LECTURE IX.

Orbis, an orb, a circle, gives " orb" and "orbit;" also " orbicular," relating to the motion of the heavenly bodies. " Exorbitant," " exorbitancy," and "exorbitantly," imply a going beyond or out of the proper sphere.

Ordo (ordĬnis), order or rank, is the root of " ordain" and " ordained;" meaning settled or set in order. An " ordinal" is a ritual, a book con­taining orders. " Ordinance" means a rule or law; and " ordnance," formerly spelt the same, but now differently for the sake of distinction, is applied to cannon, great guns, used by rule and under orders. The word " order" is applied to various subjects. The primary meaning is to put or set in order, or station; and it is also used in the sense of giving a command. As a noun it means method, and a proper and fixed state; also a rule or regulation. The word is likewise employed in the plural, " orders," as a term by which to describe the ecclesiastical state, as also to designate classes, as the higher and the lower " orders." It is likewise used in the signification of means to an end— in order that. In archi­tecture, the different styles are called " orders," as the Tuscan, the Doric, the Ionic, the Corin­thian, and the Composite. " Orderly" means in due order, of which the opposite is " disorderly," contrary or without regard to rule. " Ordinary" denotes in the usual order of events; and as a noun it is used to describe the person having rule in

LECTURE IX.

any place; as likewise to a dinner provided at the usual hour and of the accustomed description. " Co-ordinate" implies unison of orders, equality of power. " Extraordinary" is beyond or out of the ordinary course; and " inordinate" means without bound or rule. " Subordinate" and " in­subordination" denote being under rule, or the opposite with the negative prefix in. To " pre­ordain" is to settle before hand; and to "re-ordain" is to order or ordain again.

Par, equal, gives us " par," a term used on the exchange to denote " parity" or equality. A " pair" denotes two equals. A " peer," of which the feminine is " peeress," is a member of the " peerage;" terms applied to the nobility, because however different be their degree, their essential privileges are equal.* " Peerless" means without equal, as indicated by the English affix less. To " compare" is to make equal with; " comparable," that may be compared with others; and " incom­parable," that which cannot be brought into " comparison" with any other, on account of its superior excellency. " Comparative" means esti­mated by " comparison;" not positive or absolute. In grammar, the term describes the degree that expresses more of any quantity in one thing than in another. To " disparage" is to make unequal to; and hence " disparagement" denotes slighting

See Sullivan's Dictionary. Introduction, p. lsxiii.

LECTURE IX.

and depreciating any person or thing. "Disparity" means inequality. " Non-pareil," from the French, denotes what cannot be equalled for goodness.

Pars (partis), a share or portion, is the root of " part," which is its equivalent in English; and of " parboil," to boil in part; also of "partake" and " partaker," hybrid words compounded with pars; and the English verb to take; with which correspond "participate" and "participation," formed by the Latin verb capio to take. " Par­tial" and "partiality" imply taking part with another unjustly, acting the " partisan" instead of judging " impartially." Shakspeare constantly has "partisan" for a kind of pike or halbert.* " Particle" is a little part, and a " participle" is so called as partaking both of a verb and an adjective. " Particular" and " particularly" denote attention to minute matters. To " particularize" is to go into "particulars." In logic, "particular" are distinguished from general terms. A " partition" is intended to divide into different parts. A " partner" is one with whom we share any thing. The word is applied to persons joined in business to share profits, and to those who by marriage become partners for life, whether it be " for

• "......................... Let as

Find out the prettiest daisied plot we can, And make him with our pikes and partisans A grave."— Hamlet. " Shall I strike at it with my partisan?"— Ibid.

LECTURE IX.

better or worse." A " party" means a portion of people joined together for any common end; whether it be for conviviality or for political strife. A " parcel" is a small portion of any thing; the term is now commonly applied to a small package of goods; but it was formerly more generally applicable.* It is sometimes also used as a verb, meaning to divide into small shares or parts.† In grammar, to " parse" means to name the parts of speech in a sentence, and their depend­ency upon each other. Some derive it from per se, indicating that each word was taken by itself. A "portion" also signifies a part, and to "apportion" is to give or assign shares to parties. " Portion­less" is formed with the English negative affix. " Proportion" denotes a correspondence of 'parts, and implies a fit share. " Apart" signifies separated in parts from others; and an "apartment" is a room so set apart. A " compartment," as in a railway-carriage, is a place where several have a part in common. " Copartner" indicates a union in sharing any thing. A " counterpart" is the opposite or corresponding part, as of a deed or lease. To " depart" is to part from; and "departure" means the separation of a party. The term is appropriately used to designate death,

* "Near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph."— John iv. 5.

† "Those ghostly kings would parcel ont my pow'r, And all the fatness of my land devour."— Dryden.

268 LECTURE IX.

which is the " departure" of the soul from the body. A " department" means a particular office separated from others. To " dispart," a word not much in use, is to part in different directions. To " impart" is to put a part into; and is applied to giving intelligence, giving a share of what we know to another. " Tripartite" indicates the existence of three parties to an agreement, or share of any thing. To " interpret" is to be the medium of explanation between two parties, from inter and pars.

Passus, a step, gives us " pace," " pass," and " passable." A " passenger" is one who is pro­ceeding on his journey, although it be not literally step by step, as implied by the etymology of the word; and the same remark applies to " passage." The "passover" was a Jewish feast, in commemora­tion of the destroying angel having passed over the houses of the Israelites. A " pass" means a ticket giving a right to pass on; and a "passport" is a document enabling a traveller to pass from a port, or through the gates of a city;* the present Emperor of the French has happily abolished such a troublesome system, so far as it relates to British travellers through France. The " past" means the time that has passed away. Games are

* Howell, as quoted by Richardson, gives another derivation: " A travelling warrant is called passport, whereas the original is passe per tout;" that is to pass through all.

LECTURE IX.

called " pastimes," as intended to make the time pass away, that is, in an agreeable manner. To " compass" any end means to be able to pass round it; hence it is used to signify having it in our power, or attaining it. A pair of " compasses" is an instrument with which to make a circle; and mariners steer their vessels by the aid of a " compass." In all these cases the prefix com is put for circum about. " Encompass" is formed by the English prefix en, signifying to make. " Impassable" means that cannot be passed; to " repass" is to pass again; to " surpass" is to pass over; and to " trespass" is to transpass, like trans­gress* to pass beyond the proper bounds.

Pater, a father, gives " paternal" and " pater­nity"; also "patriarch" and "patriarchal" (but these latter are rather from the Greek, meaning the first fathers). " Patricians" were Roman noblemen, often called Fathers. "Patrimony" and " patrimonial" refer to property inherited from one's father. A " patron" is one who acts like a father, in the way of affording protection; and for this title we have the feminine " patro­ness"; matron, in a similar sense, being restricted to a paid superintendent. To " patronize" is to extend " patronage" to. A " patronymic" is the name derived from a father; and is a word of

See Lecture III. page 81.

270 LECTURE IX.

French origin. A "parricide" is the murderer of a father.

Patria, one's country, gives us " patriot," " patriotism" and " patriotic." A " compatriot" is a fellow countryman; to " expatriate" is to send out of one's native land; and " expatriation" is the act of banishing from one's country.

Pax (pacis), peace, gives "pacify" compounded with fio, and "pacific" with facio. The "Pacific" ocean was so called from its comparative calm­ness. Hence also we have "pacificator," a maker of " peace"; " peaceful," with the English affix implying fulness; and " peacefulness," with the additional English affix ness, denoting a state or condition; likewise " peaceable" and " peaceable-ness," of similar derivation and composition. To " appease" is to bring peace to one heretofore disturbed.

Persona meant a mask, or a person. Hence come " person," " personal," " personate" and " personation"; also " personify" and " personifi­cation," compounded with fio and facio. An " impersonal" verb means one having no person, that is, having no change according to person.

Pes (pedis), the foot, gives us "pedal," a part of a musical instrument worked by the foot; also " pedestal," that which affords a footing or stand to a figure. A " pedestrian" is a traveller on foot. A " pedigree" means the genealogy of one's forefathers; and may be derived from pes,

LECTURE IX.

as indicating the foot or foundation, and gradus, as going step by step. " Expedient" means what is ready or easy; as also " expeditious," quick; both derived from ex and pede, indicating a freeing of the foot, to enable it to run. An "expedient" and "expediency" sometimes denote evasion, or going out of the way. An " expe­dition" implies a quick march on foot out of one place towards another.* To " impede" is to stop the foot in its progress; and an " impediment" means an obstacle placed in the way to hinder a passage. The opposite to " expedient" is formed by the negative prefix in.

Planus is level or evident; whence we have "plain" and "plainness"; also a "plain," meaning a level piece of land. A " plane" is a carpenter's tool fitted to make timber plain or smooth. " Plain-dealing" and " plain-work" are hybrid terms, compounded of the Latin planus with English words. To " explain," " explanation," and " explanatory" refer to a bringing out things in a plain and evident manner.

Plenus, full, is the root of " plenary," and of " plenipotentiary"; the latter title indicating one who is endowed with full powers to act for his

• In Shakspeare, " expedient" constantly means expeditious; and " expedience" is put for expedition. Thus in Antony and Cleopatra:

"............................................. I shall break

The cause of our expedience to the queen."

Act i. sc. 2.

LECTURE IX.

sovereign. "Plenty" and " plentitude"; with " plenteous" and " plenteousness;" as also " plen­tiful" and " plentifulness," all come from plenus; and to " replenish" is to fill again.

also

PŒNA, punishment, supplies " penal" and

pain-

"penalty;" "penance" and "pain":

less," " painful" and " painfulness," hybrid words formed with English affixes; as is likewise " pains­taking." It is curious to observe how in many in­stances, the meaning and application of words have changed from time to time. Amongst these, are the words just referred to. Fuller, the Church historian, who lived in the 17th century, speaking favourably of a famous divine, exclaims, " Oh the painfulness of his preaching!" and in like manner another is alluded to as "the painful writer of two hundred books." In each of these cases the terms are used not to denote, as they now would, the tediousness of the preacher, or the weariness of the reader or hearer, but to describe the great pains which the preacher and writer bestowed on the composition of their respective works. I quite agree with the observation of a well-known writer of the present day, that if we had more painful preachers, in the old sense of the word, that is, who took pains themselves, we should have fewer painful ones in the modern sense, who cause pain to their hearers.* A summons is

* See Dean Trench's English Past and Present. Third Edition, page 180.

LECTURE IX.

called a "subpoena," because it requires attendance, s ub pœnâ, that is, under punishment threatened in case of non-compliance.

Pondus (pondĔris) is weight; whence he have " ponderous," " pound," and a " pounder." To " ponder" is to weigh a matter in the mind " Preponderance" means overweight. To " poise" is to weigh or balance; " equipoise" denotes equality of weight; " counterpoise" weighing against; and " overpoise" to overweigh.

Populus, the people, gives " populace," " popu­lar" and " popularity," of obvious meaning. To "popularize" is a modern phrase, signifying to make free to all, but chiefly to make information accessible by simplicity of style to the " people." To " populate" is to bring people to, and the "population" are the people of any place. To " depopulate" is to take away the people from a place. " Populous" means full of people; and the " public" is another name for the people. To " publish" is to give to the public; and that so given is a " publication," a word now generally understood to denote a work issuing from the press, pro bono publico, that is, for the public good, as each author thinks his work to be. This is giving it " publicity," and the " publisher" is the person who brings out a work for the author. To " republish" is to publish again. " Publican" is a name now given to a man who keeps a " public-house." Amongst the Jews, at the time

LECTURE IX.

of our Saviour, it was a term of reproach given to those who collected the taxes from the public, for the Roman government of the day, and who were usually great extortioners. A " republic" indicates a form of government in which the commonalty exercise the legislative and executive powers; the literal meaning is common things, compounded with res a thing; and when such a form of government existed in England it was called a Common-wealth, that is, the public weal or good. " Republican" is a term that distinguishes such a government.

Pretium is a price, or worth; and hence we have " precious" and " preciousness," denoting what is of " price" or value. A " prize" is that which is assigned to worth; to " praise" is to ascribe worth to; and to " appraise" is to put a price upon. To " appreciate" is to attach a value to any thing which is " appreciable," or of worth. To " depreciate" is to take away from, the value.

Primus, first, gives " prime," signifying the beginning, a word applied to the early morning, and metaphorically to what is first, chief, or most valuable. To " prime" a gun is to put in the first powder; a " primer" is the first book put into a child's hand; and a " primrose" is so called as being one of the earliest flowers of spring. A " primate" is the first or chief of ecclesiastics; and the " premier" is the first or " prime" minister of

LECTURE IX.

the crown. A " prior" is the chief of a monastery, as a " prioress" is of a convent. The word " prior" is also used as an adjective to denote " priority," a going before or first. " Primitive" means ancient, established from the beginning; and " primeval" is of the first time, or the ear­liest ages. " Primogeniture" denotes the first born. " Prince" and " principal" come from this root, compounded with capio to take, to indicate a taking precedence. " Principles," sometimes called first principles, are maxims first taken or assumed, or to be proved. " Primâ facie" means on the first face of any thing.

Privus means one's own property, not public; and hence we have " privacy," "privity," and " private." A " privateer" means a ship fitted out by private men to plunder the enemy, as distinguished from regular ships of war belonging to the nation. A "privilege" is that which belongs to particular persons distinct from the public at large. To " deprive" is to take from the private property of another.

Proprius also means one's own, peculiar or fit. Hence come " proper" used in both senses, and " property" applied to what is one's own; and " pro­priety" indicates what is fitting. A " proprietor" also refers to one's own possessions. To " appro­priate" is to bring to one's own use, which is " appropriation," and may be " misappropriation," which is " improper" or an " impropriety."

LECTURE IX.

Pubus gives us " pure," its English equivalent; also " pureness" and " purity," with their oppo-sites formed with the negative prefix im for in. To " purify" is to make pure, formed with fio; as " purification" is with facio to make. The negative is " unpurified." A " purist," as also " puritan" and " puritanical," denotes a profession of extraordinary purity.

Quies (quietis) quiet, peace, or ease, gives us "quiet," " quietude," " quietness;" also "quies­cence" and " quiescent," being quiet or peace­ful.* The opposite to the adjective quiet is " unquiet," and " disquiet" for the noun; while the negative of quietude is formed by the prefix in for not. " Quietus" is found in Shakspeare for death, as an easy departure from a world of care.† To " acquiesce" and " acquiescence" denote giving in to —or for the sake of quiet.

Rudis, untaught, rough, gives us " rude" and " rudeness," descriptive of the manner of an untaught person. On the other hand, " erudite" and " erudition" denote a coming out of the untaught state by means of learning, of which the first beginnings are called the " rudiments," as being the rude or rough elements of knowledge.

* " There sits quiescent on the floods, that show

Her beauteous form reflected clear below."— Cowper's Poems.

† " When he himself might his quietus make

With a bare bodkin"—(a naked dagger.)— Hamlet.

LECTURE IX.

Rus (ruris) is the country; hence we have "rural," "rustic" and "rusticate," relating to residence in the country. " Rusticity" implies the opposite to civility, from civi s a city, similar to polite and polished, from a Greek word of similar signification; the manners of a citizen or one residing in a town being supposed to be more refined than those of a rustic, or an inhabitant of the country.

Salus (salŪtis) is safety, health. Hence we have " salubrity," " salubrious," and " salutary." The latter word is often applied in a figurative sense, to denote what is conducive to moral health and safety. To " salute" and " saluta­tion" denote a wishing of health to the person ad­dressed.

Salvus, safe, is allied to the foregoing; and gives us " salvage," applied to the saving of goods from a ship that has been wrecked. A silver " salver" is intended to bring appropriate articles safely to one. A " salvo" of artillery means a salute, or wishing safe. To "save," " salvation," " safe" and " safety," with " unsafe," are all from the same root.

Sanus means sound in health; whence we have " sane" and " sanity," with their opposites " insane" and " insanity," applied to the mind. " Sanitary" means healthy; and " sanatory," from sano to heal, signifies tending to promote health. These terms are often confounded; they are now

LECTURE IX.

in constant use, when the sanitary condition of the people is attended to by sanatory measures. From sano also comes " sanative" tending to cure.

Sanctus, holy, gives us " sanctify" and " sanc-tification," with, fio and facio; also " sanctimony" an appearance or show of holiness, called " sancti­monious." Likewise " sanctity" and " sanctuary." To " sanction" is to ratify or to give force to any thing, as if solemnly dedicated. A " saint" is a holy person, one that is sanctified or made holy.

Sanguis (sanguĬnis) is the Latin for blood. Hence we have " sanguine," denoting warm and earnest—the blood being up. "Sanguinary" implies a love of bloodshed, cruel." San-guineous" means abounding with blood; and " ensanguined" covered with or steeped in blood.* " Consanguinity" means a relationship or fellow­ship of blood, indicated by the prefix eon with.

Signum, a mark, gives us " sign," the English equivalent; also a " signal" used both as a noun giving a sign, and as an adjective meaning worthy of mark or note. To " signalize" is to make oneself remarkable. The " signature" of a person is the mark by which his name is known. A " signet" is a seal which bears a mark. To "signify" and "signification," with fio and facio,

* "............................... Now scatter'd lies,

With carcasses and arms, th' ensanguin'd field Deserted."— Milton's Paradise Lost.

LECTURE IX. 279

is to make known by a sign; and the words are generally applied to making known in any way. Of similar derivation are " significant" and " sig-nificancy." To " assign" is to give a sign to, that is, to mark out or appoint. An " assignee" is a person to whom things are assigned or appointed. An "assignment" is such an appointment; and an " assignation" means an engagement, as it were by sign, to meet at a certain time and place. To " consign" is to give to the keeping of another; to " design" is to mark out; and to " resign" is to give back, as it were under one's signature, what one had possessed. A " design" is a pattern or a device, marked out; and " designation"means the course that has been marked out for one to pursue, or the end of the journey marked out. " Resignation" is giving up; often applied meta­phorically to giving up one's own feelings in submission to the will of a higher Power. The outward emblems of royalty, or of other high office, are called the " insignia." " Insignificant" means not worthy of notice.

Similis, like, gives "simile" a likeness, or comparison, by which any thing is illustrated; also " similar" and " similarity," with the nega­tives formed by the prefix dis. " Simulation" is hypocrisy, pretending that which is not; and a " similitude" is a likeness. To " assimilate" is to bring a likeness to any thing; to " dissemble" is

280 LECTURE IX.

to use false professions; and " dissimulation" is the act of making false appearances. " Dis­similar" means unlike; and of corresponding signification are " dissimilarity" and "dissimi-litude." A " fac-simile," as of hand writing, denotes one thing done like another. To " re­semble" is to present a similarity or likeness of any thing; and " semblance" is likeness.

Socius, a companion, gives us " social" " sociable," " sociableness" and " sociability. Hence also we have " society;" and " association," where many " associate," that is, come together to one place, for the sake of fellowship. To " disso­ciate" implies separation from each others society.

SolĬdus is solid; hence we have "solder" or " soulder," with which tin and other metals are made solid; also "solid" and "solidity." To " consolidate" is to fuse or unite into one; the opposite to which is " unconsolidated." " Con­sols" mean certain funds or stock formed by the " consolidation" of different annuities. Of simi­lar signification are the " consolidated" funds.

Solus, alone, gives us "sole," "solely" and " solitary." A " solo" is a musical performance by one person alone. "Solitude" is the state of being alone; a " soliloquy" means one person speaking alone and to one's self; and this is to " soliloquize," compounded with loquor, to speak. " Desolate" and " desolation" denote being soli­tary, the English prefix de signifying to make.

LECTURE IX. 281

From sonus, a sound, we have "sonorous" applied to an agreeable " sound," as " dissonant" is to that which is otherwise; and " dissonance" means discordance. " Consonant" means sounding together with; and those letters are so called which can only be sounded together with a vowel. The word is used metaphorically to denote unison of feeling. To " resound" is to sound again, and "resonant" means resounding.

Sors (sortis), a lot or kind, gives us " sort," " assort" and " assortment," the two latter com­pounded with as for ad, signifying a bringing one lot to another. To " consort" is to sort toge­ther; and a husband or wife is called a " consort," having joined their lot together for life. To " resort" is to return frequently, to repair to a place, from re and sors, indicating to return to one's allotted land, originally applied to soldiers who acquired conquered land by lot. A " sortee" may mean a company of soldiers chosen by lot, or to whom a particular service has been allotted, namely, to attack the besiegers.

Tempus (tempŌris), time, gives us " temporal," " temporary" and " temporalities;" as also " tem­porize," to act according to the time, to procrasti­nate. " Contemporary" or " cotemporary," means living together at one time. "Extempore" and "ex­temporaneous" denote what is done at the moment. Terminus is the Latin for a boundary or limit, and is used as an English word in railway

LECTURE IX.

nomenclature, to indicate the end of the road. " Terms" of court and colleges are the periods during which business is carried on; and the terms of a deed are the conditions by which it is bounded or limited. To " terminate" is to make an end; and that which may be concluded is "terminable;" the expression "interminable" is applied to what is tediously spun out. When two roads run along together by the same boundaries, they are " conterminous." To " determine" is to limit or confine, and hence metaphorically to resolve or conclude. To " predetermine" is to decide beforehand.

Tenuis is thin, slender; hence " tenuity," " at­tenuate" to make tender, and " extenuate," lite­rally to make thin, metaphorically to mitigate.* Terra, the earth, gives us " terrace," " terrene," " terrestrial" and " territory," all relating to earth; also " terraqueous," that is, consisting of land and water, from terra and aqua water. To " inter" is to put into the earth; to " disinter" is to take out of " interment;" and " subterranean" is under the earth. We have already had " mediterranean" under medius. A " terrier" is a dog that follows his game under ground.

Testis is a witness. Hence a " test," or that which gives evidence of any thing of what kind it

* " Speak of me as I am; nothing extenuate,

Nor set down ought in malice."— Othello. Act v. sc. 2.

LECTURE IX.

is. A " testament" is so called because the signa­ture of the " testator" or " testatrix" is witnessed; and such a document is called " testamentary.'' To " testify" is to be a witness, from f io; and " testimony" is evidence given by a witness. A " testimonial" is intended as a witness or evidence of a good opinion of the person to whom it is accorded. To " attest" and " attestation" denote a bearing witness to a fact. To " contest" is properly to contend at law, where the witnesses of both parties are brought together (con), or face to face.* Shakspeare has " contestation,'' now obsolete.† We still have " detestation," as also " detest," denoting the strongest aversion; derived from Deus and testis, thus implying a calling the Almighty to witness that such a thing is hateful to us. To " protest" is to bear forth witness, to avow in a bold and public manner. That which cannot be denied or contended against is " incontestable;" a deed that has not been signed in the presence of witnesses is " unattested;" and when there is no will duly " attested," the person is said to have died " intestate."

Turba is a crowd. Hence we have " turbid," " turbulent" and " turbulence," all implying the disquiet of a mob; and the word " trouble" may

* See Dr. Sullivaris Dictionary. Introduction, p. lxix. Ric hardson's Dictionary, in verb.

† Antony and Cleopatra. Act ii. sc. 2.

See also

LECTURE IX.

be traced to the same root. To " disturb" and " disturbance," " perturbed" and " perturbation," all come from turba in a similar sense, as also the negatives " imperturbable"and " undisturbed."

Unda, a wave, gives us " undulate," to move like waves; also " abound" and " abundance" indicating a flowing of plenty like the waves of the sea. To "inundate" and "inundation" are applied literally, to signify an overflowing of the sea, and metaphorically, to denote an accession of any thing, overwhelming one as it were. To " redound" and " redundancy" imply an abund­ant return, like the flowing in of the tide. To " superabound," " superabundant" and " super­abundance" denote an overflowing of prosperity, compounded with super above.

Unus, one, alone, gives us " union," " unit," "unite" and " unity;" also, through the French, "unique," a term used to denote what is un­matched. " Unison" means one single sound, and is applied to concord and agreement in any thing; " univocal" is having one meaning; "unani­mous" and " unanimity" signify being of one mind. " Uniform" is of the same appearance, or conforming to one rule; and " uniformity" an agreement in form. An imaginary animal with only one horn is called an " unicorn." The " universe" is the entire mundane system, turning towards one sun; " universal" and "universality" indicate a comprehension of the whole; and " uni-

LECTURE IX.

versity" is a name originally given to all corpora­tions, but now restricted to such as are intended for education, so called as revolving, as it were, round one centre or head.

Varius, diverse, supplies " various," " variety" " vary," " variable" and " variableness;" all of obvious meaning; also "variance," applied to strife arising from a diversity of opinion. " Varied" and " variegated" mean diversified. All these words properly refer to variety of colour. The opposite to variable is " invariable," while that of varied is " unvaried."

From ventus, the wind, we have " ventilate," " ventilator" and " ventilation;" implying giving of air or wind to close places. To give " vent" to one's feelings may either mean to let them come out, from venio, or to give them air or let them out, from ventus. To " ventilate" an opinion is to sift or examine it.

Verbum is a word; and hence we have a "verb," being the principal word in a sentence; and an " adverb" that is added to a word. " Ver-bal" means by word of mouth; " verbatim" is word for word; and " verbose" means given to words. "Verbosity" is wordiness; and "verbiage" indicates mere talk. A " proverb" is a word put forth; and that which is much put forward in public is " proverbial," put before all men as worthy of remembrance. " Verisimilar" means having a likeness to truth, compounded with

LECTURE IX.

this root and similislike. The words " very," " verity" and " verily" also come from this root; as do likewise " aver" and " averment," denoting an assertion of truth, bringing it to you.

Via, a way, gives us " viaduct" a road carried over, from via and duco to lead. To "deviate" is to depart from the way; to " obviate" is to come in the way of, or to oppose. That which is out of, or from the way is " devious;"* that which is in the way, in the sense of before our face, is " obvious;" that which runs through in all direc­tions, is pervious;" and that which comes before­hand is "previous." A " convoy" goes together with one in the journey. A " voyage," through the French, is a passing over the road; though now applied to a journey through the pathless deep. " Trivial" is from trivium, where three roads met; and hence the word is used to signify what is common, or of little value.

Vicis (vice) is a change or turn; whence comes the common prefix vice, signifying in place of, as "vicegerent," "vice-roy," "vice-regal," "vice-admiral," and "viscount." Hence also we have " vicissitude," " vicar" and " vicarious," the two latter terms meaning in place of another. When an announcement is made of one's appointment to an office " vice" another, it means in his place.

• " The howling blasts drive devious, tempest-toss'd, Sails ripp'd, seams opening wide, and compass lost"

Cowper's Poems.

LECTURE IX.

Vulgus is the Latin for the common people. Hence come the words " vulgar," " vulgarism" and " vulgarity," which originally meant common, but have come to be applied in a bad sense as describing what is coarse or unrefined. The ''Vulgate" was the name given to a translation of the Scriptures into Latin, at that time the vulgar tongue, or the language common to all nations. To " divulge" is to make public, to distribute to all; as is likewise to " promulgate" or put forward to the common people. That which is kept secret is said to be " undivulged."

With this word I conclude this part of my sub-ject. The next and concluding Lecture will be occupied with an enumeration of sundry miscel-laneous derivations; in which I shall notice various English words derived from the Latin, not in all cases so obvious as those which we have heretofore had under consideration. They are, however, of importance; and a course of Lectures professing to treat of the Exotics, or English words derived from Latin Roots, would not be complete without a notice of such as, not coming from roots that supply several words, may yet be traced to the Latin, notwithstanding that, in many cases, we find no more than a single word referable to the particular root that supplies it.

LECTURE X.

MISCELLANEOUS DERIVATIONS FROM THE LATIN ROOTS.

In the preceding Lectures I have enumerated several Latin verbs and adjectives, which are to be found constituting the roots of words in our composite tongue, and I noticed the several English words derived from such exotics trans­planted into the soil of our language. In all those cases I have first given the Latin word, and afterwards proceeded to adduce the deriva­tions therefrom; and in every instance we have seen that from each root many words are to be found springing up.

In this concluding Lecture, I shall call atten­tion to miscellaneous derivations from Latin roots, which I have not heretofore noticed, and from which roots, as a general rule, only one English word has been incorporated into the language.

In treating of this part of our subject, I shall pursue a course somewhat different from that adopted in the preceding Lectures. Hitherto I

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have commenced with giving the Latin root, and then proceeded to the English derivatives. In this lecture, I shall give first the English word, and then point out the Latin root from which it has come to us.

Abominate is to turn from as from an ill omen. This latter word in its primary meaning signified any thing spoken as a sign, whether for good or evil; but afterwards came to be restricted to what foreboded ill. "Abominable" and " abomination" describe what we turn away from with abhorrence.

Absurd denotes what is said without judgment, or unreasonably, and implies deaf to reason. The derivation is from surdus deaf, with the prepo­sition ab from. An "absurd" answer is such as might be expected from a deaf man, ignorant of that to which he attempts to reply. Vossius, quoted by Richardson, thinks absurdum means that to which we ought to turn a deaf ear.

Accommodate appears to have been first intro­duced about the time of Shakspeare.* He repre­sents Justice Shallow and Bardolph commenting upon the word as one of modern invention, derived from accommodo, (to adapt to make con­venient;) and although this is in a play which represents events of a century and a half pre­vious, it is not improbable that the great dramatist put words and phrases into the mouths of speakers, which were only introduced in his own clay.

• See Henry IV. Part 2, Act iii. sc. 2.

290 LECTURE X.

Address, as a verb means to direct, from ad and dirigo to direct. It is also used to signify making ready, as indicating the directing of the mind to an object. As a substantive it denotes readiness, adroitness, or dexterity.*

Alarm means to sound to arms, from ad and arma, coming through the French à I'arme; and hence the word is applied generally in the sense of disturbing and filling with apprehension.

Alas! is an exclamation of. weariness or dis­appointment; and may be traced to the interjec­tion a! and lassus wearied; from which latter word we have " lassitude."

Amuse is to play, or to divert the mind as with singing, from musa a song. To " muse," which conveys an opposite meaning, is to be as contem­plative as one that follows the Muses, nine imagi­nary deities, from whose name we have music.

Annihilation is a bringing to nothing, from an for ad, and nihil or nil, nothing. Hence also we have to " annul."

Augur is a Latin word adopted into English, and signifies to predict. The word owes its origin to the custom of the ancient Romans who pretended to foretell future events by observing the flight of birds, derived from aves birds†

* " And the tear that is wiped with a little address,

May be followed perhaps by a smile."— Camper's Poems. † See the derivation of auspicious. Lecture VI. page 169.

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and gero, to bear or carry. To " inaugurate" a building means to open it under happy auspices.

Bissextile is a name for leap-year; derived from bis twice, and sex six; because in the Roman reckoning of the year, the sixth of the calends of March, corresponding to our Feb. 28th, was repeated or occurred twice. The Anglo-Saxons called it " Leap-year," because it over-leaps other years, exceeding them by one day.

Calamity is a misfortune, a loss. The word was first derived from calamus, the stalk of corn, and had reference to a blight, when the corn could not get out of the stalk—a great misfortune to the tillers of the land.

Caldron, a vessel fitted to endure heat, and in which to heat any thing, is so called from caldus, a contraction for calidus, hot.

Cannon and canon are words of very different signification, and yet they come from the same root, canna a reed. A great gun is hollow like a reed; and a law was called a " canon" from a carpenter's rule having been composed of a reed.

Capricious means whimsical, like a goat; the Latin name for which animal is caper. Hence also we have the phrase cutting capers.

Cartridge is the name given to a charge of powder made ready for a musket or pistol; so called from charta, because made up in paper.

Congruity means concurrence, and hence fit­ness. The derivation of the word is from con

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together, and grus a crane; it being observed that these birds never separate, but continue in flocks, whether feeding or flying.

Companion is literally one who eats bread with us,* from con and panis, bread.

Consideration means star-gazing, observing the stars (sidera); and hence is applied to any attentive contemplation, such as astronomers give to the heavenly bodies; or rather that of astro­logers to the rising and setting of the stars.

Contrive is to find, or invent any thing, to discover a means of accomplishing an object; from con implying earnestness, and the Italian trovare, to find. Hence also we have treasure-trove, meaning treasure found.

Copious, abundant, comes from copia fulness, itself compounded of co and opis, indicating plentifulness.

Damage is hurt or loss, from damnum; whence also come " damn" and " condemn." " Indemnify'' and " indemnity" signify compensation for loss.

Demolish is to destroy, the opposite to edify; derived from de and moles a heap, denoting the casting down of any mass, or pile of building.

Demur is to put off, from de and mora delay.

Detriment is injury, in the sense of diminution of value; derived from tritus the past participle of tereo to rub. Anything is the worse for being

* " Mine own familiar friend............................ which did eat of

my bread."— Ps. xli. 9. " My companion.... mine own familiar friend."—Ps. lv. 14.

LECTURE X. 293

much rubbed or worn. " Trite" observations or arguments are such as are worn threadbare.

Disastrous is unfortunate, compounded of dis and astra, the stars; and may be traced to the prevalence of astrology in the middle ages, by which events were prognosticated by the stars " Disaster" implied an adverse or evil star.

Discrepancy means differing from; and had reference primarily to a difference in sound; from dis, and crepo to make a noise.

Dormant means sleeping, and is used to denote what is left to lie by; from dormio to sleep. Hence also we have " dormitory," a sleeping apart­ment; and " dormir," a name applied to windows of a sleeping room in the roof of old houses. A " dormouse" is a sleeping mouse.

Doubt is from dubito, literally to go in two ways, implying uncertainty which course to take; from duo two and itare, or itum from eo to go.

Egoism, more usually written, egotism, means a frequent and constant thought about and speaking of self; derived from the Latin pronoun ego I.

Ejaculations describe short prayers, or any sudden sentences; from e and jaculo to dart forth.

Eradicate is to take up from the root, from e and radix a root. The epithet Radical was first applied to those who demanded what they consi­dered " radical" or thorough reform.

Extirpate is of similar signification with the foregoing; derived from ex and stirps, a root.

294 LECTURE X.

Extricate means to free from any impediment or difficulty. The derivation is from ex and tricœ, snares, from which we also have tricks. The literal meaning of the word is hairs; and the original allusion is to hairs or threads put about the legs of fowl, to hinder them from wandering; and hence applied to any kind of incumbrance.

Farce and " farcical" denote what is stuffed; derived from farcire to cram; originally applied to a mixture of various kinds of viands, like sau­sages, and hence used to denote a medly filled with a variety of incidents, fitted to amuse.

Fierce means like a wild beast, from the Latin f era a wild beast.

Flagrant signifies flaming or ardent; and the term is applied to any glaring crime. The deri­vation is from flagro to burn, itself derived from flare to blow, fire being kindled by blowing.

Fragrant means breathing forth an agreeable odour; and appears to be derived from frango to break, it being well known that flowers and sweet-smelling plants emit their perfume most when broken or bruised.

Flatterers are apt to smooth down, with ex­panded and flat hands, those into whose favour they would desire to insinuate themselves; and hence the word flatter may have been formed from flat. Some etymologists, however, trace the word to flatare, a frequentative of the verb flare, to blow,

LECTURE X.

in reference to the soft pleasing whisperings breathed into the ear by flatterers.

Funeral is derived from funis a torch, because formerly performed by torchlight.

Futile means nonsensical, talking over much; and is to be traced to futilis, meaning that may be poured forth, from the obsolete Latin verb futere, to pour forth; and thus applied to a silly pouring forth of empty words.

Glance, as a verb and noun, implies a throwing out of hints or looks; and comes from lancea, a lance, javelin, or dart.

Herculean means possessing great bodily strength, like Hercules.

Hesitation means a sticking fast, and hence denotes doubt and uncertainty whether to pro­ceed; derived from h œro, hœsus, to stick. Human, " humane," " humanity," and the oppo-sites formed by in, are from homo, a man.

Humour comes from humis, wet or moist, whence " humid." The word in its primary mean­ing refers to the moisture of the body; and is also applied to the temper and disposition, to indicate whim or caprice.

same;

Identity and " identical" come from idem, the as also " identify," compounded with fio,

and "identification," with facio to make.

Ignoble means unworthy, base, from ig for in, negatively, and nobilis noble.

Importunate means troublesome; and to " im-

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portune" is to disturb, namely, by incessant appli­cation. The derivation is from the negative pre­fix im for in, and portus a port or harbour. Hence it came to signify unquiet, having no rest­ing place; and an "importunate" person is one who does not suffer others to rest, or to get into any place of escape from his " importunity."

Indolence implies freedom from pain or trouble; hence slothful, taking no trouble about anything; compounded of in as a negative, and doleo, to grieve.

Inebriated means drunken, literally in cups; the derivation being from bria a drinking cup, whence also we have " ebriety;" and on the other hand " sober," that is, sine briâ, without a cup.

Infant means one who cannot speak; from in as a negative, and fans from fari, to speak.

Inoculate is literally to in-eye, from in and oculus, the eye; and means to insert an eye or bud in trees and plants. The Turkish " inocula­tion" for the small-pox was first introduced into this country, under the name of ingrafting.

Insolent means unusual, presuming beyond measure, from in and solens usual; and hence " insolence" is applied in the sense of arrogance.

Intoxication is derived from toxicum, poison, a word probably derived from toxa the yew tree, the berries of which are poisonous.

Intrigue, through the French, is of similar derivation, but of opposite meaning, with extricate,

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noticed above, and of which the opposite is " intri-cate," which is found in Shakspeare " intrinsicate."*

Intrinsic means inward, close to the internal parts; and is applied to what is essential to the qualities constituting the nature of the thing.

Investigation denotes a tracing the tracks of any thing; from vestigium, a trace or vestige left by the feet of animals.

Itinerant is going or passing from one place to another; and an " itinerary" is a hand-book of a journey. The derivation is from it er a journey, which may be traced to itum, from ire to go. To the same root may be traced " iterate," to go over any thing again, from iterare, which denotes iter repetere, to repeat the journey. To " reiterate" a command is to repeat it over and over —to go over the same ground again and again.

Jovial means pertaining to Jove, or Jupiter, the king of gods among the pagan Romans. Hence it denotes fortunate or happy—full of mirth, and fond of good cheer, as Jupiter was supposed always to be. The term owes its origin to astro­logy, and was applied to one who was born under the planet Jupiter in the ascendant.†

* "With thy sharp teeth, this knot intrinsicate

Of life at once untie."— Antony and Cleopatra. Act v. sc. 2. In King Lear (Act ii. sc. 2) the word " intrinse" is employed in a similar way, for " intricate."

† " My lord, sleek o'er your rugged looks,

Be bright and jovial among your guests."— Shakspeare. " Our jovial star reign'd at his birth."— Ibid.

298 LECTURE X.

Language is derived from lingua the tongue, which may be traced to lingo, to lick.

Levitt is lightness, from levis light; and is applied to lightness of conduct. Hence also comes " alleviate," to bring lightness to another, to uplift a burden from the mind.

Lunacy is a term relating to the moon, luna; and " lunatics" were so designated, from the pre­valent opinion that the malady under which they suffer increased and decreased with the waxing and waning of the moon.

Martial means warlike, courageous; from Mars (Martis) the god of war. Of similar de­rivation with jovial, from Jupiter (Jovis).

Mercenary means one who takes payment or hire; from m erces a reward. The term is applied to troops not fighting for their own country, but hired by another government.

Mercurial owes its origin to astrology, simi­larly to jovial and martial already noticed. It means humorous and merry, also crafty and swift, such being the characteristics of the imaginary deity Mercury; and those who were born under the planet called after him, were supposed to par­take of his characteristics.*

* Shakspeare unites the three terms jovial, martial, and mercu-rial, together with reference to herculean, in two lines:— " His foot mercurial, his martial thigh, The brawns of Hercules; his jovial face."— Cymbeline.

LECTURE X.

Mercy denotes a willingness to spare or to for­give; and hence is used to signify kindness and compassion. It may be traced to misericordia, that is, heartfelt pity; but some etymologists give it a derivation which detracts from the character of unbought pity that we attach to the word. There is much, however, to lead one to adopt Skinner's opinion, who derives the word from merx a price; from which comes, through the Norman French, amerce, to impose a fine. As fines were accepted in commutation for life for­feited to the law, or over which power had been obtained in battle or in single combat, to mercy or grant mercy (that is, to grant that mercy or fine should be imposed and received as a ransom for life forfeited) was beneficence to the party to whom the punishment of death was remitted. To cry mercy was to pray that ransom might be accepted instead of life, and to grant mercy was to spare life in consideration of the ransom or 'price paid. And as this forbearance was attributed (whether justly or not) wholly to courtesy, hence came the application of " mercy," in the sense of free pardon and compassion.*

Necessary and " necessity" are negative terms. The former is used as equivalent to needful, un­avoidable, that cannot be done without; " necessa­ries" being things requisite for particular purposes;

* See Dr. Richardson's Dictionary, in verb.

300 LECTURE X.

and " necessitous" means poor, that is, wanting or not having things needful. There are several kinds of necessity; as logical, moral, physical and metaphysical.* The derivation of the word is from ne not, and cesso to cease. That is " neces­sary" which cannot be deferred or allowed to cease —which cannot be stopped, consistently with the accomplishment of the desired end.

Noise means a sound, applied to outcry and clamour; and may be traced to noxia or noxa, strife, and this from noceo, to hurt. Noy is an obsolete word, but we still have " annoy;" and a " noise" is that which annoys the hearer, imply­ing a noisome or offensive clamour.

Normal means measured by or adapted to rule; from norma a rule for measuring right angles. The word is of very recent introduction. Normal Schools were first established by the National Con­vention of France, and called by this name (nor-males) equivalent to model schools. " Abnormal" indicates a departure from rule; and " enormous" means beyond all rule, out of measure.

Oblivion is forgetfulness, from obliviscor to forget; and this verb is from oblivi the preter-

* " Connection of mental or verbal propositions, or of their respec­tive parts, makes up the idea of logical necessity; connection of end and means makes up the idea of moral necessity; connection of causes and effects is physical necessity; and connection of existence and essence is metaphysical necessity." Waterland, quoted by Dr. Richard­son, in verb.

LECTURE X.

perfect tense of oblivo, to blot out, because those things which are forgotten are obliterated from the mind or memory.

Onerous heavy, is from onus (onĕris) a load.

Opportune is convenient, seasonable; implying a harbour at hand, from op for ob and portus a harbour. The derivation is similar to that of " im­portune," and conveys an opposite meaning, distin­guished by the prefix, meaning before one's face.

Opulent means wealthy, from the Latin opu-lens, which is itself derived from opes wealth,— opibus abundans, abounding in riches.

Oval means like an egg (ovum) in shape.

Ovation denotes a triumph, or the ascribing of praise to a performer or public character. The origin of the term is to be traced to the manner in which a lesser triumph among the Romans was celebrated, when only a sheep was sacrificed to the gods; ovis being

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