Fossil word
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A fossil word is an obsolete word which remains in currency because it is contained within an idiom still in use. [1][2]
[edit] English language examples
- Ulterior, as in 'ulterior motives'
- Fro, as in 'to and fro'
- Sleight, as in 'sleight of hand'
- Scantily, as in 'scantily clad'
- Cranny, as in 'nook and cranny'
- Yore, as in 'days of yore'
- Coign, as in 'coign of vantage'
- Craw, as in 'sticks in one's craw' [3]
- Fettle, as in 'fine fettle'[4]
- Kith, as in 'kith and kin' [5]
- Spick, as in 'spick and span'
- Loggerheads as in 'at loggerheads' [6]
- Offing, as in 'in the offing' [7]
- Shrift, as in 'short shrift'[8]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ fossil. Additions Series, 1993 (Second Edition, 1989 ed.). Oxford English Dictionary. http://dictionary.oed.com/cgi/entry/50089008?. "A word or other linguistic form preserved only in isolated regions or in set phrases, idioms, or collocations"
- ^ Curme, George Oliver. Syntax. D. C. Heath and Company. http://books.google.combooks?id=tsl5AAAAIAAJ&q=CURME+Syntax&dq=CURME+Syntax&pgis=1.
- ^ thefreedictionary.com
- ^ Quinion, Michael. World Wide Words
- ^ Yahoo dictionary kith and kin
- ^ Phrase Finder at loggerheads
- ^ Phrase Finder in the offing
- ^ Phrase Finder short shrift
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