quisling

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eberntson
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quisling

Postby eberntson » Wed Mar 23, 2011 3:35 pm

quisling (noun) a traitor who collaborates with an enemy force occupying their country.

Origin: Second World War: from the name of Major Vidkun Quisling (1887–1945), the Norwegian army officer and diplomat who ruled Norway on behalf of the German occupying forces (1940-45)

(src: OED)
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MTC
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Postby MTC » Wed Mar 23, 2011 8:50 pm

Let's not overlook Philippe Pétain or Marshal Pétain who headed the collaborationist French government in Vichy during WW II. He deserves at least as much "credit" as Quisling. It would be fascinating to hear an expert like Dr. Beard explain why Quisling's name became synonymous with treachery, while Pétain's name fell into obscurity, except perhaps in France.
When one flower whithers, another blooms.

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Slava
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Postby Slava » Wed Mar 23, 2011 9:40 pm

Synonymous? And here I thought it was eponymous. :)
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