|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
|
OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
In a list of American words compared with English equivalents, Mencken gives American (railroad) ballast as equavalent of British "metal". I suspect railroad "ballast" was an extension of use of stones to add weight just above keel of boat to improve lateral stability. I cannot imagine how "metal" came to mean preparation for laying railway tracks in England.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
how "metal" came to mean preparation for laying railway tracks in EnglandFrom AHD4: Metal 5. Broken stones used for road surfaces or railroad beds. See http://www.bartleby.com/61/48/M0244800.html
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
|
OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
Dear Faldage: What I was wondering was when metal came to be used for malleable,ductile substances suitable for tools, weapons,armor, etc.?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
|
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Ah! Have to check the OED on that one Dr Bill.
|
|
|
Forums16
Topics13,913
Posts229,404
Members9,182
|
Most Online3,341 Dec 9th, 2011
|
|
1 members (wofahulicodoc),
354
guests, and
1
robot. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
|
|