If I can insert another two cents worth, it is this - do not treat ANY
definition as absolute immutable truth. This is something I learnt when
training as a librarian.
Ever wondered why dictionaries give slightly different meaning or emphasis
to the definition of a word? That is because once a meaning has been
published in a dictionary, then that meaning is copyright of the publisher.
Dictionary compilers are allowed use a certain percentage (I forget exactly
what amount) of common definitions of particular words, but they cannot copy
unchanged the majority of definitions - they must perforce make up their
own.
So do not be surprised if different meanings are given by different
dictionaries.
Ralph Reid
Sydney
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