Page:Stories from Tagore (IA storiesfromtagor00tago).pdf/211

Rh patrimony. From the Latin "pater," a father. Compare paternal, patriarch, patriot. The ending -mony is from the Latin -monium. Compare testimony, matrimony, sanctimony.

revert. From the Latin "vertere," to turn. Compare convert, subvert, divert, invert, advert, version, conversion, adverse.

amazement. This word is of doubtful origin. We have the simpler form “ maze” but do not know how it has come into English.

preposterous. The Latin word “ pre” means “before,” and the Latin word “posterns” behind. The literal meaning, therefore, is “before-behind” and so “absurd,” “outrageous.”

treachery. This comes from the Old French “treacher,” to trick. It is to be distinguished from the word “traitor,” which comes from the Latin “traditor,” one who gives up another. Compare intricate, trickery, trick, intrigue.

parasites. From the Greek word “sitos,” food, — one who feeds on another.

property. From the Latin “proprius,” meaning “one’s own.” Compare proper, appropriate, improper.

haggle. This is an Old Norwegian word which has come into English, meaning literally to chop.

good-for-nothing. Such “phrase ” words as these are not very common in English. They are more common in French. Compare the English ne'er-do-well, lazy-bones, out-of-the-way, and the French coup-d’état, nom-de-plume, fin-de-siécle. On the other hand, adjectives made up of two words are quite common in English. Compare simple-hearted, middle-aged.

régime. This word still retains its French form and accent and pronunciation. Little by little such French words become pronounced and spelt in an English form and take a permanent place in the language. For instance,