Archaic

I like old words, that aren’t in use any more. They have a certain “unearthed treasure” feel about them, like finding artifacts left behind by a bygone civilization, like a hand from the past reaching to the future, which, I suppose, they are.

I have a book, titled The Word Museum, by Jeffrey Kacirk, which is a glossary of archaic words. Here are a few I liked:

sandillions - numbers like the sand on the seashore.

offmagandy - the best and choicest of delicacies. Rich, stiff cream would be described as “real offmagandy.”

latitudinarian - one who allows himself great liberties in religious matters.

buzznack - An old organ, out of order and playing badly. (from the days beforeViagra, obviously *s*)

abracadabrant - marvelous or stunning.

aflunters - in a state of disorder.

climacterian - one who is fond of a climax. (And who isn’t?) (God, my mind is so in the gutter today. . .)

haggersnash - a spiteful person. (Why did that word ever fall out of use? I love it *s*)

noctuary - an account of what passes in the night; the converse of a diary. (Which makes all my journals actually noctuaries. . cool, huh?)

quother - to talk in a low and confidential tone. (”He quothered sweet nothings into her ear. . .” That sounds much better and much dirtier than “whispered.”)

scandal-broth - tea. The reference is to the gossip held by some of the womenkind over their cups, which cheer but not inebriate. Also called chatter-broth.

That’s enough for now, I think. . .more vocabulary retro-expansion coming soon!