THE LEXICOGRAPHER'S

EASY CHAIR

In this column, to decide questions concerning the current use of words, the Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary is consulted as arbiter.

Readers will please bear in mind that no notice will be taken of anonymous communications.

"F. W. St.," Pawtucket, R. I.-"Kindly give me the ages of the longest-lived people of (1) Bible times, (2) of our times, and (3) of people of the earliest times?"

(1) According to Genesis v, 21, Methuselah lived 969 years. Many theories have been advanced as regards the exact meaning of the word year in such cases, the general opinion being that a much shorter period than our year is denoted, but we have no proof of this. (2) In modern times, Thomas Parr, of England, lived from 1483-1635 A.D., or 152 years, and there are other instances, more or less authenticated, of similar ages. Recently attention has been called to the number of centenarians in Bulgaria and neighboring territories (which Metchnikoff suggested was due to their use of sour milk), but it is difficult to prove the ages, tho about 140 has been given as one. (3) The length of human life in the earliest times is also a matter of controversy, but most authorities agree that at least the average age is increasing with civilization.

"B. M. V.," New York, N. Y.-"What do the words oppidan and tug mean in English public-. school life?"

An oppidan at Eton College, England, is a student not on the foundation who boards in town. He is distinguished from a tug (see below). The word came into English through the old French oppidain, from the Latin oppidanus, from oppidum, a walled town. A tug is a scholar on the King's Foundation; he is a colleger. The tuggery is the examination that a student must pass to become a King's scholar. It also designates the King's scholars as a group. The word is said to be derived from a corruption of the Latin toga, the gown worn by King's scholars who were sometimes referred to as the togati.

"UNKNOWN CORRESPONDENT."-The maxim "Tace is Latin for candle" is an old phrase used humorously in requesting or promising silence. It is equivalent of "Mum's the word," tace being Latin for "Be silent."

"A. P. C.," New York, N. Y.-" (1) What is the meaning and history of the word dictionary? (2) Could you tell me the definition of acromagely?"

(1) The word dictionary is defined as A book containing the words of any language, sometimes together with their equivalents in another language, or the words employed in any science or art, or special branch of knowledge, arranged alphabetically, and usually also with the spelling, pronunciation, etymology, and definitions of the words, together with other explanatory or illustrative features." The word is derived from the late Latin dictionarium, which is itself derived from the Latin dictio, word, from dico, to say. The word dictionarius was used about 1225 A. D. as the title of a book arranged somewhat like a dictionary. The first English dictionary was issued in 1552. (2) Perhaps the term acromegaly is meant. This is defined as "A disorder characterized by an enlargement of the extremities, thorax, and face." The term is used in pathology.

"E. S.," New Rochelle, N. Y.--" Please give me the meaning of the word syndicalism." Syndicalism is defined as: "(1) An economic movement originating in France, but now widespread, which aims at the federation of workers in all trades into an effective unity for the purpose of enforcing the demands of labor by means of sympathetic strikes. (2) The principle underlying this movement."

"T. L., Chicago, Ill.-"Which is the correct preposition to use following the word gratified in We were highly gratified by, with, or for your action."

At is correct-"We were highly gratified at

your action

"

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RESORTS

VICTORY

Victory is a matter of "Human Machines." Your share in winning depends on your mental and physical fitness to do your utmost. Your country calls for no less.

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