1700/1800 speech

[skyep]

Anyone know of a website that can interpret old english terminology? I am reading ' Boswell's' London Journal, there are a few words I am not familiar with. I found an explanation for a couple of words within an online dictionary, but other's were not included.

[dot.hawkes]

there are a few but you need to subscribe, try this one:
http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0030-8129(195 612)71%3A5%3C1067%3ABEITLJ%3E2.0.CO%3B2-L

[jno]

you could try posting the words, perhaps under |Phrases & Sayings, and see if anyone on AB knows them

[Peter Pedant]

yeah I bet we all know what they mean.....
PP

[skyep]

Peter - Sorry??

[skyep]

Bit late, but Thankyou all.

[derekpara]

My edition of this book has a Glossary which explains words which were familiar in Boswell's era but obscure now, eg ' armour' meaning condom. An item which he seems to have used quite frequently in St James' Park and the Strand !

[skyep]

Derek - May I pick your brains then?
( Ruminate) - Think?
(Hamely) - Homely?
(Sally) - ?
( Felicity) - ?
May come back with some more, thanks so much!

[derekpara]

Skyep. The glossary in my edition is not comprehensive, and page by page, but gives these so far:

Ruminate = Ponder on.
Hamely = Homely (Scottish)

Can you give me the chapter numbers for the rest ?

[skyep]

Hi Derek - Thanks for getting back. My book is'nt in chapters, but the following -
1 December 1762 - I laughed and threw out some loud (sally) of humour ?
5 January1763 - I declaimed on the (felicity) of London?
Thanks for your help!

[derekpara]

Hi, Sky

'Sally' = In this instance, a Humorous retort/riposte.

''Felicity' of London. Nothing on this one, but I think his phrase could be interpreted as ' I held forth on the happiness of London.'

He seems to have been very busy on 05/01/1763 !! A very interesting read.
Best wishes. Derek

[skyep]

derek - thanks for all your help!