Gism (1901): something odd (UNCLASSIFIED)

Mullins, Bill AMRDEC Bill.Mullins at US.ARMY.MIL
Wed Sep 19 21:50:58 UTC 2007


Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE


>
> Um, guys?  Openly published 1901. In Philadelphia. About
> refined ladies of the previous century.
>
>   A mess of "poke" may not be what you think.


Poke Salat?  (Poke salad)

>
>   Whatever standard sense of "nectar" is intended, my guess
> is that "gism" was an undignified term for some or any kind
> of liquid or "juice."
>
>   My guess too is that "Bellespore" is the name of the
> estate, possibly meaning "beautiful sowing."
>
>
Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

------------------------------------------------------------
The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org



More information about the Ads-l mailing list