen consort, who enjoys that title only in right of her husband. A " region " is the country under the rule of the sovereign. The words " regular" and " regu­larity" imply rule. That part of a watch or any machine that makes the motion equable is called the "regulator;" and to " regulate," or make "regula­tions,"is to lay down rules of conduct. To " correct," derived from the participle, means to make right according to rule; from whence we have " correction," and " correctness." Some­times the term corrigenda may be found at the end of books, being the Latin for things to be corrected, as errata is put for errors; but the more modern method is to print English in both instances. Shakspeare has " corrigible " for " corrective."† " Incorrigible" means not to be corrected, or amended; as not unfrequently are the inmates of a house of " correction" to be found; this term being applied to places of punishment, where it is hoped criminals will be " corrected," in the

* " Inquire what regimen I kept,

What gave me ease, and how I slept."— Swift. † " The power and corrigible authority of this lies in our wills."- Othtllo, Act i. sc. 3.

LECTURE V.

proper meaning of the term. These prisons are nowcalled Reformatories, as conveying more clear­ly the idea of amendment. " Direct" means to rule or order; and the rules given are " directions," To do anything " directly" is to do it straightway, without turning to anything else; and hence without delay, immediately. We speak of going in a wrong " direction;" perhaps " misdirection" would be a better word, as wrong and direct appear contradictory terms. A " directory" is a guide book, to give us what is called the " direc­tion" of people, that is, to indicate where we may find their residences. In mechanics, the word " direction" is used to denote motion impressed by a certain impulse.* " Indirect" is the opposite to " direct." To "erect" is to set "upright," that is, according to rule; and "rectitude" is uprightness of conduct A " rectangle" is a figure having one or more right angles; and a " recti­lineal" figure is one consisting of right lines. To " rectify" is to make right, or according to rule. A " rector " means a ruler, and is a name applied in some instances to the governor of a college, as well as to the superior clergyman of a parish who possesses " rectorial rights," both of which words may be traced to this root. " Righteous " and " righteousness " may be also traced to this

* " No body can either move of itself, or of itself alter the direction of its motion."— Cheyne.

LECTURE V. 147

Latin root; but these are among the instances in which it is difficult to say whether the Latin was derived from the Teutonic, or the reverse.

Rodo, to gnaw, with its participle rosus gnawed, gives us " corrode," and its sub-deriva­tives, " corrosive,"* " corrosion," and " corrosive-ness," implying a consuming or eating away, as it were by gnawing.

From ROGO, to ask, rogĀtus, asked, come "abro­gate," and "abrogation," meaning to repeal or annul. The origin of this word is to be traced to the customs of the Romans, who used to ask the people for their votes upon a law proposed, and this was called rogare legem, to ask the law, which if assented to, was then passed. On the other hand, to repeal a law was abrogare legem (from ab and r ogo) and in this sense the word is used in English. " Arrogate" is to seek for, (ad being changed to ar) and is applied, as well as the noun "arro-gancy," to demanding too much, making unjust pretensions.† This word is also written "arro-

* This word was formerly pronounced with the accent on the first syllable; as in Shakspeare:—

" Care is no cure, but rather corrosive,

For things that are not to be remedied."— Henry VI. In the same play the word is contracted to "corsive" and in both cases it is used in reference to corrosives applied medicinally. " Away! though parting be a fretful corsive,

It is applied to a deathful wound."— Henry VI. Part ii. Act 1. † " Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth."—1 Sam. ii. 3.

LECTURE V.

gance," meaning, as defined by Johnson, "that species of pride which consists in exorbitant claims."* To "derogate" is to take from, and may be traced to an origin similar to that of " abrogate;" as this meant to take away a law altogether, so to " derogate " was to take some­thing from it, to repeal in part only. "Dero­gatory" is applied to that which takes away from a man's character, meaning degrading or dis­honorable. To " interrogate" is to ask between — to seek after, to ask questions. Hence in gram­mar, " interrogative " pronouns are those used in asking questions, as who? which? what? whether? and the note that marks a question is called a note of " interrogation." " Supererogation " means above what is demanded. " Prerogative " means a prior right. " Prorogue " is to put off, of similar origin with abrogate and derogate, the consent of the people having been asked. The term " Rogation-days" originated in the 5th cen­tury, when special fasting and prayers were ap­pointed, to ask of the Almighty deliverance from great calamities then prevailing in parts of France. From rumpo, to break, ruptus, broken, we have " rupture," meaning a breach, a word used in surgery; and also applied metaphorically, as we may speak of the present " rupture" between

* " Stanley, notwithstanding she's your wife, And loves me not; be you, good lord, assur'd, I hate not you for her proud arrogance." — Richard III. Act 1.

LECTURE V. 149

the Northern and Southern States of America. " Abrupt" means broken off from; and is applied to any thing done suddenly;* also to a style of speaking or writing which breaks off suddenly.† To " corrupt" is to destroy or deprave, and it is applied metaphorically to the mind; "men of corrupt mind" (2 Tim. iii. 8) mean men of vitiated and bad principles; and when it is said, "evil communications corrupt good manners," (1 Cor. xv. 38), it indicates a depraving of the soundness of the mind, and the purity of the heart.‡ " Corruption" is used in a literal sense, to signify putrefaction; and it is also applied figuratively to wickedness, or perversion of prin­ciple. Of similar meaning we have " corrupti­ble" and " corruptibility." The negative of these words is formed both by in and un. When the literal sense is intended, in appears to be em­ployed, and un when used metaphorically. Thus we speak of bodies being "incorruptible," and of an " uncorrupted" mind or principles § The

* ".............................. My lady craves

To know the cause of your abrupt departure."— Shakspeare.

† "The abrupt style, which hath many breaches, and doth not seem to end but fall."— Ben Johnson's Discoveries,

‡ " Whose conscience with injustice is corrupted" — Henry VI., Part 2, Act iii.

§ " It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption" " The dead shall be raised incorruptible" —1 Cor. xv. 42, 52. " In doctrine shewing uncorruptness." — Tit ii 7. "I was also uncorrupt before thee."— Ps. xviii. 23.

LECTURE V.

term "bankrupt" is used to designate a mer­chant or trader who has failed in business. The literal meaning of the word is a broken bench. In ancient times every merchant had his own bench where he transacted business in the Exchange; and when one failed, his bench was broken up, to intimate the painful fact to the public. A bench, anciently written benk, and banc, is an Anglo-Saxon word, signifying any thing raised up, and applied to a bank of earth, or embankment; a bank of sand, as an oyster-bank; and formerly to a bench at which business was transacted; now called a counter from the French, the place where money is counted out in exchange for articles sold. The word bank, which was the same as bench, is now restricted in this sense to a place where money is kept and paid " across the counter" or bench; but formerly, as has been observed, every merchant had his bench or bank at the place of Exchange. The words " bankrupt" and " bankruptcy" are of hybrid derivation, compounded of a Saxon noun and a Latin participle. " Disruption" means a breaking asunder; " eruption" a breaking out of, as that of a volcano or of a cutaneous sore; and an " irruption" is a breaking into, applied to invasion by an enemy's army. To " interrupt" is to break in between; and that course of life or progress which is not broken by the interference of obstacles or difficulties is described as " uninterrupted."

LECTURE V. 151

Salio, to leap, (saltus, leaped,) gives the name of the "salmon," a fish remarkable for its leaping power. Hence a fall in a river against and over which this fish leaps is called a Salmon-leap; and as lax was the Irish name for a salmon, Leixlip on the Liffey, in the Co. Dublin, takes its name from the famous salmon-leap in that locality. A lax-weir has been sometimes thought to indicate a free weir, open to the public, but it simply means a salmon-weir.* To " sally" means to leap or spring forth; and the term is used in a military sense to designate the rushing out of a body of men; and a "sally-port" is the gate at which "sallies" are made. " Salient" is jumping, and the term is used to denote what is prominent; it is also employed in Heraldry, and spelt " saliant," from the French, to describe a lion or other animal in a leaping posture. " Saltant," a word not much in use, signifies dancing or jump­ing. To "assail" is to attack in such a manner as may be compared to one leaping or jumping against another; and of similar signification is the noun "assault"† " Desultory" means leaping away from; and the word is used to denote an

• Of similar signification with the name of the salmon, is that of the lobster of Anglo-Saxon origin, and meaning the leapster or leaper. See English Moots: Third Edition, p. 68.

† " Well, seeing gentle words will not prevail, Assail them with the army of the king."

Henry VI., Part 2, Act iv.

152 LECTURE V.

unsteady mode of proceeding, doing a thing, as we say, by fits and starts. The term was originally applied to an equestrian performer who, guiding two horses, used to leap with wonderful celerity from one to another. To " exult" (or, more properly, to exsult like insult) it to leap out, to jump, or bound, with joy, and hence to triumph or to be overjoyed; like "vaulting am­bition" which, as Shakspeare describes, "o'erleaps itself, and falls on the other side."* To " insult" is to jump or trample upon; to leap against, with an intention to offend or provoke. The "result" of any measure is that which issues forth, as the return or consequence that comes back to the projectors.

Scando, to climb, or mount, and scansus, climbed, give " ascend," to climb up or towards, and its noun "ascension"; and "descend" to go down, with its noun "descent." A "descendant" is one who comes after, following downwards in the line of " descent" from his ancestors. When a man's star is said to be in the " ascendant," it denotes that he is rising in the world, the re­ference being to astrology, implying that he " ascends," when the star under which he was born being above the horizon, appears to be climbing up in the heavens. " Condescend" and

* Macbeth, Act 1, sc. 7. Some commentators read, with much apparent reason, "Vaulting ambition o'erleaps its cell" (or saddle).

LECTURE V.

" condescension" imply a voluntary coming down or " descending" from a superior station. To " reascend" is to go up again; to " transcend" is to go over, or beyond; and " transcendental" means supereminent.

Scindo, to cut, and scissus, cut, give us "abscind," to cut off from; and "rescind," to cut off; applied in the sense of destroying the force of an obligation,—and hence to annul or repeal. From the participle we have " scissors," used for cutting cloth or other materials.

From scio to know, we have " science," implying a knowledge of any thing taught, and applied to the particular subject that is taught; " scientific" means pertaining to any science. " Conscience'' is the name given to that faculty by which we see or look into ourselves, and examine our own thoughts, and know right from wrong; the prefix con indicating a communing with our own hearts. The derivatives from this are " con­scientious" and " conscientiousness." " Con­scious" is taken in a lower sense, and conveys the idea of inward feeling; as any living thing is " conscious" of pain, or when dead is " uncon­scious." It sometimes, however, has reference to " conscience," as when a man is said to be " conscious" of having done ill.* " Conscious-

* When the Apostle said, " I know nothing by myself," he meant that he was not conscious of any fault in the matter referred to. —1 Cor. iv. 4.

LECTURE V.

ness," although sometimes applied to an internal sense of guilt or innocence, more properly signifies " the perception of what passes in a man's own mind," as it is defined by Locke. " Prescience" means knowing before hand, or fore-knowledge, which is the Anglo-Saxon equi­valent.

Scribo, to write, and its participle, scriptus written, supply the root of many of our words. A "scribe" is a writer; and "the scribes" among the Jews were writers and expounders of the law. To " scribble" is a diminutive, and is applied contemptuously to denote what is un­worthy of commendation, either for the manual writing or for its literary qualities. The writings used in legal or mercantile transactions are called " scrip," but more properly " script."* " Scripture" means a writing; and the term is applied emphati­cally to Holy Scripture. To " ascribe" (that is, adscribe) is to write to, and hence came to signify is attribute or impute. " Ascription" is usually applied in a good sense, as giving praise, and as attributing good qualities to another. To " circumscribe" is to write around, and, like the noun "circumscription," is used to signify bounds placed or written about, which are not to be passed

* A scrip is a small bag for scraps, both being words of Anglo-Saxon origin. See English Roots, p. 180, Third Edition; and Dean Trench's English, Past and Present.

LECTURE V.

over. " Conscription" means writing together, or enrolling; and a " conscript" is a soldier com­pelled to serve, his name being written in the roll which includes all of a certain age and country. The more honourable name of " con­script fathers" was applied to the ancient Roman Senators, in allusion to their names being in­scribed in the register of the Senate. To " describe" is to write of, or about, any thing; and although a " description" may be verbal, the word implies that it is usually in writings, hence called " descriptive." To " inscribe" is to write upon, and an " inscription" is that which is so written. To " prescribe" is to write before; and a physician's " prescription" is the written direc­tion to be placed before one for guidance. That which is influenced by long custom is said to by " prescription." " Proscribe" conveys a very different meaning, a " proscription" signifying a writing forth or proclaiming the names of persons to be punished by banishment or death; as also of goods to be sold or forfeited. A " rescript" was the title given to Imperial edicts, as having been written back or over again, after having been submitted to the Emperor. I have already alluded in my first Lecture, to the words " sub­scribe" and " subscription," as properly signifying writing under, and applied to contributions given by the persons whose names are under-written. This word is used by Shakspeare, in the sense of

LECTURE V.

obedience or allegiance.* " Superscribe" and " superscription" refer to a writing above.† The word is also applied to the direction on a letter. To " transcribe" is to write over —from one to ano­ther. A " transcript" means a copy of any thing written; and " transcription" is the act of copying.

From sĔco to cut, sectus, cut, we have " sect" and "sectarian," "section" and "sectional;" all denoting one part cut off or divided from the others. A " sector," in geometry, is an instru­ment with divisions marked on it, and a "sectant" is used in navigation, surveying, and astronomy. A " segment" is part cut off from a circle. To " bisect" is to cut into two; to " trisect" into three; and to " dissect" into different parts, in­definitely. "Insects" are so called, " from a separation in the middle of their bodies, whereby they are, as it were, cut into two parts, which are joined together by a small ligature, as we see in wasps, common flies, and the like." (Locke). To "intersect" is to cut between, and the " inter­section" of two lines is the point where they cut each other across. " Size" is what is cut to a certain proportion.

SĔdeo, to sit, with its participle sessus, sat, supplies several words. A man whose occupa­tions lead him to confinement to a desk, or who

* "You owe me no subscription." — Lear, Act iii. Sc. 2.

† "A superscription also was written over."— Luke xxiii. 38.

LECTURE V.

is addicted to study, leads a "sedentary" life. A man who keeps close to any business is said to be " sedulous " in his calling, and " assiduous," that is, literally, sitting to, in pursuit of his object The " sediment" is that which sits or settles down at the bottom of a vessel. The " sessions" are the sittings of the magistrates. " Cess," or " sess," " assess," and " assessment," all refer to a tax laid on the community at a sitting of the persons appointed for the purpose. The " ses­sion " of Parliament is the time of their sitting; and the "assizes" are the sittings of the judges of the land. The proper meaning of " insiduous" is lying in wait for; and hence it signifies treacherous. To " preside" is to sit before or above others, as a " president " at a public meet­ing. To " reside" means to sit or settle down; and a man's " residence " is the place where he settles himself— reposes and reclines. The " resi­duum " means that which is left behind; and a " residuary" legatee is the person to whom is bequeathed all the " residue " of the property— that which may remain after the distribution particularly specified in the will. To "subside" is to settle down or under. A " subsidy" means a help; and to "subsidize" is to assist. These words are now applied to pecuniary aid,—money given to assist in carrying out any object. The literal meaning is to sit under, or near, for the purpose of aiding. Originally " subsidiary" sol-

LECTURE V.

diers were so called from being placed behind or lower than the rest of the body, in reserve, and from this military phrase we have the above terms, now in common use. To " supersede," literally to sit upon, is to stop or desist, as making anything sit still and do nothing. To " besiege" is to beset, to sit down before a town with a view to take it after a " siege," that is, a sitting down.

From sentio, to feel, think, or perceive, and the participle sensus, felt or perceived, we have "sense," "sensation," "sensible," "sensitive," and " sensibility;" all of obvious meaning. These words are used in a good sense; but not so " sen­sual," " sensualist," and " sensuality." The seat of sense or organ of sensation is called the " sen-sorium." " Sentient" means perceiving, having perception. " Sentence" is a term applied to the expression of a judgment; and as a verb it always signifies to condemn, as a judge is said to " sen­tence" a criminal, that is to pass sentence of condemnation upon him. In a literary sense, a " sentence" has been defined as " an assemblage of words expressed in proper form and ranged in proper order, and concurring to make a complete sense." — (Lowth.) " Sententious" means in short sentences; and " sententiousness" is defined by Dr. Johnson, as " pithiness of sentences, brevity with strength;" but the term is now usually applied to describe an affected style. " Sen­timental " is also used in a contemptuous sense;

LECTURE V

but " sentiment" is applied generally to thought, and with reference more immediately to feeling, than maxim or opinion. Skinner describes this as a " word lately introduced from the French, by translators and others familiar with that language." Of still more recent introduction from the same source is "presentiment," not to be found in Johnson, signifying a feeling before-hand, a fore­boding, to use a Saxon term. A " sentry" and " sentinel " mean a guard set to perceive what may occur while he is on the watch. To " assent," literally to think to, is to agree to another's propo­sition; to " consent" is to feel or perceive in accor­dance with another; and to " dissent" is to think differently from others. " Resent" and " resent­ment" refer to a thinking again, that is, reconsi­dering the matter, and hence to have a strong " sense" of any thing, to be very " sensible" of, or " sensitive" upon the subject. The words now usually apply to an angry remembrance or feeling on the mind. The word " senseful " is not now in use; but Home Tooke has well remarked in his peculiar style, upon our improper use of the word " sensible," in common with other adjectives ending in ble, meaning able. He says, " we have senseful, full of sense; sensitive, that can feel; and sensible, that may be felt; and yet we talk of a sensible man, who is very sensible of the cold, and of any sensible change in the weather." The last verb I shall notice in this Lecture is

LECTURE V.

sepĂro, to separate, and its participle separĂtus, severed or separated. Hence we have the obvious words " separate" and " separation;" also " separ­able;" that may be separated or severed, and its opposite " inseparable." Likewise " separatist," one who "separates" himself from others; and lastly, through the French, " sever" to divide, and " several," distinct from one another; which latter word is applied to a number not large, but exceeding two. It is also used to denote that which is appropriate.*

• " Like things to like; the rest to several place disparted."

Milton.

" Each might his sev'ral province well command, Would all hut stoop to what they understand."— Pope.

LECTURE VI.

WORDS FORMED FROM LATIN VERBS.

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