Useless
Is as Useless Does …
Thumbing
through the dictionary, I often wonder if all those words are truly necessary.
Just think of how much paper we’d save (or digital space and hassle) if
duplicate meanings and superfluous syntax were deleted …
QUIRE (kwīr) n.
– a set of 24 or 25 sheets of paper of the same size and stock, the twentieth
part of a ream.
[WW #274]
Now, this likely is a word you will never
use in prose or casual conversation. In fact, maybe I’m shortsighted, but I
don’t see why anyone would care about a quire portion of a ream
of paper. Except, perhaps, someone in the publishing or paper manufacturing
industries. So if that’s where your novel is set, have at it!
Beyond that, besides being the archaic
spelling of choir, quire is particularly popular in Scrabble and Words With
Friends—great points! Just thought you might be curious as to how it might fit
into your life in a more … ahem … cerebral manner.
I finally broke down and bought the
current—Eleventh Edition—of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary,
just so I can be on top of things for you! The paper is thinner (more quires
to count), which rather makes it difficult to read, as you can almost see
through to words on the other side of the page. (Thank goodness it came with a
one-year subscription to their online unabridged tome.) Nevertheless, it holds my world of words.
Word Challenge: QUIRE. A great word to know if you’re planning to
print company stationery or your character is a publisher! Get creative with quire as you consider its usefulness in your week of definitive
writings.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your
inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in
her Blast from Your Past series (of
three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT
Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years
1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
*Note: 1) Dictionary
definitions are quoted from Webster’s New World College Dictionary. Yes,
we sometimes present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun!
Think of it as “creative context.” 2) Neither I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant
for Penning are responsible for how you use information found here, that may
result in legal action.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
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