Not that this is pertinent to the etymology, but it was fun to get "Monadnock" in AWAD the week of my birthday! Mt. Monadnock was the first mountain I ever attempted to climb. I had just turned three. I'm told it's an easy hike, but it seemed awfully steep at the time.

Later, in geology classes, this term always seemed like an old friend -- and I don't know anyone other than Wordsmiths who would appreciate words seeming like friends.