marriage equality

[Laurence Horn]

At 11:22 PM -0400 8/9/09, Jesse Sheidlower wrote:
>On Sun, Aug 09, 2009 at 11:14:31PM -0400, Laurence Horn wrote:
>>
>>  --looks like I won't have the old definition 1a to kick around in my
>>  Language, Sex & Gender class anymore.  (Well, there's always that
>>  antique OED entry for "love" (n.), at least while it lasts.)
>
>It'll always last in print. But the OED's entire entry for
>_love_ was very heavily revised, and published online a few
>months ago.
>
>(The OED2 entry is still available online as well.)
>
Ah, a definite change since last I taught that class (a year ago).  I
should have rechecked before posting.  It's nice to see the old entry
up as well, so it's possible to appreciate the progress from the
classic entry "That feeling of attachment which is based upon
difference of sex; the affection which subsists between lover and
sweetheart and is the normal basis of marriage"--which somehow
manages to proscribe both same-sex erotic attraction and traditional
(non-erotic-love-based) marriage--to the current, admirably neutral
"An intense feeling of romantic attachment which is based on sexual
attraction; sexual passion combined with liking and concern for the
other person."

LH

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