Q: "coned", v. (past tense), 1741

[Laurence Horn]

At 7:54 PM -0500 11/26/08, Laurence Horn wrote:
>At 7:35 PM -0500 11/26/08, Joel S. Berson wrote:
>>What is "coned" in the following,a written by an intelligent and
>>well-read 20-year old South-Carolinian miss in1742, describing her
>>study of law from a book and writing wills for a few neighbors?
>>
>>"I know I have done no harm for I coned my lesson very perfect and
>>know how to convey by will Estates real and personal and never forget
>>in its proper place, him and his heirs for Ever ..."
>>
>>The editors of her journal do explain a few other words unusual to us
>>today, but don't say a word here.
>>
>>Joel
>>
>I'd wager an irregularly spelled passed tense of the verb _con_:

Oops.  Talk about an irregularly spelled "passed tense"!

LH

>
>1. To study, peruse, or examine carefully. 2. To learn or commit to memory.
>
>[AHD4]
>
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The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org