This week's theme
Words coined after Shakespearean characters

This week's words
dogberry
portia
timon
romeo
prospero

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(POR-shuh, -shee-uh)

MEANING:

noun: A female lawyer.

ETYMOLOGY:

After Portia, the heroine of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Portia is a rich heiress who disguises herself as a lawyer to save Antonio's life. Earliest documented use: 1869.

USAGE:

"'Listen sister...law isn't the only subject I've mastered!' snaps Betty, ... 'I may be a Portia, but my middle name's Dempsey!'"
Mike Madrid; Divas, Dames & Daredevils; Exterminating Angel Press; 2013.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: