"Valetudinarian"

Quick Index Board Index Home FAQ Site Map

View thread | Previous message | Next message

"Valetudinarian" Written by Delories (3/31/2008 2:31 a.m.) in consequence of the missive, Probably not really ill, penned by Laraine

The ON tells us that DOMW is a "valetudinarian". The online version of the Merriam-Webster dictionary tells us that this was a relatively new word in JA's day, having been first recorded in 1703, and means: "a person of a weak or sickly constitution; especially one whose chief concern is his or her ill health."

So I think the ON leaves it slightly ambiguous, but it seems clear that DOMW is more fussy than truly infirm.

Previous message | Next message | Board index

Emma and her father Laraine (3/29/2008 11:31 p.m.)

On their own terms Barbara (3/30/2008 10:18 a.m.)
- Well one of the pleasures of hosting Tracy W (3/31/2008 5:35 p.m.)
  - IMO Emma can do what she likes... Line (3/31/2008 6:11 p.m.)
- Mr Woodhouse's motive Nicki (3/30/2008 3:53 p.m.)
  - A bit too harsh on Emma, perhaps Ramya (3/30/2008 6:09 p.m.)
    - Hi Ramya! Line (3/30/2008 8:48 p.m.)
      - Hi Line! :) Ramya (4/1/2008 1:07 a.m.)
      - Mr Woodhouse- eggs or tart ?   Mandy N (3/31/2008 9:17 a.m.)
        
        What does he have against jam tarts?   Tarn (4/1/2008 1:29 a.m.)
        
        He is lonely, perhaps...   Martine (3/31/2008 3:25 p.m.)
- I think it might be a little harsh Russell (3/30/2008 3:28 p.m.)
  - Why not? Barbara (3/30/2008 3:58 p.m.)
    - Valetudinarian Russell (3/31/2008 10:47 a.m.)
      - Yes   Barbara (3/31/2008 11:10 a.m.)
        
        And here's from Johnson's dictionary (1828)   Graciela (3/31/2008 12:28 p.m.)
        
        It doesn't say there were real illnesses either   Barbara (3/31/2008 1:41 p.m.)
        
        Depression could be the real disease...   Martine (3/31/2008 3:33 p.m.)
        
        I dunno. He seems awfully social for a depressed person   Delories (3/31/2008 4:18 p.m.)
        
        Here's what teh OED has to say   JulieW (3/31/2008 11:30 a.m.)
        
        Even if the O.N. used "valetudinarian" to mean "in   Russell (3/31/2008 2:31 p.m.)
        
        I'll give Mr. Woodhouse the benefit of the doubt   Joan Ellen (3/31/2008 3:01 p.m.)
        
        Imaginary Invalid?   Barbara (3/31/2008 3:47 p.m.)
        
        Interesting   Ramya (4/1/2008 9:58 p.m.)
        
        I meant to say "invalid"   Russell (3/31/2008 2:40 p.m.)
        
        Thats OK   JulieW (3/31/2008 2:43 p.m.)
        
        No, you didn't (Yes you didn't?)   Russell (3/31/2008 2:48 p.m.)
- That's a terrific point Laraine (3/30/2008 10:48 a.m.)
  - Agree, worth keeping in mind... Moni (3/31/2008 12:41 a.m.)
  - A very good point, indeed! Delories (3/30/2008 1:12 p.m.)
Mr Woodhouse Hanné B (3/30/2008 7:54 a.m.)
- They didn't Laraine (3/30/2008 10:54 a.m.)
Like Father, like daughter… Robbin (3/30/2008 4:39 a.m.)
Father and Daughter BarbaraB (3/30/2008 1:04 a.m.)
- I've always wondered how ill Mr. Woodhouse is... Anne-Marie (3/30/2008 4:05 p.m.)
  - Thyroid problems? Tarn (3/31/2008 4:58 a.m.)
  - Probably not really ill Laraine (3/30/2008 6:32 p.m.)
    - "Valetudinarian" Delories (3/31/2008 2:31 a.m.)
      - Is this the same as hypochondria? (nfm) Moni (3/31/2008 5:39 a.m.)

Groupread is maintained by Myretta with WebBBS 3.21.

View thread | Previous message | Next message Board index

- Jane Austen | Republic of Pemberley -

Quick Index

Home

Site Map

JAInfo