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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858
Carpal Tunnel
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OP
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 13,858 |
I have owned dozens of penknives, but never till now stopped to think why they are so called.
"As a means towards his composure and self-possession, he entered into a more minute examination of the office than he had yet had time to make; looked into the wig-box, the books, and ink-bottle; untied and inspected all the papers; carved a few devices on the table with a sharp blade of Mr Brass's penknife; "
penknife ['pɛnˌnaýf] noun (plural: -knives) a small knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle; pocketknife [ETYMOLOGY: 15th Century: so called because it was originally used for making and repairing quill pens]
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210 |
thanks, Dr. Bill. funny how those common items are ones we often don't know anything about. or don't think to ask the question...
formerly known as etaoin...
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
Occasionally one will hear, in a folk song, the phrase "little pen knife" identifying an implement that was obviously used to perform a task beyond its abilities. Sometimes the phrase will be "wee pen knife," which is a hint to the true meaning: "weapon knife." That would be as opposed to "tool knife" I suppose.
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 6,296 |
This may be a year for the knives on AWAD. We've had that fascinating gully knife discussed, and now the derivation of penknife, equally fascinating. What will follow?
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803 |
What will follow?
Did you know that the French word for pocket knife is canif?
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