Finger-lickin' good

The Latin word ligurire meant to lick or to pick away at food, the sign of a dainty eater.

The root showed up in several English words in the 17th century, but most of them have fallen by the wayside.

They are interesting because of their quaint nature. In particular, I find the first definition below to be delightful.

• abligurie: “Spending in belly-cheere.” [Cockeram, 1612]

• abligurition: “Prodigal expense on meat and drink.” [Bailey, 1742]

• ligurate: “To feed daintily.” [Cockeram, 1623]

• ligurion: “A devourer, a spend-thrift.” [Blount, 1656]

• ligurition: “Gluttonous devouring, greedinesse.” [Cockeram, 1623]

• obligurate: “To spend in belly-cheere.” [Cockeram, 1623]

• obligure: “To banquet, to feast.” [Cockeram, 1623]


Bailey, Nathan. An universal etymological English dictionary

Blount, Thomas. Glossographia, or a dictionary interpreting such hard words..as are now used

Cockeram, Henry. The English dictionarie, or an interpreter of hard English words

Listen to Mike’s program in real time every Tuesday morning, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. EST, by going to wtcmradio.com and clicking on Listen Now. There is no archive.

Now available from McFarland & Co.: Word Parts Dictionary, 2nd edition

Write to Mike with comments or questions:
wordmallATaol.com
(substitute @ for AT above)

Check out Mike's program-based books here:
Arbutus Press
arbutuspress.com/store_ling.html
or at Amazon.com

Visit the Senior Corner at http://seniors.tcnet.org