Analects

[Brazilian dude]

analects

Main Entry: an·a·lects
Pronunciation: 'a-n&l-"ek(t)s
Variant(s): also an·a·lec·ta /"a-n&l-'ek-t&/
Function: noun plural
Etymology: New Latin analecta, from Greek analekta, neuter plural of analektos, verbal of analegein to collect, from ana- + legein to gather -- more at LEGEND

Brazilian dude

[M. Henri Day]

This word - presumably just to tantalise us, BD omitted the definition, which I reproduce, infra - always makes me think of Master Kong (孔子, Confucius) and his disciples, who wrote down what they remembered of his teachings and spread them as the Word. Given that human memory is imperfect and highly selective, this has given rise to various interpretations ever since, not to mention «discoveries» of ancient versions which, hidden in a wall, supposedly escaped destruction during a period when the teachings were persecuted. Sound familiar ?...

Henri

PS : O yes, the definition :

Selections from or parts of a literary work or group of works. Often used as a title.

[Brazilian dude]

This word - presumably just to tantalise us, BD omitted the definition,

Hahahaha, no, I just goofed up.

Brazilian dude

[gailr]

You didn't goof up, Dude, you were just being inscrutable.
-gailr

[M. Henri Day]

And I, presumably, in providing the definition, scrutable ? OK then, but smile when you say it !...

Henri

[Stargzer]

Long, long ago (in the early 1970s), there was a cartoon in an Underground paper in which a rabbit (The White Rabbit, eponym of the cartoon) was advising the Chinese not to try to be so inscrutable when Richard Nixon visited because he had proved on many occasions that he could scrut anyone.

[M. Henri Day]

... because he [Richard Milhous Nixon] had proved on many occasions that he could scrut anyone.

With the sole exception, perhaps, of a certain Mr Felt....

Henri

[Stargzer]

He'd've screwt M. Felt if he had any proof . . .

[gailr]

Lately when I listen to the news it just seems like déjà vecu all over again...and again...
-gailr

[Flaminius]

ita, sic vixerunt populi Aegypti.