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OP Many names are words, or have interesting words associated with them. I wish I still had access to a thin volume by a learned English clergyman, from which I learned several very interesting things.For one, the ending "cock" has nothing to do with roosters or generative organs. It is a diminutive as in "Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross.." So Hancock orinally meant Little John. But I admit I nearly fell down laughing when I saw on office door name of my wife's obstetrician: Mabel C. Hiscock. I have Alcock way back, and they didn't know origin of name, as on coat of arms was motto suggesting it meant always on the alert.
I had instructor in college named Scrimshaw, who thought the name came from elaborately carved bone or ivory objects whalers made to combat boredom on long voyages. The book I mentioned traced the name back to a very early military term relating to cavalry specialist who made attacks on enemy intended to disrupt their formations in a way that could be exploited by main force.The original was something like "skirmishouwer " and survives in our word skirmish.
Perhaps others can think of more names or words to make an interesting thread.
Entire Thread Subject Posted By Posted Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/16/01 08:02 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/16/01 08:57 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy of troy 02/16/01 09:11 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy lusy 02/16/01 11:22 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy wow 02/17/01 12:50 AM Re: Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/17/01 01:07 AM Re: Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/17/01 08:48 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/19/01 02:30 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy Rapunzel 02/20/01 12:14 AM Re: Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/21/01 03:59 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy Jazzoctopus 02/21/01 09:13 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/22/01 01:20 AM Re: Words learned in genealogy Rapunzel 02/22/01 02:24 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy Anonymous 02/22/01 02:26 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/22/01 02:33 PM Re: Words learned in genealogy wwh 02/22/01 02:42 PM GOODY TEd Remington 02/22/01 05:59 PM
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