A SCANDALOUS 1865 DIVORCE case offers a window into New York high society—the defendant was a cousin of Edith Wharton, no less—and the time’s changing attitudes about marriage, women’s rights, and sexuality. Great balance of gossip and context. B PLUS
TO COAX. To fondle, or wheedle. To coax a pair of stockings; to pull down the part soiled into the shoes, so as to give a dirty pair of stockings the appearance of clean ones. Coaxing is also used, instead of darning, to hide the holes about the ancles.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
"Bährs Vorschlag, Konfessionalität in ihrer Mehrdimensionalität zu verstehen, provoziert offene Fragen und sorgt damit für lohnenden Diskussionsstoff."
Francisca Loetz zu Matthias Bähr, Konfessionelle Mehrdimensionalität in der Frühen Neuzeit. Irland um 1600
TITTER TATTER. One reeling, and ready to fall at the least touch; also the childish amusement of riding upon the two ends of a plank, poised upon the prop underneath its centre, called also see-saw. Perhaps tatter is a rustic pronunciation of totter.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
1861-1865: The Complete Story Of The American Civil War | History Of Warfare | Timeline
"Less than a century after gaining independence from Great Britain, the United States of America would be wracked by a Civil War as the secessionist Confederate States of the South fought the Union forces of the remaining loyal states. Four long years of war would result in the deadliest military conflict in American history, as the fate of the Union hung in the balance."
1861-1865: The Complete Story Of The American Civil War | History Of Warfare | Timeline
"Less than a century after gaining independence from Great Britain, the United States of America would be wracked by a Civil War as the secessionist Confederate States of the South fought the Union forces of the remaining loyal states. Four long years of war would result in the deadliest military conflict in American history, as the fate of the Union hung in the balance."
DILDO. [From the Italian DILETTO, q. d. a woman's delight; or from our word DALLY, q. d. a thing to play withal.] Penis-succedaneus, called in Lombardy Passo Tempo. Bailey.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)
PUFFING. Bidding at an auction, as above; also praising any thing above its merits, from interested motives. The art of puffing is at present greatly practised, and essentially necessary in all trades, professions, and callings. To puff and blow; to be out of breath.
A selection from Francis Grose’s “Dictionary Of The Vulgar Tongue” (1785)