Wiktionary:Word of the day/Archive/2022/January

1. (also attributively) Often preceded by in the.
   1. The state of not being owned by anyone, and thus freely usable by everyone.
      1. (specifically, law) The realm of intellectual property which is not or no longer protected by copyrights or patents, and thus over which no person can establish a proprietary interest.
   2. The state of not or no longer being confidential or secret.
2. (especially US) Land regarded as owned by the public, and not subject to a land patent or other forms of private ownership (for example, unowned prairie in the southwestern and western United States).

Today, New Year’s Day, is also Public Domain Day, an observance of the date when many copyrights expire, and works thus enter the public domain.

1. (British, informal) Often used as a response to some (anticipated) success: lovely; fantastic, great.

lovely jubbly adj

1. (British, informal) Lovely; fantastic, great.

lovely jubbly n

1. (British, slang) Money.

1. (uncountable) The practice of expressing opinions on something which one knows only superficially or has little real understanding of; also, shallow or superficial knowledge; (countable) an instance of this.

1. (transitive) To incompetently perform (a task); to ruin (something) through incompetent action; to botch up, to bumble.
2. (intransitive) To act or work incompetently; to fumble.

bungle n

1. A botched or incompetently handled action or situation; a blunder.

1. Senses relating to life or states of activity.
   1. (transitive)
      1. To put (someone or something) in a state of activity or vigour comparable to life; to excite, to rouse.
      2. To inspire or stimulate (an action, a feeling, etc.).
      3. To stimulate or assist the fermentation of (an alcoholic beverage, dough, etc.).
      4. (literary, also figuratively) To give life to (someone or something never alive or once dead); to animate, to resurrect, to revive.
      5. (archaic) To make or help (something) to burn.
      6. (obsolete)
         1. To make (a drug, liquor, etc.) more effective or stimulating.
         2. (passive voice) Of a pregnant woman: to be in the state of reaching the stage of pregnancy at which the movements of the foetus are first felt.
   2. (intransitive)
      1. To take on a state of activity or vigour comparable to life; to be excited or roused.
      2. To grow bright; to brighten.
      3. Of an alcoholic beverage, dough, etc.: to ferment.
      4. (also figuratively) Of a pregnant woman: to first feel the movements of the foetus, or reach the stage of pregnancy at which this takes place; of a foetus: to begin to move.
      5. (literary, also figuratively)
         1. To give life; to make alive.
         2. To come back to life, to receive life.
      6. (rare) To inspire or stimulate.
2. Senses relating to speed.
   1. (transitive)
      1. To make (something) quicker; to hasten, speed up.
      2. (construction, nautical (shipbuilding), archaic) To shorten the radius of (a curve); to make (a curve) sharper, or (an incline) steeper.
   2. (intransitive) To become quicker or faster.

1. Either of two species of fast-running bird in the genus Geococcyx of the cuckoo family native to North and Central America, the lesser roadrunner (Geococcyx velox) and, especially, the greater roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus).

Today is National Bird Day in the USA, which is promoted by the Avian Welfare Coalition to encourage the leaving of birds in the wild and to improve the welfare of birds in captivity.

1. (originally military slang) Eccentric; insane, mad.
2. (by extension) Carried away by enjoyment, excitement, etc.

1. (British, euphemistic, humorous) Often in the form to discuss Ugandan affairs: sexual intercourse, usually an extramarital affair.

1. (transitive)
   1. To be or become aware of (something); to perceive.
   2. To acknowledge the existence of (something); to recognize.
   3. To take hold of (something) with understanding; to conceive (something) in the mind; to become cognizant of; to understand.
   4. To have a conception of (something); to consider, to regard.
   5. To anticipate (something, usually unpleasant); especially, to anticipate (something) with anxiety, dread, or fear; to dread, to fear.
   6. (archaic or obsolete, also figuratively) To seize or take (something); to take hold of.
   7. (law enforcement) To seize or take (a person) by legal process; to arrest.
   8. (obsolete)
      1. To feel (something) emotionally.
      2. To learn (something).
      3. (also figuratively) To take possession of (something); to seize.
2. (intransitive)
   1. To be of opinion, believe, or think; to suppose.
   2. To understand.
   3. To be apprehensive; to fear.

1. (film, photography, television) A screen (often in disc form) placed between a light and an illuminated actor or object in order to diffuse the glare.
2. (sound engineering) A device used to shield a microphone from extraneous sounds.
3. (theater) A template inserted over a light source to control the shape of the thrown light.

1. The taproot of young edible burdock plants (Arctium lappa), eaten as a root vegetable.

1. (obsolete, rare) Of or relating to coins or money.
2. (by extension) Flattened with a rounded form, as a disc; coin-shaped.
   1. (pathology) Characterized by lesions (especially on the cornea or skin) which are round with well-defined borders.
   2. (pathology, obsolete) Of sputum: forming flat, round shapes (formerly thought to be a symptom of tuberculosis).

1. (historical) Originally, an entertainer employed to juggle, play music, sing, tell stories, etc.; a buffoon, a fool, a jester; later, a medieval (especially travelling) entertainer who would recite and sing poetry, often to their own musical accompaniment.
2. (by extension)
   1. (chiefly poetic) Any lyric poet, musician, or singer.
   2. (US, historical) One of a troupe of entertainers, often a white person who wore black makeup (blackface), to present a so-called minstrel show, being a variety show of banjo music, dance, and song (now regarded as racist).
      1. (by extension, slang) An amphetamine tablet, typically black, or black and white, in colour.

minstrel v (also figuratively)

1. (transitive) To play (a tune on a musical instrument); to sing (a song).
2. (intransitive) To act as a minstrel; to entertain by playing a musical instrument, singing, etc.

1. (transitive)
   1. To load (a vehicle or vessel) with freight (cargo); also, to hire or rent out (a vehicle or vessel) to carry cargo or passengers.
   2. To transport (goods).
   3. (by extension) To load or store (goods, etc.).
   4. (figuratively) To carry (something) as if it is a burden or load.
2. (intransitive, US, also figuratively) Chiefly followed by up: to carry as part of a cargo.

freight n

1. (uncountable) The transportation of goods (originally by water; now also (chiefly US) by land); also, the hiring of a vehicle or vessel for such transportation.
2. (uncountable) Goods or items in transport; cargo, luggage.
3. (countable) Payment for transportation.
4. (figuratively)
   1. (countable) A burden, a load.
   2. (specifically, uncountable) Cultural or emotional associations.
5. (countable, originally US, rail transport) Short for freight train.

freight adj

1. (obsolete) Freighted; laden.

1. (chiefly historical) A plantation of nopal (a prickly pear cactus of the genus Opuntia, especially Opuntia cochinellifera) used as food for the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), which is raised to produce carmine dye.

1. (archaic or obsolete except dialectal) Often preceded by the: During the time; meanwhile.

whilst conj

1. (British, literary or rare in North America) Synonym of while
   1. During the whole, or until the end, of the time that; as long as, at the same time.
   2. Within, or before the end, of the time that.
   3. Although; in contrast; whereas.
   4. Besides; in addition.
   5. Only if; provided that; as long as.

1. (uncountable) A friendly, good-natured, pleasant manner; an affable and approachable disposition; friendliness.
2. (uncountable) An atmosphere of friendliness and good cheer.
3. (countable) A cheerful remark.

1. (transitive, also figuratively, obsolete) To make less heavy; to lighten; to alleviate, to relieve.
2. (intransitive)
   1. Often followed by from or off: to get off an animal which one has been riding; to dismount; to descend or exit from a vehicle; hence, to complete one's journey; to stop.
   2. (also figuratively) Often followed by at, on, or upon: of something aloft: to descend and settle; to land, to lodge, to rest.
   3. (archaic)
      1. To come down or go down; to descend.
      2. Often followed by on or upon: of a blow, something thrown, etc.: to land heavily.
   4. (figuratively) Often followed by on or upon: to find by accident; to chance upon, to come upon.
   5. (obsolete) To arrive.

(transitive, also figuratively, archaic)

1. To cast light on (something); to illuminate, to light up.
2. To set light to (something); to set (something) on fire; to ignite, to light.

alight adj

1. Burning, lit, on fire.
2. Often followed by with: shining with light; luminous, radiant; also, brightly coloured; vivid.
   1. Of an electrical light source: switched on and emitting light.
3. (figuratively) Aglow with activity or emotion.

alight adv

1. (also figuratively) Chiefly in set alight: in flames, on fire; aflame.

1. The study of beer and beer-brewing.

1. (military) Of a fortress or other fortified place: able to withstand all attacks; impenetrable, inconquerable, unvanquishable.
2. (figuratively) Too strong to be defeated or overcome; invincible.

1. Capable of being impregnated; impregnatable.

1. (uncountable) The state when something (for example, a custom or a law) is no longer observed nor practised; disuse, obsolescence; (countable) an instance of this.
2. (countable, obsolete) Chiefly followed by from or of: a cessation of practising or using something.

1. (transitive)
   1. To achieve or obtain (something) by complicated or deceitful methods; to finagle, to wangle.
   2. To cheat or deceive (someone).
2. (intransitive)
   1. To evade work or shirk responsibility.
   2. To fail to keep a promise; to renege.
   3. (card games) To renege (“break one's commitment to follow suit when capable”).

1. (British, dated) An exclamation of astonishment, confusion, despair, etc.: my sainted aunt, my sainted uncle.

1. (usually uncountable, sports)
   1. A form of football in which players can hold or kick an ovoid ball; rugby football. The ball cannot be handled forwards and points are scored by touching the ball to the ground in the area past the opponent's territory or by kicking the ball between goalposts and over a crossbar.
   2. (specifically) The form of the game known as rugby union (see the usage note).
2. (countable) Ellipsis of rugby shirt (“a shirt of the kind worn by rugby players, usually short-sleeved and with a buttoned opening at the neck like a polo shirt, but with a stiffer collar”).

rugby v

1. (intransitive) To play rugby.

Today is the eve of the death anniversary of the English clergyman William Webb Ellis, who died 150 years ago on 24 January 1872. It is claimed that Webb Ellis invented rugby football as a pupil at Rugby School when he picked up and ran with the ball during a football match in 1823, but there is no substantive evidence that this happened. Nonetheless, he is commemorated by a plaque at the school, and lends his name to the trophy awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup.

1. (rare) Full of knowledge; knowledgeable.

Today is the International Day of Education, which is recognized by the United Nations to emphasize the importance of ensuring equitable and inclusive education at all levels so that people may acquire the knowledge and skills needed to participate fully in society and contribute towards sustainable development.

1. (Scotland) A scone made from mashed, boiled potatoes and flour, often baked in a large circular shape on a griddle and cut into slices for serving; it may be eaten as an accompaniment to savoury food such as bacon, fried eggs, and Lorne sausage, or with jam.

Burns night is held on this date in celebration of the Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns (born on 25 January 1759), and usually involves Scottish foods and recitals of his poetry.

1. A person from Queensland, Australia.
2. (Australia, architecture) A house built in an architectural style found in Queensland, characterized by being raised up on stumps about two metres off the ground, and having wide verandahs around it.

Today is Australia Day, the national day of Australia.

1. (religion) An offering or sacrifice to a deity that is completely burned to ashes.
2. (by extension)
   1. (religion, also figuratively) A complete or large offering or sacrifice.
   2. Complete destruction by fire; also, the thing so destroyed.
   3. (figuratively)
      1. Extensive destruction of a group of animals or (especially) people; a large-scale massacre or slaughter.
      2. Alternative letter-case form of Holocaust (“the systematic mass murder (democide or genocide) of Jews (and, more broadly, of disabled people, homosexuals, Romanis, Slavs, and others) perpetrated by Nazi Germany shortly before and during World War II”); hence, the state-sponsored mass murder of a particular group of people in society.

holocaust v (transitive)

1. (religion, also figuratively) To sacrifice (chiefly an animal) to be completely burned.
2. To destroy (something) completely, especially by fire.
3. To subject (a group of people) to a holocaust (mass annihilation); to destroy en masse.

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which marks the Holocaust that occurred during World War II – the genocide perpetrated on Jews and other people by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

1. (historical fiction) One of the legendary "twelve peers" or renowned warriors of Charlemagne, the Emperor of the Romans from 800 to 814.
2. (by extension, historical) One of the twelve nobles granted feudal territories or episcopal sees by the King of France in return for their fealty (namely the Archbishop-Duke of Rheims; the Bishop-Dukes of Laon and Langres; the Bishop-Counts of Beauvais, Chalons, and Noyon, the Dukes of Normandy, Burgundy, and Aquitaine; and the Counts of Toulouse, Flanders and Champagne).
3. (by extension) An individual considered to be like or in the model of Charlemagne's peers; someone considered a great hero or paladin.

Charlemagne, the Emperor of the Romans, died on this day in 814.

1. (government, religion) The combination of state (originally imperial) power with religious authority; state authority over ecclesiastical matters.

The German ecclesiastical jurist Justus Henning Böhmer, who probably coined the New Latin word caesaro-papia, was born on this day in 1674.

1. To annoy (someone) frequently or systematically; to pester.
   1. (specifically) To persistently bother (someone, or a group of people) physically or psychologically when such behaviour is illegal and/or unwanted, especially over an extended period.
2. To put excessive burdens upon (someone); to subject (someone) to anxieties.
3. To trouble (someone, or a group of people) through repeated military-style attacks.
4. (obsolete) Often followed by out: to fatigue or tire (someone) with exhausting and repeated efforts.

harass n

1. (archaic) Harassment; pestering.

1. A severe pang or spasm of pain, especially one experienced when the uterus contracts during childbirth, or when a person is about to die.
   1. (usually in the plural) The pain of labour or childbirth; the suffering of death.
2. Any severe pang or spasm, especially an outburst of feeling; a paroxysm.
3. (figuratively, usually in the plural) A hard struggle, especially one associated with the beginning or finishing of a task.

throe v

1. (transitive) To cause (someone) to feel throes, as if in childbirth; to put in agony.
2. (intransitive) To feel throes; to struggle in extreme pain; to be in agony; to agonize.