Page images
PDF
EPUB

(L.) Liv. 32, 34, 3.(2.) Cæcis hoc, ut aiunt, 9.-This is plain enough

322. Apparet id quidem etiam cæco. Even a blind man can see that. satis clarum est. Quint. 12, 7, for a blind man to see, as they say.

323. Appetitus rationi obœdiant. (L.) Cic. Off. 1, 29, 102.Keep your passions under the control of your reason. Earl Fitzwilliam's motto, with pareat for obœdiant.

324. Appui. (Fr.) Mil. Term.-The point d'appui = the point to lean on. The support or defence on which you rest the

safety of anything, either in a literal or figurative sense. 325. Après donner il faut prendre. (Fr.)-After giving one must take. Motto of the Cameren family (Brittany).

326. Après la mort le médecin. (Fr.) Prov.-After death the doctor. When it is too late.

327. Après la pluie, le beau temps.

(Fr.)-After the rain, fair

weather. After the storm, a calm.

328. Après le rire, les pleurs :

Après les jeux, les douleurs. (Fr.) Breton Prov.-
After laughter, tears; after play, pain.

329. Après nous le déluge! (Fr.) Mme. de Pompadour.-After us the deluge! Usually quoted as the expression of Louis XV.

330. A priori, a posteriori. (L.)-From the former; from the

latter.

Phrases used to distinguish two classes of reasonings. A priori demonstration rests its conclusions upon general notions and principles, and is independent of experience. A posteriori reasoning is based upon experience and fact. The well-known enmity entertained by B towards A would a priori be sufficient to throw the suspicion of the murder of the latter upon B: but the fact that B was found in possession of articles belonging to A after the commission of the crime, would be a posteriori evidence of B's guilt. Loosely speaking, the two kinds may be defined as theoretical or speculative reasoning, and reasoning from facts.

331. A propos. (Fr.)—To the purpose. At a fortunate moment, opportunely, well-timed. (2.) As an interjection-by the way. (3.) A propos de, with regard to,―e.g., a propos de bottes, nothing to the purpose.

332. Aqua fortis. (L.)-Strong water. Nitric acid. (2.) Aqua regia.-Royal water. A mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acid, having the power of dissolving gold, the royal metal.

333. A quatre épingles. (Fr.)-With four pins. A man whose dress is distinguished by an affectation of dandyism, is said to be tiré à quatre épingles, or as we say, to look as if he had just come out of a band-box. (2.) Tirer son épingle du jeu.-To get out of a scrape.

334. Aquilæ senectus. (L.) Ter. Heaut. 3, 2, 10.-The old age of the eagle. A vigorous hale old age.

335. Aquila non capit muscas. (L.) Prov.-The eagle does not catch flies. Motto of Lords Graves and Churston. Great people should be above noticing or avenging petty annoyances. Cf. in same sense, Elephantus non capit mures. Prov.-An elephant doesn't catch mice.

(L.)

336. A raconter ses maux, souvent on les soulage. (Fr.) Corn. (Polyeucte, 1, 3).—In relating our misfortunes, we often feel them lightened.

337. Aranearum telas texere. (L.)—To weave a spider's web. To employ a sophistical argument.

338. Arbeit, Mässigkeit, und Ruh

Schlägt dem Arzt die Thüre zu.
Labour, Temperance, and Repose
Slam the door on the Doctor's nose.

(G.) Prov.

339. Arbiter bibendi. (L.)-The toast-master. Like the Greek βασιλεὺς του συμποσίου (king of the feast). Cf. Quem Venus arbitrum Dicet bibendi? Hor. C. 2, 7, 25.Whom shall the dice appoint as chairman of the carouse? (2.) Arbiter elegantiarum.-Judge of taste. Cf. Elegantiæ arbiter. Tac. A. 16, 18-said of one of Nero's intimates. (3.) Arbiter formæ.-Judge of beauty. Cf. Ov. H. 16, 69. Title of Paris, as appointed to award the prize of beauty to the most fair. 340. Arbore dejecta qui vult ligna colligit.

(L.) Prov.-When the tree is down, every one gathers wood. The meanest and weakest creature may triumph even over majesty when it is overthrown.

341. Arbores serit diligens agricola, quarum aspiciet baccam ipse nunquam vir magnus leges, instituta, rempublicam non seret? (L.) Cic. Tusc. 1, 14, 31.-The gardener plants trees, not one berry of which he will ever see: and shall not a public man plant laws, institutions, government, in short, under the same conditions?

342. Arbor vitæ Christus, fructus per fidem gustamus. (L.)— The tree of life is Christ, the fruit by faith we taste. Motto of Fruiterers' Company.

343. Arcana imperii. (L.)-State secrets. The mysteries of governing. (2.) Arcana regum. Curt. 4, 6, 5.-The secrets of kings. (3.) Jovis arcanis Minos admissus. Hor. C. 1, 28, 9.-Minos admitted to the secrets of Jove. Cabinet secrets, still more the (as yet) undivulged programme of a Prime Minister, would be Jovis arcana, the secret counsels of Jupiter.

344. Arcanum neque tu scrutaberis ullius unquam ; Commissumque teges, et vino tortus et irâ.

(L.) Hor. Ep. 1, 18, 37.

Avoid all prying: what you're told, keep back,

Though wine and anger put you on the rack.—Conington.

345. ̓Αρχὴ γαρ λέγεται μὲν ἥμισυ παντος ἐν ταῖς παροιμίαις pyov. (Gr.) Plat. 466, D.-For, according to the proverb, the beginning is half the whole business.

346. Arcui meo non confido. (L.)—I do not trust to my bow. John Wilkes' motto.

347. Ardeat ipsa licet, tormentis gaudet amantis. (L.) Juv. 6, 208.

Though equal pains her peace of mind destroy, A lover's torments give her spiteful joy. (?) 348. Ardentia verba. (L.)-Glowing words.

Expressions of

great warmth and ardour. "Thoughts that glow, and words that burn." (?) Cf. Orator gravis, acer, ardens. Cic. Or. 28, 99.-A powerful, ready, and passionate speaker.

349. Ardua cervix

Argutumque caput, brevis alvus, obesaque terga,
Luxuriatque toris animosum pectus. (L.) Virg. 9, 3, 80.
Points of a good horse.
Lofty-necked,

Sharp-headed, barrel-bellied, broadly-backed,
Brawny his chest, and deep.-Dryden.

350. Ardua molimur: sed nulla nisi ardua virtus. (L.)

Ov.

A. A. 2, 537.—I am attempting an arduous task: but there is no achievement but what is hard to effect.

351. A re decedunt.

levant matter.

(L.)—They wander from the point. Irre

352. Arena funis effici non potest. (L.) Col. 10, præf. § 4.You can't make a rope of sand. Cf. the Greek equivalent, ἐξ ἄμμου σχοινίον πλέκειν.—Aristid. semina mandas Non profecturis litora bubus aras.

(2.) Arena

Ov. H. 5, 115.—You are sowing the sands, and ploughing the sea-shore with oxen to no purpose. Said of impossibilities, wasting time. (3.) Arena sine calce. Suet. Cal. 53.-Sand without lime. Said by Emperor Caligula of the Tragedies of Seneca, from their unconnected character; and applicable to any desultory disjointed performance.

353. Argent comptant. (Fr.)-Ready money. Money down. 354. Argentum accepi, dote imperium vendidi. (L.) Plaut. As. 1, 1, 74.—I have received her dowry, and in return have parted with my authority. The fate of one who has married for money.

355. Argilla quidvis imitaberis uda. (L.) Hor. Ep. 2, 2, 8.You may mould damp clay to any form you please. Young natures, being pliant and tractable, can be easily formed in the direction you desire.

356. Arguit, arguito: quicquid probat illa, probato : Quod dicet, dicas: quod negat illa, neges.

Riserit, arride: si flebit, flere memento;

Imponat leges vultibus illa tuis. (L.) Ov. A. A. 2, 199.

To a lover.

Blame, if she blames; but if she praises, praise.
What she denies, deny; say what she says.
Laugh, if she smiles; but if she weeps, then weep,
And let your looks with hers their motions keep.-Ed.

357. Argumentum. (L.)—An argument.

(1.) Argumentum ab impossibili plurimum valet in lege. (L.) Law Max.-An argument founded upon impossibility of performance is forcible in law. (2.) Argumentum ab inconvenienti plurimum valet in lege. Law Max.-Arguments drawn from inconvenience are forcible in law; as, where in any deed equivocal expressions occur, and great inconvenience follows from one construction, it argues that such construction is not according to the true intention of the grantor. (3.) Argumentum ad captandum.-An argument calculated to flatter your opponent. A plausible and specious statement of the case. (4.) Argumentuin ad hominem.-A personal argument, the force of which consists in its personal application to the individual, and not to the real question. (5.) Argumentum ad ignorantiam.-Arguments founded on your opponent's ignorance of the circumstances of the case. (6.) Argumentum ad misericordiam.-An appeal to the mercy of your adversary. (7.) Argumentum ad populum.-An appeal to the prejudices, passions, etc., of the mob or multitude. (8.) Argumentum ad verecundiam.-Appeal to our reverence for constituted authority. (9.) Argumentum baculinum.—Stick argument. Club law, conviction by force. These latter (3 to 9) must be dis

tinguished from (10.) Argumentum ad rem, or ad judicium. -Arguments bearing on the real question, or addressed to the judgment, and when unfairly pressed come under the head of Fallacies.

358. Argutos inter strepere anser olores. (L.) Virg. E. 9, 36. To gabble like a goose amidst the swan-like quire.-Dryden. 359. Apiτov μèv vdwp. (Gr.) Pind. Olymp. 1, 1.—Water is best. Inscription over the Pump room at Bath.

360. "Apioτov μéтpov. (Gr.) or (L.) Optimus modus.-A mean, or moderation is best. Saying of Cleobulus, one of the seven wise men of Greece.

361. Arma cerealia. (L.) Virg. A. 1, 177.-The arms of Ceres. Term comprehending the implements connected with the making of bread (grinding, baking, etc.), and may be extended to mean agricultural implements, farmers' gear, tools, and tackle.

362. Arma pacis fulcra. (L.)-Arms are the supports of peace. Motto of Hon. Artillery Company.

363. Arma tenenti Omnia dat, qui justa negat. (L.) Luc. 1, 348. To armed opponents he grants all he can If he withhold what's right.-Ed.

364. Armati terram exercent, semperque recentes

Convectare juvat prædas, et vivere rapto.

In armour sheathed, they till their soil,

(L.) Virg. A. 7, 748.

Heap foray up, and live by spoil.—Conington.

Part of the quotation forms the motto of Spectator (No. 130) on Gipsies, and is rendered by Dryden

A plundering race, still eager to invade,

On spoil they live, and make of theft a trade.

365. Armé de foi hardi. (Fr.)-Armed with courageous faith.

Motto of Viscount Cranbrook.

366. Armoires parlantes. (Fr.)-Punning arms.

A crest, or

coat of arms, designed in rebus fashion, to express symbolically the bearer's name. Thus a buck couchant on a ton would stand for Buxton.

367. Armuth ist der sechste Sinn. (G.) Prov.-Poverty is the sixth sense.

368. Armuth schändet nicht. (G.) Prov. Poverty is no disgrace.

369. Arrectis auribus adsto. (L.) Virg. A. 2, 303.—I wait with listening ear.

« PreviousContinue »