HALF, n. One of two equal parts into which a thing may be divided, or
considered as divided. In the fourteenth century a heated discussion
arose among theologists and philosophers as to whether Omniscience
could part an object into three halves; and the pious Father
Aldrovinus publicly prayed in the cathedral at Rouen that God would
demonstrate the affirmative of the proposition in some signal and
unmistakable way, and particularly (if it should please Him) upon the
body of that hardy blasphemer, Manutius Procinus, who maintained the
negative. Procinus, however, was spared to die of the bite of a
viper.
-- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary"
considered as divided. In the fourteenth century a heated discussion
arose among theologists and philosophers as to whether Omniscience
could part an object into three halves; and the pious Father
Aldrovinus publicly prayed in the cathedral at Rouen that God would
demonstrate the affirmative of the proposition in some signal and
unmistakable way, and particularly (if it should please Him) upon the
body of that hardy blasphemer, Manutius Procinus, who maintained the
negative. Procinus, however, was spared to die of the bite of a
viper.
-- Ambrose Bierce, "The Devil's Dictionary"
Related:
- INTRODUCTION, n. A social ceremony invented by the devil for the
gratification of his servants and the plaguing of his enemies.
The introduction attains its most malevolent development... - RIGHTEOUSNESS, n. A sturdy virtue that was once found among the
Pantidoodles inhabiting the lower part of the peninsula of Oque.
Some feeble attempts were made by returned missionaries... - DAY, n. A period of twenty-four hours, mostly misspent.
This period is divided into two parts, the day proper... - bug n.
An unwanted and unintended property of a program or
piece of hardware,
esp. one that causes it to malfunction. Antonym... - PREDESTINATION, n. The doctrine that all things occur according to
programme.
This doctrine should not be confused with that of foreordination... - IMPALE, v.t. In popular usage to pierce with any weapon which remains
fixed in the wound.
This, however, is inaccurate; to imaple is, properly... - DIE, n. The singular of "dice." We seldom hear the word,
because there is a prohibitory proverb, "Never say... - ART, n. This word has no definition. Its origin is related as
follows by the ingenious Father Gassalasca Jape,
S.J. One day a wag -- what would the wretch be... - ZENITH, n. The point in the heavens directly overhead to a man
standing or a growing cabbage.
A man in bed or a cabbage in the pot is not considered...
