"Neurotic, adj. sense 4, 1907, antedates 1917--

[Victor Steinbok]

I'm somewhat confused by some of the distinctions between neurotic 2.
("Of the nature of neurosis"), neurotic 3. ("Of a person: suffering from
or affected by a neurosis") and neurotic 4. ("Symptomatic of or
associated with a neurosis; characteristic of a neurotic").

How does one classify "neurotic ancestry" (p. 480, 567) or "neurotic
family history" (p. 548) or "neurotic parentage" (p. 555)?
http://goo.gl/cGcBq

I would expect the latter two to be 3. (or 2.??), but not sure about
"ancestry"?

And if they do fall under 3. rather than 2., then should "neurotic
inheritance" ("hereditary descent" of "a truly nervous character") as well?
http://goo.gl/Hmsgm

On the other hand, shouldn't "neurotic predisposition" fall under
"symptomatic of neurosis"?

I am hopelessly confused...

     VS-)

On 3/5/2011 11:04 AM, Joel S. Berson wrote:
> The Bystander [London], Vol. 13, No. 165, January 30, 1907, page 217:
>
> "Harry Thaw on Trial / New York's Neurotic Interest in the
> Millionaire Prisoner"  [article title]
>
> "Neurotic" adj. sense 4,  "... characteristic of a neurotic. Also in
> extended use", antedates OED3 Dec. 2009,1917--.
>
> [Serendipitous encounter, while test-driving "test-drive".]
>
> Joel

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