And just where did I get that idea about the relationship between gargoyle and gargle? Was someone pulling my leg?
Some years ago while I was working at the Barbicon Theatre in London, I decided to make a visit to Westminster Abbey on my dark day. And being that Westminster certainly has gargoyles, the word's derivation from gargle/gargul came up in conversation. I did find it a delightful tidbit which struck my sense of whimsy to no end and was well worth passing on.
Which I have done...for YEARS.
Did the Canon of Westminster really lead me astray? No, as it turns out.
The Rector and I have been vindicated.
Bruce Yolton, astute hawkwatcher and fine photographer, http://urbanhawks.blogs.com , sent in the Rector's and my reprieve.
Here is what Bruce had to say.
Your weren't wrong about gargoyle. It just has two roots.
gargoyle
noun
a grotesque carved human or animal face or figure projecting from the
gutter of a building, typically acting as a spout to carry water
clear of a wall.
DERIVATIVES
gargoyled adjective
ORIGIN Middle English : from Old French gargouille ‘throat,’ also
‘gargoyle’ (because of the water passing through the throat and mouth
of the figure); related to Greek gargarizein ‘to gargle’ (imitating
the sounds made in the throat).
I feel ever so much better. D.B.
No comments:
Post a Comment