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b-hebrew - Re: [b-hebrew] etymology

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  • From: Peter Kirk <peter AT qaya.org>
  • To: "Dr. Joel M. Hoffman" <joel AT exc.com>
  • Cc: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] etymology
  • Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 00:01:34 +0000

On 20/11/2005 13:46, Dr. Joel M. Hoffman wrote:

One example I often use in discussing etymology is the English word
"patently." By definition, a "patent" must be non-obvious.


On the contrary, Joel. The original meaning of "patent" is "Obvious; plain." (meaning 2 of the adjective in http://www.answers.com/patent&r=67), from which is derived the archaic (meaning 6) "Open to general inspection. Used especially of documents." And "patent" in the sense (meaning 1 of the noun) "A grant made by a government that confers upon the creator of an invention the sole right to make, use, and sell that invention for a set period of time." retains that meaning because the condition for that grant by a government is that the details of the invention are made "Open to general inspection."

--
Peter Kirk
peter AT qaya.org (personal)
peterkirk AT qaya.org (work)
http://www.qaya.org/





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