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dwindle

Posted: Thu Jun 13, 2013 10:08 pm
by eberntson
From the word dwine, meaning to waste away. Rooted in middle and old English, coming from Norse according to Webster's.

Just love the way this word makes the mouth move when spoken…

EB-)

Re: dwindle

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:36 pm
by Philip Hudson
The authorities lead me to understand that dwine has dwindled into obsolescence except in obscure localities. One of those localities is in the sticks. I well remember Granny saying, "After old man Hebsacker died, Mrs. Hebsacker just dwined away."

Re: dwindle

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:46 pm
by Slava
Time to update moon terminology. A dwindling crescent, anyone?

Now, what would the opposite be?

Re: dwindle

Posted: Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:56 pm
by Philip Hudson
The moon in my sky waxes and wanes.

Re: dwindle

Posted: Sat Jun 15, 2013 12:09 am
by Slava
Are you sure that's not wanes and waxes? :lol:

Re: dwindle

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 10:26 am
by eberntson
I know that my glass of beer often dwindles away. The moon not withstanding, as an optimist I would say occasionally the beer glass waxes. And as realists we all know glasses of beer always wane. Cheers!

Re: dwindle

Posted: Sun Jun 16, 2013 4:43 pm
by Philip Hudson
Be aware of the dwindling days. "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may," - Robert Herrick
Recall Sinatra singing "September Song":
"Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
September, November
And these few precious days I'll spend with you
These precious days I'll spend with you"

Sorta gets you right there don't it?