This week's theme
Words from various languages that built the English language

This week's words
behoove
ugsome
abjure
purlieu
cumshaw

Information overload?
Sign off a few newsletters. Of course, we'd rather you stay with us. After all, it is only a word a day. (-:

---

Discuss
Feedback
RSS/XML

---

A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(PUHR-loo, PUHRL-yoo)

MEANING:

noun:
1. A neighboring area.
2. A place that one frequents or has control; haunt.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Middle English purlewe (land on the edge of a forest), from puralee, influenced by Old French lieu (place), from Anglo-French pur- (thoroughly) + aler (to go). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ambhi- (around), which is also the source of ambulance, alley, preamble, bivouac, and obambulate. Earliest documented use: 1483.

USAGE:

"Dr Vince Cable remains in his post, though with this particular issue removed from his purlieu."
Simon Heffer; Cameron Punishes Tories; The Daily Telegraph (London, UK); Dec 22, 2010.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: