XML FeedsA brief description of the word 'brief'
By thorgal on Sep 3, 2007 | In Altered English
If I had to brief you on the meaning of the word brief, I could have a look into my brief case and take out a dictionary. There I would find several clear and brief entries. However, none of those entries gives a valid explanation of the usage of the word brief In a sentence like "Vipers are very brief here". Used as an adjective the word in question mostly means 'short' - but short snakes?!
...
In the 18th and 19th century the word brief was used in the sense of 'common; prevalent'. Often when speaking about something negative like diseases, where it also denoted the quickness with which it spread.
You can find more information in John Russell Bartlett's Dictionary of Americanisms or in Samuel Pegge's "An Alphabet of Kenticisms". London, 1735-36.
Trackback address for this post
Trackback URL (right click and copy shortcut/link location)
No feedback yet
| « Don't raise your arms when you are pregnant! | Proverb » |
