Friday, 16 August 2013

467. IELTS - Word Histories 1


Word Histories 1

Lesson 1.

Words, like people, have a past, and as with people, some words have more interesting stories than others. Knowing a word's history can help you remember it and incorporate it into your daily speech. The following ten words have especially intriguing backgrounds. Read through the histories, then complete the self-tests that follow.

1. bootlegger (b»t"leg'*r) Originally, a "bootlegger" was a person who smuggled outlawed alcoholic liquor in the tops of his tall boots. Today the term is used to mean someone who unlawfully makes, sells, or transports alcoholic beverages without registration or payment of taxes.

2. bugbear (bug"bâr') The word refers to a source of fears, often groundless. It comes from a Welsh legend about a goblin in the shape of a bear that ate up naughty children.

3. fiasco (fe as"ko) "Fiasco" is the Italian word for flask or bottle. How it came to mean a complete and ignominious failure is obscure. One theory suggests that Venetian glassblowers set aside fine glass with flaws to make into common bottles.

4. jackanapes (jak"* naps') Today the word is used to describe an impertinent, presumptuous young man; a whippersnapper. Although its precise origin is uncertain, we know that the term was first used as an uncomplimentary nickname for William de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, who was murdered in 1450. His badge was an ape's clog and chain. In a poem of the time, Suffolk was called "the Ape-clogge," and later referred to as an ape called "Jack Napes."

5. jeroboam (jer'* bo"*m) We now use the term "jeroboam" to refer to a wine bottle having a capacity of about three liters. Historically, Jeroboam was the first king of the Biblical kingdom of Israel, described in I Kings 11:28 as "a mighty man of valor," who, three verses later, "made Israel to sin." Some authorities trace the origin of today's usage to the king, reasoning that since an oversized bottle of wine can cause sin, it too is a jeroboam.

6. nonplus (non plus", non"plus) The word "nonplus" means to make utterly perplexed, to puzzle completely. The original Latin phrase was "non plus ultra," meaning no more beyond, allegedly inscribed on the Pillars of Hercules, beyond which no ship could safely sail.

7. quisling (kwiz"ling) This term refers to a traitor, a person who betrays his or her own country by aiding an enemy and often serving later in a puppet government. It is directly derived from the name of Vidkun Quisling (1887–1945), a Norwegian army officer turned fascist who collaborated with the Nazis early in World War II.

8. bowdlerize (bod"l* riz', boud"-) In 1818, Scottish physician Dr. Thomas Bowdler published a new edition of Shakespeare's works. The value of his edition, he stated, lay in the fact that he had edited it so that all "words and expressions are omitted which cannot with propriety be read aloud to the family." Good intentions aside, he found himself being held up to ridicule. From his name is derived
the word "bowdlerize," meaning to expurgate a literary text in a prudish manner.

9. boycott (boi"kot) In an attempt to break the stranglehold of Ireland's absentee landlords, Charles Stewart Parnell advocated in 1880 that anyone who took over land from which a tenant had been evicted for nonpayment of rent should be punished "by isolating him from his kind as if he was a leper of old." The most famous application of Parnell's words occurred soon after on the estate of the Earl of Erne. Unable to pay their rents, the earl's tenants suggested a lower scale, but the manager of the estate, Captain Charles Cunningham Boycott, would not accept the reduction. In retaliation, the tenants applied the measures proposed by Parnell, not only refusing to gather crops and run the estate, but also intercepting Boycott's mail and food, humiliating him in the street, and threatening his life. Their treatment of Boycott became so famous that within a few months the newspapers were using his name to identify any such nonviolent coercive practices. Today "boycott" means to join together in abstaining from, or preventing dealings with, as a protest.

10. chauvinism (sho"v* niz'*m) One of Napoleon's most dedicated soldiers, Nicolas Chauvin was wounded seventeen times fighting for his emperor. After he retired from the army, he spoke so incessantly of the majestic glory of his leader and the greatness of France that he became a laughingstock. In 1831, his name was used for a character in a play who was an almost idolatrous worshiper of Napoleon. The word "chauvin" became associated with this type of extreme hero worship and exaggerated patriotism. Today we use the term "chauvinism" to refer to zealous and belligerent nationalism.

Matching Synonyms
Match each of the numbered words with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.

1. bootlegger                     a. fanatical patriotism _____
2. bugbear                         b. total failure _____
3. fiasco                             c. expurgate _____
4. jackanapes                     d. groundless fear _____
5. jeroboam                       e. oversized wine bottle _____
6. nonplus                          f. unlawful producer of alcohol _____
7. quisling                          g. rude fellow _____
8. bowdlerize                    h. perplex _____
9. boycott                          i. traitor _____
10. chauvinism                  j. strike _____

True/False
In the space provided, write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.

T or F

1. bowdlerize              expurgate _____
2. boycott                    male child (Scottish) _____
3. bootlegger               petty thief _____
4. fiasco                       celebration _____
5. chauvinism              fanatical patriotism _____
6. jackanapes               jack-of-all-trades _____
7. quisling                    turncoat _____
8. bugbear                   baseless fear _____
9. jeroboam                 ancient queen _____
10. nonplus                  certain _____

Lesson 2.

The origins of most of the following words can be traced to Latin. Read through the histories, then complete the self-tests.

1. aberration (ab'* ra"sh*n) This word comes from the Latin verb "aberrare," to wander away from. A person with a psychological "aberration" exhibits behavior that strays from the accepted path; hence the word means deviation from what is common, normal, or right.

2. abominate (* bom"* nat') "Abominate" is from the Latin "abominor," meaning I pray that the event predicted by the omen may be averted. The Romans murmured the word to keep away the evil spirits whenever anyone said something unlucky. Today we use it to mean to regard with intense aversion or loathing; abhor.

3. abracadabra (ab'r* k* dab"r*) This intriguing-sounding word was first used as a charm in the second century. The Romans believed that the word had the ability to cure toothaches and other illnesses. Patients seeking relief wrote the letters in the form of a triangle on a piece of parchment and wore it around their necks on a length of thread. Today "abracadabra" is used as a pretend conjuring word. It also means meaningless talk; nonsense.

4. wiseacre (wiz"a'k*r) Although the word "acre" in "wiseacre" makes it appear that the term refers to a unit of measurement, "wiseacre" is actually used contemptuously to mean a wise guy or a smart aleck. The term comes from the Dutch "wijssegger," which means soothsayer. Since soothsayers were considered learned, it was logical to call them "wise," which is what "wijs" means. The word "acre" is a mispronunciation of the Dutch "segger," sayer. There is a famous story in which the word was used in its present sense. In response to the bragging of a wealthy landowner, the English playwright Ben Jonson is said to have replied, "What care we for your dirt and clods? Where you have an acre of land, I have ten acres of wit." The chastened landowner is reported to have muttered: "He's Mr. Wiseacre."

5. ebullient (i bul"y*nt, i b»l"-) This word derives from the Latin "ebullire," to boil over. A person who is "ebullient" is overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement.

6. enclave (en"klav, än"-) The word "enclave" refers to a country or territory entirely or mostly surrounded by another country. More generally, it means a group enclosed or isolated within a larger one. The word comes ultimately from Latin "inclavare," to lock in.

7. expedite (ek"spi dit') The word "expedite" means to speed up the progress of something. It comes from the Latin "expedire," to set the feet free.

8. expunge (ik spunj") To indicate that a soldier had retired from service, the ancient Romans wrote a series of dots or points beneath his name on the service lists. The Latin "expungere" thus meant both to prick through and to mark off on a list. Similarly, the English word "expunge" means to strike or blot out; to erase.

9. inchoate (in ko"it, -at) "Inchoate" comes from the Latin "inchoare," to begin. Thus, an "inchoate" plan is not yet fully developed, or rudimentary.

10. prevaricate (pri var"i kat') Today "prevaricate" means to speak falsely or misleadingly with deliberate intent; to lie. It has its origin in a physical act. The Latin verb "praevaricare" means to spread apart. The plowman who "prevaricated," then, made crooked ridges, deviating from straight furrows in the field.

True/False
In the space provided, write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.

T or F

1. enclave                    rendezvous _____
2. abominate                detest _____
3. wiseacre                  large ranch _____
4. expunge                   erase _____
5. prevaricate               preplan _____
6. inchoate                   illogical _____
7. aberration                fidelity _____
8. expedite                  slow down _____
9. abracadabra             hocus-pocus _____
10. ebullient                enthusiastic _____

Matching Synonyms
Match each of the following numbered words with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.

1. wiseacre                  a. dispatch _____
2. enclave                    b. divergence _____
3. inchoate                   c. smarty-pants _____
4. abominate                d. obliterate _____
5. aberration                e. misstate _____
6. abracadabra             f. enclosure _____
7. expunge                   g. detest _____
8. expedite                  h. mumbo-jumbo _____
9. ebullient                  i. incipient _____
10. prevaricate             j. high-spirited _____

Lesson 3.

Powerful words may have their beginnings in historical events, myths and legends, and special terminology. Here are ten more powerful words with interesting or unusual histories. Read through the etymologies (word origins), then complete the self-tests that follow.

1. impeccable (im pek"* b*l) The word comes from the Latin "impeccabilis," without sin. The religious meaning has been only slightly extended over the years. Today an "impeccable" reputation is faultless, flawless, irreproachable.

2. ambrosia (am bro"zh*) Originally, "ambrosia" was the food of the Olympian gods (as "nectar" was their drink). The word comes from the Greek "a-," not, and "brostos," mortal; hence, eating ambrosia conferred immortality. Today the word means an especially delicious food, with the implication that the concoction is savory  nough to be fit for the gods. One popular dessert by this name contains shredded coconut, sliced fruits, and cream.

3. gerrymander (jer"i man'd*r, ger"-) In 1812, Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry conspired with his party to change the boundaries of voting districts to enhance their own political clout. Noticing that one such district resembled a salamander, a newspaper editor coined the term "gerrymander" to describe the practice of dividing a state, county, etc., into election districts so as to give one political party a majority while concentrating the voting strength of the other party into as few districts as possible.

4. mesmerize (mez"m* riz', mes"-) The Austrian doctor Friedrich Anton Mesmer first publicly demonstrated the technique of hypnotism in 1775. Today the term "mesmerize" is still used as a synonym for "hypnotize," but it has broadened to also mean spellbind or fascinate.

5. quintessence (kwin tes"*ns) The word comes from the medieval Latin term "quinta essentia," the fifth essence. This fifth primary element was thought to be ether, supposedly the constituent matter of the heavenly bodies, the other four elements being air, fire, earth, and water. The medieval alchemists tried to isolate ether  through distillation. These experiments gave us the contemporary meaning of the word: the pure and concentrated essence of a substance.

6. desultory (des"*l tôr'e) Some Roman soldiers went into battle with two horses, so that when one steed wearied, the soldier could vault onto the second horse striding along parallel to the first without losing any time. The same skill was employed by circus performers, especially charioteers, who could leap between two chariots riding abreast. Such a skilled horseman was called a "desultor," a leaper. Perhaps because these equestrians stayed only briefly on their mounts, the word "desultory" acquired its present meaning, lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order.

7. aegis (e"jis) When Zeus emerged victorious from his rebellion against the Titans, he attributed his success in part to his shield, which bore at its center the head of one of the Gorgons. The shield was reputedly made of goatskin, and hence its name, "aigis," was said to derive from the Greek "aig-," the stem of "aix," goat. Our present use of the word to mean protection or sponsorship evolved from the notion of eighteenth-century English writers who assumed that the "egis" of Zeus or Athena—or their Roman counterparts Jove and Minerva—
protected all those who came under its influence. Today the preferred spelling of the word is "aegis."

8. adieu (* d»", * dy»") The French expression "à Dieu" literally means to God. It is an abbreviation of the sentence "Je vous recommande à Dieu," I commend you to God, used between friends at parting. Both in French and in English the word means good-bye or farewell.

9. aloof (* l»f") The word was originally a sailor's term, "a loof," to the luff or windward direction, perhaps from the Dutch "te loef," to windward. Etymologists believe that our use of the word to mean at a distance, especially in feeling or interest, comes from the idea of keeping a ship's head to the wind, and thus clear of the lee shore toward which it might drift.

10. bluestocking (bl»"stok'ing) A "bluestocking" is a woman with considerable scholarly, literary, or intellectual ability or interest. The word originated in connection with intellectual gatherings held in London about 1750 in the homes of women bored by the more frivolous pastimes of their age. Lavish evening dress was not required at these affairs; in fact, to put at ease visitors who could not afford expensive clothing, the women themselves dressed simply. One of the male guests went so far as to wear his everyday blue worsted stockings rather than the black silk ones usually worn at evening social gatherings. In response to their interests and dress, the English naval officer Admiral Edward Boscawen (1711–1761) is said to have sarcastically called these gatherings "the Blue Stocking Society."

Definitions

Select the best definition for each numbered word. Circle your answer.

1. mesmerize
a. attack                       b. burst forth               c. fascinate

2. desultory
a. aggressive                b. fitful                        c. nasty

3. aloof
a. remote                     b. sailing                      c. windy

4. aegis
a. intense interest        b. goat                         c. sponsorship

5. gerrymander
a. medieval gargoyle   b. combine for historical sense c. redistrict for political advantage

6. impeccable
a. guileless                   b. perfect                     c. impeachable

7. adieu
a. good-bye                 b. hello                        c. about-face

8. ambrosia
a. suppository              b. flower                      c. delicious food

9. quintessence
a. pith                          b. fruit                         c. oil

10. bluestocking
a. ill-dressed woman   b. intellectual woman c. poor man


Matching Synonyms
Select the best synonym for each numbered word. Write your answer in the space provided.

1. adieu                                   a. delicious food _____
2. aloof                                    b. inconsistent; random _____
3. gerrymander                        c. distant; remote _____
4. ambrosia                              d. farewell _____
5. impeccable                          e. sponsorship _____
6. bluestocking                        f. enthrall _____
7. desultory                             g. without fault _____
8. aegis                                    h. concentrated essence _____
9. mesmerize                           i. divide a political district _____
10. quintessence                      j. a well-read woman _____

Lesson 4.

The following words are all based on Greek myths and legends. Read through their histories, then complete the self-tests.

1. amazon (am"* zon') The word comes ultimately from the Greek, but the origin of the Greek word is uncertain. "Amazon" refers to a tall, powerful, aggressive woman. The Amazons of legend were female warriors, allied with the Trojans against the Greeks.

2. anemone (* nem"* ne') This spring flower is named for Anemone, daughter of the wind. It  comes from Greek "anemos," the wind.

3. cornucopia (kôr'n* ko"pe *, -ny*-) According to Greek mythology, to save the infant Zeus from being swallowed by his father, Cronus, his mother, Rhea, hid her son in a cave and tricked Cronus into swallowing a stone wrapped in a cloth. The infant was then entrusted to the care of the nymph Amaltheia, who fed him on goat's milk. One day she filled a goat's horn with fresh fruit and herbs. The horn was thereafter magically refilled, no matter how much the child ate. To the Greeks, this  boundless source was the horn of Amaltheia; to the Romans, it was the "cornu
copiae," from "cornu," horn, and "copia," plenty. We know a "cornucopia" as a horn containing food or drink in endless supply or horn of plenty. It is often used as a symbol of abundance.

4. diadem (di"* dem') In his quest to create a vast, unified empire with Babylon as its capital, the Macedonian hero Alexander the Great adopted a number of Persian and Oriental customs. He began to wear a blue-edged white headband with two ends trailing to the shoulders, a Persian symbol of royalty. The Greeks called this headpiece a "diadema," literally a binding over. The headpiece was adopted by other monarchs down through the ages and further embellished with gold and gems, eventually evolving into a rich crown. Today a "diadem" is a crown or a headband worn as a symbol of royalty.

5. epicure (ep"i ky»r') Epicurus was a Greek philosopher who lived from 342 to 270 B.C. He believed that pleasure, attained mainly through pure and noble thoughts, constituted the highest happiness. After his death, his disciples spread his views. Their critics argued that Epicurus's theory was little more than an excuse for debauchery. From this argument we derive the presentday meaning of "epicure," a person with luxurious tastes or habits, especially in eating or drinking.

6. esoteric (es'* ter"ik) From the Greek "esoterikos," inner, the word was used to describe the secret doctrines taught by the philosopher Pythagoras to a select few of his disciples. Hence "esoteric" means understood by or meant only for those who have special knowledge or interest; recondite.

7. labyrinth (lab"* rinth) According to the Greek myth, King Minos of Crete ordered Daedalus to build a prison for the Minotaur, a half-bull, half-human monster. Daedalus succeeded by creating a series of twisting passageways that kept the monster imprisoned. Today a "labyrinth" is a devious arrangement of linear patterns forming a design; a maze.

8. lethargy (leth"*r je) The Greeks believed in an afterlife. In their mythology, the dead crossed the river Lethe, which flowed through Hades, the underground realm. Anyone who drank its water forgot the past. The Greek word "lethargia" derives from "lethe," forgetfulness. Hence our English word "lethargy," drowsiness or sluggishness.

9. mentor (men"tôr, -t*r) In the Odyssey of Homer, Mentor is Odysseus's friend and tutor to his son Telemachus. Today the word "mentor" means trusted teacher or guide.

10. nemesis (nem"* sis) Nemesis was the Greek goddess of vengeance, whose task it was to punish the proud and the insolent. Today a "nemesis" is an agent or act of retribution or punishment, or something that a person cannot conquer or achieve.

True/False
In the space provided, write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.

T or F

1. diadem                    crown _____
2. labyrinth                  lazy _____
3. mentor                     mendacious _____
4. amazon                    female warrior _____
5. anemone                  mollusk _____
6. esoteric                    arcane _____
7. lethargy                   lassitude _____
8. nemesis                    downfall _____
9. cornucopia               foot ailment _____
10. epicure                   hidden _____

Defining Words

Define each of the following words.

1. diadem _____________________________________________________
2. esoteric________________________________________________________
3. mentor _________________________________________________________
4. nemesis _________________________________________________________
5. amazon _____________________________________________________
6. epicure _________________________________________________________
7. anemone _________________________________________________________
8. cornucopia  ______________________________________________________
9. labyrinth ________________________________________________________
10. lethargy______________________________________________________

Lesson 5.

Now study the curious origins of these ten words and work through the two self-tests that follow.

1. ostracize (os"tr* siz') The word "ostracize" comes originally from the Greek "ostrakon," tile, potsherd, shell. It refers to the ancient Greek practice of banishing a man by writing his name on a shell or a bit of earthen tile. Anyone considered dangerous to the state was sent into exile for ten years. The judges cast their votes by writing on the shells or pottery shards and dropping them into an urn. The word "ostracize" still retains the same sense, to exclude, by general consent, from society.

2. sycophant (sik"* f*nt, -fant') The word "sycophant" now means a self-seeking, servile flatterer. Originally, it was used to refer to an informer or slanderer. Curiously, it comes from Greek "sykon," fig, and "-phantes," one who shows; thus, a fig-shower. One explanation for this odd coinage is that in ancient Greece a sycophant was an informer against merchants engaged in the unlawful exportation of figs.

3. cynosure (si"n* sh»r', sin"*-) According to the myth, Zeus chose to honor the nymph who cared for him in his infancy by placing her in the sky as a constellation. One of her stars was so brilliant and stationary that all the other stars seemed to revolve around it. To the practicalminded ancient mariners, however, the bottom three stars of the constellation looked like a dog's tail. They named the entire constellation "Cynosura," dog's tail. From its name we get our word
"cynosure," something that attracts attention by its brilliance or interest. By the way, we now call the constellation "Ursa Minor," Little Bear, and the bright star "Polaris," Pole Star or North Star.

4. belfry (bel"fre) Oddly enough, this word has nothing to do with bells, except by association. Originally, a "belfry" was a movable tower rolled up close to the walls of a besieged city by soldiers in wartime. Later, a belfry was a tower to protect watchmen, or a watchtower in which alarm bells were hung, through which usage it finally became a bell tower. The word came into English from Old French, which in turn may have taken it from a Germanic military term.

5. debauch (di bôch") Today we define the word "debauch" as to corrupt by sensuality, intemperance, etc. It comes from the French word "débaucher," meaning to entice away from work or duty.

6. eldorado (el'd* "do, -ra"-) The word comes from Spanish legends of an incredibly wealthy city in South America, so rich that its streets were paved with gold. Many adventurers set off to find this elusive city; in 1595 Sir Walter Raleigh ventured into Guiana in a vain attempt to locate it. Among the Spaniards, the king of this fabulous land came to be called "El Dorado," the Golden One. Today "eldorado" is used generally to mean any fabulously wealthy place.

7. esquire (es"kwi*r) In medieval times, young men who wished to become knights first had to serve other knights. Their primary duty was to act as shield bearer. Because of this duty, the young man was called an "esquire," from the French "esquier," shield bearer, ultimately going back to the Latin "scutum," shield. Later the title "esquire" came to be attached to the sons of a nobleman; eventually it referred to any man considered a gentleman. Today it is often appended to a lawyer's name; in Britain, it is applied to a member of the gentry ranking next below a knight.

8. filibuster (fil"* bus't*r) In the seventeenth century, English seamen who attacked Spanish ships and brought back wealth from New Spain were called "buccaneers." In Holland, they were known as "vrijbuiters," free robbers. In French, the word became first "fribustier" and then "flibustier." In Spain, the term was "filibustero." Then, when the nineteenth-century American soldier of fortune William Walker tried to capture Sonora, Mexico, the Mexicans promptly dubbed him a "filibuster." Today the term refers to the use of irregular or disruptive tactics, such as exceptionally long speeches, by a member of a legislative assembly. The current use of the word may have arisen through a comparison of a legislator's determination to block a bill with the tactics used by William Walker to evade the law.

9. furlong (fûr"lông, -long) In the twelfth century, an acre of land was defined as the area a yoke of oxen could plow in one day. As such, the size varied from place to place but always greatly exceeded what we accept today as an acre. In some places, an acre was defined by the area a team of eight oxen could plow in a day—about an eighth of a Roman mile, also called a "stadium." The length of the plow's furrows were thus each about a stadium in length; this became a convenient measure of distance—a "furlang" in Old English, from "furh," furrow, and "lang," long. This measure was then standardized to an area forty rods in length by four rods in width; however, the rod was not a standard measure either. Later, when the length of a yard was
standardized, "furlong" came to be used simply as a term for a unit of distance an eighth of a mile or 220 yards in length.

10. galvanism (gal"v* niz'*m) In the mid-eighteenth century, Luigi Galvani, a professor of anatomy at the University of Bologna, concluded that the nerves are a source of electricity. Although Volta later proved his theory incorrect, Galvani's pioneering work inspired other scientists to produce electricity by chemical means. Today the term "galvanism," electricity, honors Galvani.

Test 1: Definitions
Each of the following phrases contains an italicized word. See how many you can define correctly. Write your answer in the space provided.

_____ 1. bats in the belfry
a. cave
b. brain
c. bell tower
d. tropical tree

_____ 2. ostracized from society
a. banished
b. beaten
c. walked
d. welcomed

_____ 3. a hopeless sycophant
a. dreamer
b. alcoholic
c. romantic
d. toady

_____ 4. travel a furlong
a. acre
b. year
c. week
d. less than a mile

_____ 5. seek eldorado
a. physical comfort
b. delicious food
c. wealthy place
d. death

_____ 6. add the title esquire
a. gentleman
b. married man
c. duke
d. professional

_____ 7. debauched by the experience
a. impoverished
b. corrupted
c. strengthened
d. enriched

_____ 8. a lengthy filibuster
a. entertainment
b. obstructive tactics
c. childhood
d. voyage

_____ 9. powerful galvanism
a. electric current
b. discoveries
c. gases
d. weapons

_____ 10. the cynosure of all eyes
a. defect
b. attraction
c. sky-blue color
d. cynicism

True/False
In the space provided, write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.

T or F

1. belfry                       steeple _____
2. debauch                   corrupt _____
3. esquire                     attorney's title _____
4. ostracize                  exclude _____
5. filibuster                  obstruction _____
6. furlong                    eighth of a mile _____
7. cynosure                  sarcasm _____
8. eldorado                  Spain _____
9. galvanism                atomic power _____
10. sycophant              flatterer _____

Lesson 6.

Our language is enriched by many exotic words with curious histories. Here are ten new ones to add to your growing vocabulary. Read through the etymologies and complete the two self-tests that follow.

1. juggernaut (jug"*r nôt', -not') Our modern word "juggernaut" comes from the Hindi name for a huge image of the god Vishnu, "Jagannath," at Puri, a city in Orissa, India. Each summer, the statue is moved to a new location a little less than a mile away from the old one. Early tourists to India brought back strange stories of worshipers throwing themselves under the wheels of the wagon carrying the idol. Since any shedding of blood in the presence of the god is sacrilege, what these travelers probably witnessed was a weary pilgrim being accidentally crushed to death.
Thus, thanks to exaggeration and ignorance, "juggernaut" came to mean blind and relentless selfsacrifice.
In addition, the word means any large, overpowering, or destructive force.
2. iconoclast (i kon"* klast') An "iconoclast" is a person who attacks cherished beliefs or traditional institutions. It is from the Greek "eikon," image, and "klastes," breaker. Although the contemporary usage is figurative, the word was originally used in a literal sense to describe the great controversy within the Christian church in the eighth century over religious images. One camp held that all visual representations should be destroyed because they encouraged idol worship; the other, that such artworks simply inspired the viewers to feel more religious. By the mid-eighth century, untold numbers of relics and images had been destroyed. The issue was not
settled for nearly a century, when the images were restored to the church in Constantinople.

3. laconic (l* kon"ik) In Sparta, the capital of the ancient Greek region of Laconia, the children were trained in endurance, cunning, modesty, and self-restraint. From the terse style of speech and writing of the Laconians we derive the English word "laconic." Today the word retains this meaning, expressing much in few words.

4. gamut (gam"*t) Guido of Arezzo, one of the greatest musicians of medieval
times, is credited with being first to use the lines of the staff and the spaces between them. He used the Greek letter "gamma" for the lowest tone in the scale. This note was called "gamma ut." Contracted to "gamut," it then designated the entire scale. The word quickly took on a figurative as well as a literal sense. Today "gamut" is defined as the entire scale or range.

5. guillotine (gil"* ten', ge"*-) After the outbreak of the French Revolution, Dr. Joseph Ignace Guillotin became a member of the National Assembly. During an early debate, he proposed that future executions in France be conducted by a humane beheading machine that he had seen in operation in another country. His suggestion was received favorably; in 1791, after Dr. Guillotin had retired from public service, the machine that bears his name was designed by Antoine Louis and built by a German named Schmidt. The guillotine was first used in 1792 to behead a thief. At that time, the device was called a "Louisette" after its designer; but the public began calling it after Dr. Guillotin, the man who had first advocated its use.

6. horde (hôrd) Upon the death of Genghis Khan, his grandson Batu Khan led the Mongol invasion of Europe, cutting a merciless swath from Moscow to Hungary. At each post, Batu erected a sumptuous tent made of silk and leather. His followers called it the "sira ordu," the silken camp. In Czech and Polish the Turkic "ordu" was changed to "horda." The name came to be applied not only to Batu's tent but also to his entire Mongol army. Because of the terror they inspired across the land, "horde" eventually referred to any Tartar tribe. Today, it means any large crowd; swarm.

7. lyceum (li se"*m) The Lyceum was the shrine dedicated to Apollo by the Athenians. The name came from the Greek "Lykeion," meaning Wolf Slayer, a nickname of Apollo. The shrine was a favorite haunt of the Athenian philosophers, especially Aristotle, who taught his disciples while walking along its paths. Thus, the word "lyceum" came to mean an institute for popular education, providing discussions, lectures, concerts, and so forth.

8. macabre (m* "br*, -kä"b*r) In modern usage, "macabre" means gruesome and horrible, pertaining to death. Its history is uncertain. However, most etymologists believe that the word's use in the French phrase "Danse Macabre," dance of Macabre, a translation of Medieval Latin "chorea Macchabeorum," connects the word with the Maccabees, the leaders of the Jewish rebellion against Syria about 165 B.C., whose death as martyrs is vividly described in the Book of Maccabees (a part of the Apocrypha).

9. gargantuan (gär gan" ch» *n) The sixteenth-century French writer François Rabelais created a giant he named "Gargantua" after a legendary giant of the Middle Ages. To fuel his enormous bulk—Gargantua rode on a horse as large as six elephants—he had to consume prodigious amounts of food and drink. Today we use the word "gargantuan" to mean gigantic, enormous.

10. libertine (lib"*r ten') In ancient Rome, "libertinus" referred to a freed slave. Since those freed from slavery were unlikely to be strict observers of the laws that had enslaved them in the first place, "libertine" came to designate a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained.

Matching Synonyms

Match each of the numbered words with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.

1. lyceum                           a. skeptic _____
2. libertine                         b. academy _____
3. iconoclast                      c. overpowering force _____
4. horde                             d. terse _____
5. gargantuan                    e. gruesome _____
6. laconic                           f. dissolute person _____
7. guillotine                       g. beheading machine _____
8. juggernaut                     h. entire range _____
9. gamut                            i. huge _____
10. macabre                       j. crowd _____


Defining Words

Define each of the following words.
1. iconoclast _____________________________________________________
2. libertine  _____________________________________________________
3. gamut ______________________________________________________
4. macabre _____________________________________________________
5. guillotine ____________________________________________________
6. laconic _________________________________________________________
7. gargantuan _______________________________________________________
8. lyceum ___________________________________________________________
9. horde ___________________________________________________________
10. juggernaut  _______________________________________________________

Lesson 7.

The English language has adopted a prodigious number of words from unexpected sources.
Read through the histories of the ten unusual words that follow and then complete the self-tests.

1. imp (imp) In Old English, an imp was originally a young plant or seedling. Eventually, the term came to be used figuratively to indicate a descendant of a royal house, usually a male. Probably because of the behavior of such children, the word became synonymous with a young demon. Since the sixteenth century, the original meaning of "imp" as scion has been completely dropped, and the word is now used exclusively to mean a little devil or demon, an evil spirit, or an urchin.

2. kaleidoscope (k* li"d* skop') Invented in 1816 by Scottish physicist Sir David Brewster, the "kaleidoscope" is a scientific toy constructed of a series of mirrors within a tube. When the tube is turned by hand, symmetrical, ever-changing patterns can be viewed through the eyepiece. Brewster named his toy from the Greek "kalos," beautiful; "eidos," form; and "skopos," watcher.

3. knave (nav) In Old English, the word "knave" (then spelled "cnafa") referred to a male child, a boy. It was later applied to a boy or man employed as a servant. Many of these boys had to be wily to survive their hard lot; thus the word gradually evolved to mean a rogue or rascal.

4. Machiavellian (mak'e * vel"e *n) The Florentine political philosopher Nicolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) was a fervent supporter of a united Italy. Unfortunately, his methods for achieving his goals placed political expediency over morality. His masterpiece, The Prince (1513), advocated deception and hypocrisy on the grounds that the end justifies the means. Therefore, the adjective "Machiavellian" means unscrupulous, cunning, and deceptive in the pursuit of power.

5. indolence (in"dl *ns) Originally, "indolence" meant indifference. The word was used in that sense until the sixteenth century. Probably because indifference is frequently accompanied by an unwillingness to bestir oneself, the term has now come to mean lazy or slothful.

6. incubus/succubus (in"ky* b*s, ing"-; suk"y* b*s) In the Middle Ages, women were thought to give birth to witches after being visited in their sleep by an "incubus," or evil male spirit. The female version of this spirit, said to be the cause of nightmares, was a "succubus." Because the evil spirit pressed upon the sleeper's body and soul, the term "incubus" also means something that oppresses like a nightmare.

7. hoyden (hoid"n) A "hoyden" is a boisterous, ill-bred girl; a tomboy. The word is usually linked to the Dutch "heyden," meaning a rustic person or rude peasant, originally a heathen or pagan, and is related to the English word "heathen." At first in English the word meant a rude, boorish man, but beginning in the 1600s it was applied to girls in the sense of a tomboy. How the change came about is uncertain.


8. guinea (gin"e) The guinea was a gold coin first minted in 1663 for the use of speculators trading with Africa. The coins were called "guineas" because the trade took place along the coast of Guinea. The British guinea came to be worth 21 shillings. After the establishment of the gold standard in the early nineteenth century, no more guineas were struck. In Great Britain, a pound and one shilling is still often called a "guinea."

9. macadam (m* kad"*m) While experimenting with methods of improving road construction, John McAdam, a Scotsman, concluded that the prevailing practice of placing a base of large stones under a layer of small stones was unnecessary. As surveyor-general for the roads of Bristol, England, in the early nineteenth century, McAdam built roads using only six to ten inches of small crushed stones, thereby eliminating the cost of constructing the base. Not only were the results impressive, the savings were so remarkable that his idea soon spread to other countries.
McAdam's experiments led to our use of the term "macadam" for a road surface or pavement.

10. mackintosh (mak"in tosh') In 1823, Scottish chemist Charles Macintosh discovered that the newfangled substance called "rubber" could be dissolved with naphtha. This solution could be painted on cloth to produce a waterproof covering. Clothing made from Macintosh's invention came to be called "mackintoshes," or raincoats.


True/False
In the space provided, write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.

T or F

1. incubus                    evil spirit _____
2. hoyden                    howl _____
3. guinea                      rush basket _____
4. macadam                 raincoat _____
5. mackintosh              road surface _____
6. imp                          male servant _____
7. Machiavellian          principled _____
8. kaleidoscope           optical toy _____
9. indolence                 laziness _____
10. knave                     dishonest fellow _____

Matching Synonyms

Select the best definition for each numbered word. Write your answer in the space provided.

1. macadam                 a. raincoat _____
2. hoyden                    b. little mischiefmaker _____
3. guinea                      c. laziness _____
4. mackintosh              d. optical toy _____
5. machiavellian          e. pavement _____
6. imp                          f. rogue _____
7. kaleidoscope           g. evil spirit _____
8. knave                       h. gold coin _____
9. indolence                 i. sly and crafty _____
10. incubus                  j. tomboy _____


Lesson 8.

Now read about these ten words and complete the tests that follow.

1. maelstrom (mal"str*m) The word's figurative meaning, a restless, disordered state of affairs, is derived from its literal one. Today's meaning comes from "Maelstrom," the name of a strong tidal current off the coast of Norway. The current creates a powerful whirlpool because of its configuration. According to legend, the current was once so strong that it could sink any vessel that ventured near it.

2. insolent (in"s* l*nt) The word comes from the Latin "insolentem," which literally meant not according to custom. Since those who violate custom are likely to offend, "insolent" evolved to imply that the person was also vain and conceited. From this meaning we derive our present usage, contemptuously rude or impertinent in speech or behavior.

3. interloper (in"t*r lo'p*r) The word "interloper" was used in the late sixteenth century to describe Spanish traders who carved out for themselves a piece of the successful trade the British had established with the Russians. The word was formed on the analogy of "landloper," meaning one who trespasses on another's land, from a Dutch word literally meaning land runner. Although the dispute over the Spanish intrusion was settled within a few years, the word remained in use to mean one who intrudes into some region or field of trade without a proper license or thrusts himself or herself into the affairs of others.

4. halcyon (hal"se *n) According to classical mythology, the demigod Halcyone threw herself into the sea when she saw the drowned body of her beloved mortal husband. After her tragic death, the gods changed Halcyone and her husband into birds, which they called "halcyons," our present-day kingfishers. The Greeks believed the sea calmed as the birds built their nests and hatched their eggs upon its waves during the seven days before and after the winter solstice. This period came to be known as "halcyon days." The adjective is now used to mean calm, peaceful,
prosperous, or joyful.

5. hector (hek"t*r) Hector was a great Trojan hero, son of King Priam. As Homer recounts in the Iliad, Hector took advantage of his enemy Achilles's departure from the Greek camp to drive the Greeks back to their ships and slay Achilles's dearest friend, Patroclus. To the Romans, who regarded themselves as descendants of the Trojans, Hector was a symbol of courage. But in the seventeenth century, the name was applied to the gangs of bullies who terrorized the back streets of London. It is to their transgressions that we owe the present use of "hector," to harass or persecute.

6. helpmeet (help"met') This synonym for helpmate, companion, wife, or husband is the result of a misunderstanding. The word comes from Genesis 2:18, "And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." In this passage, "meet" means proper or appropriate, but the two words came to be read as one, resulting in the word's current spelling.

7. hermetic (hûr met"ik) The Greeks linked the Egyptian god Thoth with Hermes, calling him "Hermes Trismegistus," Hermes Three-Times Greatest. He was accepted as the author of the books that made up the sum of Egyptian learning, called the "Hermetic Books." Since these fortytwo works largely concerned the occult sciences, "hermetic" came to mean secret, and in a later usage, made airtight by fusion or sealing.

8. intransigent (in tran"si j*nt) When Amadeus, the son of Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, was forced to abdicate the throne of Spain in 1873, those favoring a republic attempted to establish a political party. This group was called in Spanish "los intransigentes" (from "in-," not + "transigente," compromising) because they could not come to terms with the other political parties. The term passed into English as "intransigent." Today the word retains the same meaning: uncompromising or inflexible.

9. jitney (jit"ne) The origin of this term has long baffled etymologists. The word first appeared in American usage in the first decade of the twentieth century as a slang term for a nickel. The word then became associated with the public motor vehicles whose fare was five cents. Some authorities have theorized that the term is a corruption of "jeton," the French word for token. Today a "jitney" is a small passenger bus following a regular route at varying hours.

10. junket (jung"kit) At first, the word referred to a basket of woven reeds used for carrying fish, and was ultimately derived from Latin "juncus," reed. Then the basket was used to prepare cheese, which in turn came to be called "junket." Since the basket also suggested the food it could carry, "junket" later evolved to mean a great feast. Today we use the term in closely related meanings: a sweet custardlike food or flavored milk curdled with rennet or a pleasure excursion.

Matching Synonyms
Match each numbered word with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.

1. halcyon                    a. tightly sealed _____
2. intransigent             b. intruder _____
3. jitney                       c. impertinent _____
4. maelstrom                d. peaceful _____
5. junket                      e. inflexible _____
6. hector                      f. small bus _____
7. insolent                    g. companion _____
8. hermetic                  h. pleasure trip _____
9. interloper                 i. harass _____
10. helpmeet                j. disorder _____


True/False
In the space provided, write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.

T or F

1. halcyon                       calm _____
2. jitney                          juggler _____
3. maelstrom                   masculine _____
4. intransigent                uncompromising _____
5. insolent                       rude _____
6. interloper                    welcome guest _____
7. junket                         refuse _____
8. hector                         helper _____
9. hermetic                     airtight _____
10. helpmeet                   newcomer _____

Lesson 9.

The interesting origins of these ten words can help you remember their current meanings. Complete the quizzes after your reading.

1. knickers (nik"*rz) The descendants of the Dutch settlers in New York are sometimes known as "Knickerbockers." Thus, the term for the loosely fitting short trousers gathered at the knee that we call "knickers" derives from the name of the people who wore them, the Knickerbockers. The pants first came to public attention in the illustrations to Washington Irving's A History of New York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty, published in 1809 under the pen name Diedrich Knickerbocker. Knickers were formerly extremely popular attire for boys and young men.

2. magenta (m* jen"t*) On June 4, 1859, the French and Sardinian armies of Napoleon III won a decisive victory over the Austrian army in the northern fields of Italy near the small town of Magenta. At the time of the victory, scientists had just created a dye imparting a lovely reddishpurple color but had not yet named it. When the French chemists heard of the momentous triumph for their country, they named the dye "magenta" in honor of the victory. Today we call this reddish-purple color "magenta," but the dye itself is technically known as "fuchsin" (as in "fuchsia").

3. garret (gar"it) Originally, the French word "garite" referred to a watchtower from which a sentry could look out for approaching enemies. Among the things the Normans brought when they conquered England was the word "garite." In England the word came to mean a loft or attic and its spelling was altered to "garret."

4. mandrake (man"drak) The original name for this narcotic herb was "mandragora," which is still its scientific name; the word comes from Greek "mandragoras," of unknown origin. In the Middle Ages, Englishmen erroneously assumed that "mandragora" came from "mandragon," a combination of "man," because of the appearance of its forked root, and "dragon," because of its noxious qualities. Since a dragon was then commonly called a "drake," the plant came to be called "mandrake."

5. gazette (g* zet") In the beginning of the sixteenth century, Venetians circulated a small tin coin of little value they called a "gazzetta," a diminutive of the word "gaza," magpie. Soon after, the government began to print official bulletins with news of battles, elections, and so forth. Because the cost of the newspaper was one gazzetta, the leaflet itself eventually came to be called a "gazzetta." By the end of the century, the term was used in England as well. The present spelling is the result of French influence. Today a "gazette" refers to a newspaper or official government journal.

6. martinet (mär'tn et", mär"tn et') Seeking to improve his army, in 1660 Louis XIV hired Colonel Jean Martinet, a successful infantry leader, to devise a drill for France's soldiers. Martinet drilled his soldiers to such exacting standards that his name came to be applied to any officer intent on maintaining military discipline or precision. Thus, in English, a "martinet" is a strict disciplinarian, especially a military one. Interestingly, in France, Martinet's name acquired no such negative connotation.

7. gorgon (gôr"g*n) The name comes from the Greek myth of the three monstrous sisters who inhabited the region of Night. Together they were known as the "Gorgons"; their individual names were Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa. Little has been written about the first two. Medusa was the most hideous and dangerous; her appearance, with her head of writhing serpents, was so ghastly that anyone who  looked directly at her was turned to stone. A secondary meaning of "gorgon" is a
mean or repulsive woman.

8. maudlin (môd"lin) This word, meaning tearfully or weakly emotional, comes from the miracle plays of the Middle Ages. Although these plays depicted many of the Biblical miracles, the most popular theme was the life of Mary Magdalene. The English pronounced her name "maudlin," and since most of the scenes in which she appeared were tearful, this pronunciation of her name became associated with mawkish sentimentality.

9. meander (me an"d*r) In ancient times, the Menderes River in western Turkey was so remarkable for its twisting path that its Greek name, "Maiandros," came to mean a winding. In Latin this word was spelled "maeander," hence English "meander," used mainly as a verb and meaning to proceed by a winding or indirect course.

10. gossamer (gos"* m*r) In fourth-century Germany, November was a time of feasting and merrymaking. The time-honored meal was roast goose. So many geese were eaten that the month came to be called "Gänsemonat," goose month. The term traveled to England but in the course of migration, it became associated with the period of unseasonably warm autumn weather we now call "Indian summer." During the warm spell, large cobwebs are found draped in the grass or suspended in the air. These delicate, airy webs, which we call "gossamer," are generally believed to have taken their name from "goose summer," when their appearance was most noticeable. We now define "gossamer" as something fine, filmy, or light; it also means thin and light.


Sentence Completion
Complete each sentence with the appropriate word from the following list.

gossamer gorgon maudlin magenta garret meander mandrake knickers gazette martinet

1. It is pleasant to ___________ slowly down picturesque country roads on crisp autumn afternoons.

2. The movie was so ___________ that I was still crying when the closing credits began to roll.

3. The teacher was such a ___________ that his students soon rebelled fiercely against his strict regulations.

4. In ancient days, the root of the ___________ was surrounded by myths: it was believed that it could cast out demons from the sick, cause madness, or even make a person fall hopelessly in love.

5. Your entire load of white laundry will likely turn pink or even ___________ if you include even a single new and previously unwashed red or purple sock.

6. Many budding artists have romantic fantasies about living in a wretched ___________ and starving for the sake of their art.

7. Men rarely wear ___________ any longer for playing golf, but the style was popular for many years.

8. The ___________ cobwebs shredded at the slightest touch.

9. Since the daily ___________ has excellent coverage of local sports, cultural events, and regional news, we tend to overlook its weak coverage of international events.

10. The gossip columnist was so mean and ugly that her victims referred to her as a
___________.


Definitions
Select the correct definition for each numbered word. Write your answer in the space provided.

_____ 1. knickers
a. short pants
b. soccer players
c. early settlers
d. punch line

_____ 2. meander
a. moan
b. ramble
c. strike back
d. starve


_____ 3. gorgon
a. misunderstood person
b. foregone conclusion
c. hideous monster
d. midget

_____ 4. magenta
a. military victory
b. electricity
c. machinations
d. reddish-purple color

_____ 5. mandrake
a. myth
b. dragon
c. duck
d. narcotic plant

_____ 6. garret
a. basement
b. attic
c. garage
d. unsuccessful artist

_____ 7. maudlin
a. warlike
b. married
c. mawkish
d. intense

_____ 8. martinet
a. strict disciplinarian
b. facile problem
c. hawk
d. musical instrument

_____ 9. gazette
a. journal
b. gazebo
c. silver coin
d. book of maps

_____ 10. gossamer
a. variety of goose
b. grasp
c. flimsy material
d. idle talk


Lesson 10.

Knowing the backgrounds of the following ten words will give you an edge in recalling their meanings and using them in conversation to make your speech and writing more powerful. When you have studied each word, complete the two quizzes that follow.

1. meerschaum (mer"sh*m, -shôm) Since it is white and soft and often found along seashores, ancient people believed this white claylike mineral was foam from the ocean turned into stone. As a result, in all languages it was called "sea foam." It was of little use until German artisans began to carve it into pipes, for as it absorbs the nicotine from the tobacco it acquires a deep honey color. Because the Germans were the first to find a use for it, the German name stuck: "meer," sea; "schaum," foam. In English "meerschaum" often means a tobacco pipe with a bowl made of
meerschaum (the mineral).

2. toady (to"de) In the seventeenth century, people believed that toads were poisonous, and anyone who mistakenly ate a toad's leg instead of a frog's leg would die. Rather than swearing off frogs' legs, people sought a cure for the fatal food poisoning. Charlatans would sometimes hire an accomplice who would pretend to eat a toad, at which point his employer would whip out his instant remedy and "save" his helper's life. For his duties, the helper came to be called a "toadeater."
Since anyone who would consume anything as disgusting as a toad must be completely under his master's thumb, "toad-eater" or "toady" became the term for an obsequious sycophant; a fawning flatterer.

3. gregarious (gri gâr"e *s) The Latin term for a herd of animals is "grex." Because a group of people banded together in military formation resembles a herd of animals, the word "grex" was applied to people as well as animals. The way the people grouped together was called "gregarius," like a herd. The word has come down to us as "gregarious," meaning friendly or fond of the company of others.

4. miscreant (mis"kre *nt) The word's source, the Old French "mes-," wrongly, and "creant," believing, tells us that "miscreant" was originally used to describe a heretic. The word has evolved over the centuries, however, to refer to a base, villainous, or depraved person.

5. sinecure (si"ni ky»r', sin"i-) "Sinecure," a word meaning an office or position requiring little or no work, especially one yielding profitable returns, originally began as a church term, from the Latin "beneficium sine cura," a benefice without care. It referred to the practice of rewarding a church rector by giving him a parish for which he had no actual responsibilities. The real work was carried on by a vicar, but his absent superior received the higher recompense. Although the church practice was abolished in the mid-nineteenth century, the term is often used today in a political context.

6. ottoman (ot"* m*n) In the late thirteenth century, the Muslim Turks, under the leadership of Othman (also known as Osman I) established Turkey as "the Ottoman Empire." The empire was noted for its exotic silk and velvet furnishings. Travelers to the realm took some of their luxurious couches and divans back to Europe, where they became popular in France under the Bourbon kings. The French dubbed a low, backless cushioned seat or footstool an "ottomane" after its country of origin. The English called it an "ottoman."

7. namby-pamby (nam"be pam"be) The term "namby-pamby," used to describe anything weakly sentimental, pretentious, or affected, comes from Henry Carey's parody of Ambrose Philips's sentimental children's poems. Carey titled his parody "Namby Pamby," taking the "namby" from the diminutive of "Ambrose" and using the first letter of his surname, "P," for the alliteration. Following a bitter quarrel with Philips, Alexander Pope seized upon Carey's parody in the second edition of his Dunciad in 1733. Through the popularity of Pope's poem, the term "namby-pamby" passed into general usage.

8. mountebank (moun"t* bangk') During the Middle Ages, Italians conducted their banking in the streets, setting up business on convenient benches. In fact, the Italian word "banca" has given us our word "bank." People with less honest intentions realized that it would be relatively easy to cheat the people who assembled around these benches. To attract a crowd, these con men often worked with jugglers, clowns, rope dancers, or singers. Since they always worked around a bench, they were known as "montimbancos." Although the word was Anglicized to "mountebank," it still refers to a huckster or charlatan who sells quack medicines from a platform
in a public place, appealing to his audience by using tricks, storytelling, and so forth.

9. phaeton (fa"i tn) In Greek mythology, Helios drove the chariot of the sun across the sky each day. Helios's son Phaëton implored his father to let him drive the glittering chariot. Against his better judgment, one day Helios acceded to his son's wishes and let him drive the chariot pulled by its four powerful horses. Phaëton began well enough, but by mid-morning he wearied and could no longer control the horses. The sun fluctuated between heaven and earth, causing great destruction. To stop the devastation, Zeus hurled a thunderbolt at Phaëton, who fell lifeless to the ground. In the sixteenth century, the English drew from this legend to describe a heedless driver
as a "Phaeton." The word was later applied to a light four-wheeled carriage popular in the eighteenth century. Still later, it was applied to a type of touring car.

10. mugwump (mug"wump') This word entered the English language in a most curious fashion. In the mid-1600s, the clergyman John Eliot, known as the Apostle to the Indians, translated the Bible into the Algonquian language. When he came to the thirty-sixth chapter of Genesis, he had no word for "duke," so he used "mugquomp," an Algonquian term for chief or great man. Historians of the language theorize that the term might already have been in circulation at that time, but they know for certain that by 1884 it was in fairly general use. In the presidential election that year, a group of Republicans threw their support to Grover Cleveland rather than to the party's nominee, James G. Blaine. The newspapers scorned the renegade Republicans as "mugwumps," those who thought themselves too good to vote for Blaine. The
scorned Republicans got the last word when they adopted the same term to describe themselves, saying they were independent men proud to call themselves "mugwumps," or great men. Today we use the term "mugwump" to desribe a person who takes an independent position or one who is neutral on a controversial issue.


True/False
In the space provided, write T if the definition of the numbered word is true or F if it is false.

T or F

1. toady                     sycophant _____
2. miscreant               sociable person _____
3. mugwump              political ally _____
4. namby-pamby        cereal _____
5. gregarious              affable _____
6. phaeton                  ghost _____
7. mountebank           impostor _____
8. meerschaum           mixup _____
9. ottoman                 footstool _____
10. sinecure                sincere _____


Matching Synonyms
Match each of the following numbered words with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.

1. mountebank           a. easy job _____
2. gregarious              b. knave _____
3. ottoman                 c. charlatan _____
4. toady                     d. carriage _____
5. miscreant               e. sociable _____
6. mugwump              f. independent _____
7. namby-pamby        g. sycophant _____
8. sinecure                  h. pipe _____
9. phaeton                  i. low, backless seat _____
10. meerschaum         j. sentimental _____

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