MetaChat - Isn't it funny

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20 April 2009

Isn't it funny that 'quarry' means both 'prey' and 'an open excavation pit'?

post by: agropyron at: 23:58 | 6 comments

Interesting. Looks like a coincidence where two different words have converged.

One sense is from Middle Latin quarreria "place where stones are squared". The other is from quirre "entrails of deer placed on the hide and given to dogs of the chase as a reward" originally from Latin corium "hide".

posted by TheophileEscargot 21 April | 00:45

That is rather interesting. Thanks, Theo.

And hi agrropyron! It's been a while since I've seen you 'round these parts!

posted by Specklet 21 April | 05:49

AGRO! *hugs*

posted by TrishaLynn 21 April | 06:57

Yes, that is funny. Isn't it also funny that "quarrel" means both 'a dispute' and 'a square-headed arrow?'

posted by Hugh Janus 21 April | 09:49

I think it's funny that 'quarto' means both a kind of book and a fun board game.

Also: you are the quarry.

posted by box 21 April | 09:52

Hey, look! It's agropyron!

posted by Eideteker 21 April | 10:14

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