Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- Addicted to laughing derisively or sneering at others.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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Anthology; Book V., irrisory epigrams; Book VI. amatory epigrams; and
Select Epigrams from the Greek Anthology Anonymous 1902
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AMMIANUS is the author of twenty-nine epigrams in the Anthology, all irrisory.
Select Epigrams from the Greek Anthology Anonymous 1902
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A different view of art and literature, and one which adds considerably to our knowledge of the ancient feeling about them, is given by another class of pieces, the irrisory epigrams of the
Select Epigrams from the Greek Anthology Anonymous 1902
whichbe commented on the word irrisory
Addicted to laughing or sneezing. According to folklore, the soul leaves the body when a person sneezes. This is why we say "God bless you!" It forces the soul to return. (Daniel Lyons's Dictionary of the English Language, 1897)
July 25, 2008
yarb commented on the word irrisory
More specifically, I thought sneezing was supposed to present an opportunity for the devil to steal in and possess your soul; hence "bless you" to scare Old Nick away.
July 25, 2008