A fine composition conveying peace and quiet. The douter is a good counterpoint to the candle, providing a complementary shade of brown. Churches draw much authenticity from the colour brown. Where they are new or modernised, and their seats and other ecclesiastical furniture are in some lighter coloured wood, their resemblance to an office or a dentist's waiting room is disconcerting. Contemplation is much assisted by a good dark brown.
Thanks, L.C. “The earliest known use of the noun douter is in the early 1600s. OED's earliest evidence for douter is from 1622 “ It seems to be a contraction of “do-out”.
The OED also, somehow, calculates that there are “About 0.03 occurrences per million words in modern written English.”
That is some interesting data, although I cannot think what the value of it might be. 'Douter' seems to be a word that might be enjoyed by liturgists and linguists, eccentrics and ecclesiasts, prebendaries and pretenders. It would demonstrate and assert their elitism. Thank you for your stimulating comment.
Surely etymological studies and speculations have a value, helping us to better taste and appreciate the words we use, adding richness and depth to life.
Ideally we should try and act as *Italo-Byzantine liturgists, providing images which celebrate and strengthen the membership’s journey and help our congregation to find a sense of faith, identity and self-worth.
Sadly, there are no stipends available at present.
Thanks a lot for that "do-outer"/douter. Matches and lighters only came late, so they then should have had a "do-oner" (or doner) perhaps.
No, not doener the kebap, no!
But the image I enjoy as well.
12 comments
Kayleigh said:
I love it !!!
Annemarie said:
William Sutherland said:
The Limbo Connection said:
Steve Bucknell replied to The Limbo Connection:
The OED also, somehow, calculates that there are “About 0.03 occurrences per million words in modern written English.”
Armando Taborda said:
Great composition, Steve!
Steve Bucknell replied to Armando Taborda:
The Limbo Connection replied to Steve Bucknell:
aNNa schramm said:
Steve Bucknell replied to aNNa schramm:
Steve Bucknell replied to The Limbo Connection:
Ideally we should try and act as *Italo-Byzantine liturgists, providing images which celebrate and strengthen the membership’s journey and help our congregation to find a sense of faith, identity and self-worth.
Sadly, there are no stipends available at present.
Leon_Vienna said:
No, not doener the kebap, no!
But the image I enjoy as well.