Re: RV: Old English

Cristophe wrote.

> At 17:32 29/03/00 +0100, you wrote:
> >
> >My French etymological dictionary gives "of unknown origin" (but in
French,
> >obviously). "Escaigne" is OF, the modern word is écagne. Does it mean the
> >same as the English, BTW?
> >
>
> I don't even know this word! What does "skein" mean?
Erm, [frantic searching in the dictionry for this oh-so-common word]
actually it has three meanings:
1. a loosely tied coil of wool or thread
2. a tangle or confused bundle of things
3. a flock of wild geese in flight (I had _no_ idea about this one, I've not
heard it before)

> "écagne" is a rather strange word, it sounds more Southern French than
> Northern French. I wouldn't be surprised if it was used only in the
> Provence (or maybe in the Basque Country too).
It was borrowed into English during the 15th Century, according to Chamber's
Dictionary, if that helps.

Dan