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/