LL-L "Etymology" 2007.07.19 (02) [E]

[Lowlands-L List]

L O W L A N D S - L  -  19 July 2007 - Volume 02

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From: "heatherrendall at tiscali.co.uk"
Subject: LL-L "Etymology" 2007.07.19 (01) [E/German]

Kevin wrote:

English does have the word "byword" – not used much in modern English, but
it is found in the King James Bible. It is defined as:

*1* *:* a proverbial saying *: PROVERB<http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/proverb>
*
*2 a* *:* one that personifies a type *b* *: *one that is noteworthy or
notorious
*3* *: EPITHET <http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/epithet>*
*4* *:* a frequently used word or phrase

As used in the KJV, it seems to mean something like a person or place cited
as an example or warning for others ("Don't forget what happened to…").  So
in the sentence, "They went the way of the dodo bird," the dodo bird is a
byword. Is that anything like "Beispiel"?

Brilliant, Kevin. As you say not a word much in use nowadays. So much so I
cannot get straight in my mind which of the following would be used. Help,
anyone?

"He was a byword of depravity"

 "He was a byword for depravity"

"He was the byword in depravity"

bw

Heather
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