titubant: A disturbance of body equilibrium in standing or walking, resulting in an uncertain gait and trembling.
Byron did something of the kind in Don Juan; and the world at large is still quivering and titubant under the shock of his appeal.
-- W. E. Henley, "The Secret of Wordsworth," The Pall Mall Magazine, Volume 30, 1903
What a terrific word, but unlike the influence of someone as romantic and charming as Don Juan, this is EXACTLY how I would describe the feeling I get when I exit an elevator!
(That would evidence still quivering semicircular canals, I believe.)
Regardless, I would love to see an article on this scarcely seen word.
Sardith
titubant
titubant
“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
~Mark Twain, [pen name for Samuel Clemens], American author and humorist, (1835-1910)~
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
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The first thing that came to my mind when I read the definition was the idea of a sailor coming ashore after a goodly time at sea. They tend to stagger, as their "sea legs" aren't accustomed to the steadiness of solid land.
I think there's another word for this, but I can't come up with it at the moment. Can anyone else who's read Hornblower and/or Bolitho clue me in?
I think there's another word for this, but I can't come up with it at the moment. Can anyone else who's read Hornblower and/or Bolitho clue me in?
Life is like playing chess with chessmen who each have thoughts and feelings and motives of their own.
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