A method of trolling, or angling, for pike, used in the broads and rivers in Norfolk. The fisherman has no rod, but has the usual rell and, by the help of a crotch-stick, throws his bait a considerable distance away from him into the water, and then draws it gently towards him. It is much practised by poachers, as there is no rod or pole to ( Read more... )

The strange resonant word instar describes the stage between two successive molts, for as it grows, a caterpillar, like a snake. . .splits its skin again and again, each stage an instar. It remains a caterpillar as it goes through these molts, but no longer one in the same skin.
-from "A Field Guide To Getting Lost," by Rebecca Solnit

Hag·i·og·ra·phy: The writing and critical study of the lives of the saints; hagiology.

epigamic (ep-i-GAM-ik)

adjective

Of or relating to a trait or behavior that attracts a mate.

Examples: In an animal, bright feathers or big antlers. In a human, a sports car or a big bust.

[From Greek epigamos (marriageable), from epi- (upon) + gamos (marriage).]

immix (i-MIKS)

verb tr.

To mix; to blend.

[Back-formation of Middle English immixt, from Latin immixtus, past participle of immiscere (to blend), from in- (intensive prefix) + miscere (to mix). Ultimately from the Indo-European root meik- (to mix) that's also the source of mix, miscellaneous, meddle, medley, melee, promiscuous, and mustang.]

Earlier writers to do not often refer to the Walrus by that name, but generally call it either a Morse or a Sea-horse. The name Morse was derived from Finnish mursu by way of Russian morj'; since the English first became acquainted with these improbable beasts in Russian Arctic waters, it is not surprising that they should have initially favoured a ( Read more... )

n academia, a Festschrift (/ˈfɛstˌʃrɪft/; plural, Festschriften, /ˈfɛstˌʃrɪf.tən/) is a book honouring a respected academic. The term, borrowed from German, could be translated as celebration publication

A line of poetry in which each word but the first is one syllable longer than the word preceding it.

From the Greek ῥοπαλικός, rhopalikos, club-shaped, or thicker towards one end.

cynosure (SY-nuh-shoor)

noun 1. One who is the center of attraction or interest ( Read more... )

3. Weird Words: Muliebrious /'mju:lIEbri@s/ (*)
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Effeminate.

I found this rare word in the last chapter of S M Stirling's book
The Sky People, though he spells it slightly differently: "The
muliebrous features could have been man or woman or creature from
the stories his grandmother had ( Read more... )