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
Extravagate
To wander, figuratively: away from; into; at will; beyond proper bounds. Latin extra, beyond, outside + vagari, to wander, whence vagrant. Also the current extravagance, a spending beyond proper bounds. Also extravage, to go beyond the sphere of duty; to talk off the subject, to ramble; used in the 17th and 18th centuries, William Wordsworth in THE PRELUDE (1805) speaks of schemes In which his youth did first extravagate.
Prelibatory
Relating to, or providing, a foretaste. Latin prae, before + libare, libatum, to take a little of, to taste -- whence also libation. Thus prelibate, to taste beforehand; to give a foretaste; prelibation. Used from the 16th century; common in figurative use in the 17th, especially in religious writings, as when T. Adams in his EXPOSITION (1633) of the BIBLE: SECOND EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER stated that the wicked have a preltbatwn of that darkness they shall go unto hereafter. William Wordsworth makes poetic use of prelibation in THE PRELUDE (1805).
