garderobe

****************************************************************
Do you enjoy challenging word games? Try WORD SWEEP!, the new board game 
featuring official Merriam-Webster definitions!
http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?ISBN=9780971348769&z=y&TYP=T
**************************************************************** 
The Word of the Day for July 18 is:

garderobe   \GAR-drohb\   noun 
     1 : a wardrobe or its contents  
     2 : a private room : bedroom 
     *3 : privy, toilet

Example sentence:
     "On our tour of Castle Rushen, begun in 1200 and enhanced over the years, 
[caretaker Ian] McKinlay made sure to point out the garderobe -- because nature 
calls, even in a castle...." (Gemma Tarlach, _Milwaukee Journal Sentinel_, July 
25, 2004)

Did you know?
     "Garderobe" entered the English language in the 15th century and continues 
in use to this day, though its frequency has diminished significantly since the 
19th century. Originally, its primary duty was to provide English speakers with 
a word for a room or closet in which to store clothing. Later, by extension, it 
was used for private bedrooms and bathrooms. Today you are most likely to 
encounter the word in a description of an old castle, such as our example 
sentence. "Garder," the French word for "guard" on which "garderobe" is based, 
has also served English well by directly contributing to the formation of such 
words as "award," "guard," "regard," and, yes, "wardrobe." 

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.  





You Are Subscribed As: gclw-mw-wod7@xxxxxxxxx
To unsubscribe, change your e-mail address or to subscribe to the html
version of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, featuring audio
pronunciations, please visit:

http://mw.drhinternet.net/sm/wod/changeofaddress.iphtml

(c) 2007 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated

Merriam-Webster, Inc.
47 Federal Street
P.O. Box 281
Springfield, MA 01102