Friday, May 14, 2010

Cynick:

A philosopher of the snarling or currish sort; a follower of Diogenes; a rude man; a snarler; a misanthrope.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Scaramouch:

A buffoon in motley dress.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Dragoon:

To persecute by abandoning a place to the rage of soldiers.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Pat:

Fit; convenient; exactly suitable either as to time or place. This is a low word, and should not be used but in burlesque writings.

The never saw two things so pat,
In all respects, as to this and that.

-Hudibras, p.ii

Monday, May 10, 2010

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Gossip:

(1) One who answers for the child in baptism.

(2) A tippling companion.

(3) One who runs about tattling like a woman at a lying-in.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Proficuous:

Advantageous; useful.

It is very proficuous, to take a good large dose.

-Harvey