Archaic and Obsolete Words in the English Language

Introduction

Language, as a living entity, is in a constant state of evolution. Words are added to dictionaries to reflect the changing vernacular, but what about those that get removed? Should words that have existed at some point in time still merit a place in the dictionary, or should they fade into obscurity as language evolves?

Language and culture are perpetually in motion, and the question arises: how do we manage these linguistic shifts without losing our connection to the past? This article delves into the world of archaisms in the English language, exploring their various categories, differences from historisms, their historical development, stylistic characteristics, semantic groupings, and related issues.

How Words in Everyday Language Become Obsolete

The vocabulary of any language is in a perpetual state of flux. The semantic structure of a language undergoes continuous transformations, with words appearing, experiencing phonetic and semantic changes, and ultimately falling out of use. The disappearance of certain objects, phenomena, and concepts often leads to the complete obsolescence of their associated terminology or renders them relics of a bygone era.

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Interestingly, many obsolete words find refuge in poetry, specific literary genres, or oratory, where they continue to linger. Additionally, a plethora of archaisms persists within English dialects. Thus, the fate of obsolete words is diverse and multifaceted.

It is crucial, at this juncture, to differentiate between two categories of obsolete words: archaisms proper and historical terms (historisms). Prior to delving into these distinctions, it is essential to clarify the terms "archaic" and "obsolete.

" These temporal labels are often used interchangeably, but their meanings can vary depending on the context in which they are employed.

The label "archaic" is typically applied to words that were once common in the language but are now rare. "Archaic" implies that these words possess the characteristics of a much earlier time, evoking a sense of antiquity. In contrast, "obsolete" suggests that a term is no longer actively used in contemporary discourse, except, perhaps, in literary quotations. The term "obsolete" can also connote that a word has become unacceptable or irrelevant, even though it may still exist.

In the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (4th ed., 2004), the "archaic" label is defined as follows: "This label is applied to words and senses that were once common but are now rare, though they may be familiar because of their occurrence in certain contexts, such as the literature of an earlier time. Specifically, this label is attached to entry words and senses for which there is only sporadic evidence in print after 1755."

The "obsolete" label, in the same dictionary, is described as: "The label 'obsolete' is used with entry words and senses no longer in active use, except, for example, in literary quotations. Specifically, this label is attached to entry words and senses for which there is little or no printed evidence since 1755."

In Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition (2003), the explanatory notes elucidate further: "The temporal label 'obs' for 'obsolete' means that there is no evidence of use since 1755. The label 'obs' serves as commentary on the word being defined. When a thing, as distinguished from the word used to designate it, is obsolete, the definition usually provides appropriate context."

The term "archaic" signifies that a word or sense, once commonly used, is now found only sporadically or in specialized contexts.

Random House Dictionary defines an "obsolete" word as one that is "no longer in use, especially out of use for at least a century." Conversely, an "archaism" is described as "current in an earlier time but rare in present usage." However, it is important to note that the line between "obsolete" and "archaic" is often blurred and uncertain, making it challenging to definitively classify certain words into either category.

Archaisms: Etymology, Features, and Usage

In the realm of language, an archaism, derived from the Ancient Greek ἀρχαϊκός (archaïkós), meaning 'old-fashioned' or 'antiquated,' refers to the use of linguistic forms that have fallen out of current usage. The application of archaisms can either be deliberate, employed to achieve a specific effect, or they may form part of a specialized jargon, such as legal terminology, or formulaic language, as seen in religious contexts. Notably, many nursery rhymes incorporate archaisms to infuse their verses with a touch of the past.

It is essential to note that not all archaic elements are considered archaisms proper. Those that exist solely within specific fixed expressions, like "be that as it may," do not fall under the category of archaisms. Archaic proper refers to words that have become obsolete in everyday English but originally denoted real objects and phenomena. These words have been supplanted by others, with the obsolete terms becoming stylistic synonyms. In essence, archaisms proper are now moribund, existing on the periphery of linguistic usage and largely rejected by the living language.

The aging process of words can be categorized into three stages:

1. Words that become rarely used, gradually fading from common parlance.
2. Words in the stage of gradually passing out of use. These include morphological forms from earlier language stages (e.g., "thee" and "thou"), corresponding verbal endings (e.g., "thou makest"), and numerous French borrowings (e.g., "palfreu").
3. Words that have already gone completely out of use but are still recognized by English speakers. Examples include "me thinks" (meaning "it seems to me") and "nay" (meaning "no"). Archaic words proper from this category are no longer recognizable in modern English, often having been in use during the Old English period or changed so significantly in appearance that they have become unrecognizable (e.g., "losso" for "lazy fellow").

While some words have become entirely obsolete in everyday language, others continue to exist but have undergone shifts in meaning over time. For instance, the term "fun fur" used to refer to cheap animal fur dyed in various colors until the 1960s. Today, it signifies synthetic fur.

Types of Archaisms: Lexical and Grammatical Archaisms and Their Peculiarities

Archaic language can generally be categorized into two main types: lexical and grammatical archaisms.

Grammatical archaisms encompass forms of words that have fallen out of use due to the evolution of the English grammar system. Examples include:

• The "-th" suffix, indicating the third person singular in the Present Indefinite Tense, found in words like "hath," "doth," and "speaketh."
• The "-st" form for the second person, seen in words like "dost," "hast," and "speakest."
• The archaic "art," representing the second person of the verb "to be" in plural contexts.
• Pronouns like "thou," "thee," "thy," and "thine."
• The plural form "ye" for the second person.

Lexical archaisms, on the other hand, pertain to outdated words that are frequently encountered in poetry. Poets often turn to archaic words because they evoke more vivid imagery compared to their commonly used counterparts. Some common lexical archaisms found in poetry include:

• "Billow" for "wave" (e.g., "the billows of the sea").
• "Save" meaning "except for" (e.g., "all are invited, save for John").
• "Plain" used in the sense of "complain" (e.g., "he did not plain about the situation").
• "Behold" as a synonym for "see" (e.g., "behold the beauty of the sunset").
• "Yon" or "yonder" to indicate "that" (e.g., "yon mountain in the distance").
• "Eke" meaning "also" (e.g., "I will eke out a living").
• "Brow" for "forehead" (e.g., "she wiped her brow").
• "Foe" to signify "enemy" (e.g., "he faced his foe on the battlefield").
• "Ere" to mean "before" (e.g., "he arrived ere the sun set").
• "Steed" for "horse" (e.g., "he mounted his trusty steed").
• "Morn" as a poetic term for "morning" (e.g., "the early morn brought hope").
• "Belike" meaning "likely" or "perhaps" (e.g., "it will belike rain tomorrow").
• "Damsel" to refer to a "young woman" (e.g., "the damsel in distress").
• "Woe" for "sorrow" or "grief" (e.g., "he cried out in woe").
• "Oft" or "oft-times" to indicate "often" (e.g., "he would oft visit his favorite spot").
• "Mere" meaning "lake" or "pond" (e.g., "the serene mere reflected the sky").
• "Hearken" as a synonym for "listen" (e.g., "hearken to the whispers of the wind").
• "Albeit" to mean "although" (e.g., "albeit it rained, the event continued").

These archaic words find their last refuge in historical novels, where authors utilize them to create a distinct period atmosphere. In poetry, archaic words serve to sustain a unique evaluative ambiance. They form a relatively small and detached layer within the broader literary vocabulary. Their primary function lies in imbuing a particular event or utterance with a special, time-bound atmosphere. Even when used in a terminological context, archaic words contribute to the creation of a distinct atmosphere within the discourse.

Historisms - Main Features and Classification

Historisms, in contrast to archaisms, refer to names of objects and phenomena that fell out of common use due to the evolving social, economic, and cultural life of society. However, these words retain historical significance and do not have modern synonyms in the English language. They serve as mere labels for objects and notions that belong to the past of the English-speaking people. The domain of historisms is primarily confined to scientific literature and literary works that delve into specific historical periods. Authors like Sir Walter Scott and other English writers often employ historisms in their historical novels to evoke the flavor of bygone eras.

Historisms find particular prominence in naming social relations, institutions, and items of material culture from the past. Various historical transport methods, attire, weaponry, and musical instruments offer numerous examples. Before the advent of motorized vehicles, a wide array of horse-drawn carriages was in use, each with its distinctive name: "brougham," "berlin," "calash," "diligence," "fly," "gig," "hansom," "landeau," "phaeton," and more. Among these, the romantically metaphorical "prairie schooner," a canvas-covered wagon used by pioneers crossing the North American prairies, stands out.

While sailing ships still navigate the seas, some types of sailing craft, such as "caravels" or "galleons," belong to the past, rendering their names historisms. The history of clothing also reveals a rich tapestry of terminologies. For instance, the term "doublets," frequently mentioned in William Shakespeare's plays, refers to close-fitting jackets with or without sleeves worn by men during the 15th to 17th centuries. It's worth noting that dictionaries often provide historical context, including the social functions of garments in different periods.

Not all historisms hark back to ancient times. For example, "bloomers" represented an outfit designed for women in the mid-19th century. This attire featured Turkish-style trousers gathered at the ankles and was promoted by Mrs. Bloomer, an editor and social reformer, as a contribution to the women's rights movement. Over time, bloomers evolved and became shorter, reaching only to the knee.

The lexicon of historisms extends to various types of weapons commonly found in historical novels. Examples include the "battering ram," an ancient machine used for breaking walls; the "blunderbuss," an old-fashioned firearm with a wide muzzle; the "breastplate," a piece of metal armor worn by knights over the chest; the "crossbow," a medieval weapon consisting of a bow fixed across a wooden stock. Several words related to this semantic field remain in contemporary vocabulary but often carry figurative meanings, such as "arrow," "shield," "sword," and "visor."

In summary, historisms encompass various types:

• Words associated with social positions, including "yeomen," "knights," and "scribes."
• Names of weapons and terminology connected to warfare, like "battle axes," "muskets," and "warriors."
• Types of vessels, such as "galleys," "frigates," and "caravels."
• Names of obsolete carts, like "broughams," "chaises," "hansoms," and "coaches."
• Terminology for ancient musical instruments, including "lutes" and "lyres."

Historisms form a vital component of the English language, preserving the social life and culture of the past within their lexical confines.

Conclusion

While many of the words discussed in this exploration may appear old-fashioned, outdated, and rarely used in modern society, they nonetheless hold a unique place within the vast repository of the English word-stock. These words can still be found in comprehensive dictionaries, as they may prove relevant within specific contexts and fields of study. The dynamic nature of language ensures that words and their meanings remain inextricably linked to specific contexts and historical periods.

For anyone learning a language, understanding how words are used today and how they were used historically is paramount for accurate interpretation and comprehension. Language learners must remain attuned to the constant shifts in language to ensure their skills remain relevant in the ever-evolving modern world.