Definition...

I have an early 19th Century edition of Doctor Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language, which he originally completed in 1755 - the first comprehensive dictionary of the English language. It's probably not worth much in terms of money but I love this book.

I love it because, unlike modern dictionaries, Dr Johnson sometimes allows himself to drift in his efforts to define words objectively - his own views and prejudices are, at times, apparent:

Politician: 1. One versed in the arts of government; one skilled in politicks. 2. A man of artifice; one of deep contrivance.
Oats: A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland appears to support the people.
Lexicographer: A writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge that busies himself in tracing the original, and detailing the signification of words.
Dull: Not exhilaterating (sic); not delightful; as, to make dictionaries is dull work.

I've got quite a collection of dictionaries and reference books: everything from your standard dictionaries to more colourful volumes, such as The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce, originally published in 1906. He takes Dr Johnson's dry wit one stage further:

Acquaintance, n. A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, but not well enough to lend to. A degree of friendship called slight when its object is poor or obscure, and intimate when he is rich or famous.
Generous, adj. Originally this word meant noble by birth and was rightly applied to a great multitude of persons. It now means noble by nature and is taking a bit of a rest.
Riot, n. A popular entertainment given to the military by innocent bystanders.
Year, n. A period of three hundred and sixty-five disappointments.

Here you can find The Dictionary of the English Language by Dr Samuel Johnson and The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce.

Today's run at 17:32
Distance	4.28 km	Time	24:42
Pace	5:46 min/km	Cadence	80 spm
Comments: Blustery, squally showers.