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obsolete |
4 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Obsolete \Ob"so*lete\, a. [L. obsoletus p. p. of obsolescere See {Obsolescent}.] 1. No longer in use gone into disuse; disused; neglected; as an obsolete word an obsolete statute; -- applied chiefly to words writings, or observances. 2. (Biol.) Not very distinct; obscure; rudimental; imperfectly developed; abortive. Syn: Ancient; antiquated; old-fashioned; antique; old disused; neglected. See {Ancient}. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Obsolete \Ob"so*lete\, v. i. To become obsolete; to go out of use [R.] --Fitzed. Hall. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: obsolete adj 1: old no longer in use or valid or fashionable; "obsolete words"; "an obsolete locomotive"; "outdated equipment"; "superannuated laws"; "out-of-date ideas" [syn: {outdated}, {out-of-date}, {superannuated}] 2: no longer in use "obsolete words" [syn: {disused}] From THE DEVIL'S DICTIONARY ((C)1911 Released April 15 1993) [devils]: OBSOLETE, adj No longer used by the timid. Said chiefly of words A word which some lexicographer has marked obsolete is ever thereafter an object of dread and loathing to the fool writer, but if it is a good word and has no exact modern equivalent equally good, it is good enough for the good writer. Indeed, a writer's attitude toward obsolete" words is as true a measure of his literary ability as anything except the character of his work A dictionary of obsolete and obsolescent words would not only be singularly rich in strong and sweet parts of speech; it would add large possessions to the vocabulary of every competent writer who might not happen to be a competent reader.
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