"demean themselves"

Quick Index Board Index Home FAQ Site Map

View thread | Previous message | Next message

"demean themselves" Written by Lia (10/3/2011 12:53 p.m.) in consequence of the missive, Sir Walter's Baronetage, penned by Rachel G

This is slightly off-topic, but in P&P this phrase is used in reference to Mr. Collins and I always thought it a little odd, but perhaps appropriate to his character. I always connected the phrase with "demeaning" rather than "demeanor."

Here, the phrase obviously means "to act or behave," with no sense of the pejorative. Thank you for clarifying this, however unintentionally. ;)

It is always interesting to see how words and phrases change in meaning or connotation over time.

Previous message | Next message | Board index

The Baronetage Cheryl (10/2/2011 10:44 p.m.)

Sir Walter's Baronetage Rachel G (10/3/2011 12:21 p.m.)
- "demean themselves" Lia (10/3/2011 12:53 p.m.)
  - Yes Rachel G (10/3/2011 2:52 p.m.)
    - I found it as far as the 1792 edition Graciela (10/4/2011 11:49 p.m.)
      - Another example of words diverging -- gianni (10/5/2011 10:26 p.m.)
      - Good catch! ;-D nfm Rachel G (10/5/2011 3:39 a.m.)
    - Interesting... Lia (10/4/2011 7:50 p.m.)
Something I find rather amusing Erica M. (10/3/2011 10:36 a.m.)
- exertions of loyalty Stephanie (10/3/2011 11:22 a.m.)
Some thoughts on being in the 'Book of Books' Barbara (10/3/2011 1:36 a.m.)
- How cool! nfm Erica (10/10/2011 8:36 a.m.)
- Interesting BarbaraB (10/3/2011 1:37 p.m.)
- Very cool, Barbara! Cheryl (10/3/2011 12:21 p.m.)
  - I did find it there Barbara (10/3/2011 2:20 p.m.)
    - Very cool - again! ;-) (nfm) Cheryl (10/3/2011 2:57 p.m.)
- Thanks for sharing this Barbara! (:D) nfm Robbin (10/3/2011 3:13 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