DICTIONARY OF WORD ORIGINS

Word history is race history -- this dictionary traces origins in such a way that new appreciation is opened up to the growth of democratic process through the origin and derivation of words. Current and ephemeral slang is not included but fresh vital words, part of the language growth process, are a part of this study. Anyone fascinated with words will find much to interest him here. Sometimes the lexicographer seems a bit smart alecky -- some of his word association patterns are farfetched but entertaining. The arrangement is alphabetical, with cross reference. Data in the appendices include ""doublets"", words from names, sources and meanings of given names.