patience
c.1200, "quality of being patient in suffering," from O.Fr. pacience, from L. patientia "patience, endurance," from patientem (nom. patiens), prp. of pati "to suffer, endure," from PIE base *pei- "to damage, injure, hurt" (see passion).
Patience n. A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue. [Ambrose Bierce, "Devil's Dictionary," 1911]
Meaning "constancy in effort" is attested from 1510s. Meaning "card game for one person" is from 1816.
2 comments:
Patience, "a minor form of despair disguised as a virtue."
I do not know whether to agree or disagree. True, a waiting attitude is beneficial yet a patient attitude generally implies slight disappointment. But that is implication of a subjective nature. You can be patient without being despairing at all. Enjoy your wait.
I found these definitions fascinating.
Lucas
Good post. I have got the "lurgy". I am a patient (really and it is horrid).
Post a Comment