June 24, 2007

Word of the Day

Utas--An obsolete (alas!) word for the eighth day of a feast. Related to "octave." Here's an example from St. Thomas More's last letter to his daughter Margaret:
I cumber you, good Margaret, much, but I would be sorry if it should be any longer than tomorrow. For it is Saint Thomas' even and the Utas of Saint Peter; and therefore tomorrow long I to go to God: it were a day very meet and convenient for me. I never liked your manner toward me better than when you kissed me last: for I love when daughterly love and dear charity hath no leisure to look to worldly courtesy. Farewell, my dear child, and pray for me, and I shall for you and all your friends, that we may merrily meet in Heaven. I thank you for your great cost...
HT: Bill Luse.

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