A growing assortment of words and definitions used in the Early Modern era. See the Guide for more information.
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Word
Definition
Palimpsest
Writing material that can be used over again, the first writing wiped or rubbed off. Greek palin, again + psestos, scraped; psao, psen, to rub smooth. Hence, parchment or other material used for a second time; this sense survives, applied to old manuscripts. Also used figuratively, as by Thomas De Quincey in SUSPIRIA (1845) : What else than a natural and mighty palimpsest is the human brain?
Parvanimity
Littleness of spirit. Latin parvus, small + animus, spirit, mind: small-mindedness; the converse of magnanimity. Thomas De Quincey in 1830 wrote of the meanness and parvanimity of Bonaparte. Several English words have been formed with the prefix parvi, small; some are scientific. Others include paruitude, parvity, smallness; parvipotent (accent on the vip), of little power; parviscient, knowing little. The common quality of man is parviscience.
Uncular
Relating or belonging to an uncle. More often, avuncular. Thomas De Quincey in THE SPANISH MILITARY NUN (1847) remarked: The grave Don clasped the hopeful young gentleman . . . to his uncular and rather angular breast.
