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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.
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Words learned in genealogy
wwh 02/16/2001 8:02 PM ![]()
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GOODY
TEd Remington 02/22/2001 5:59 PM
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