Once again, my time spent watching Bones is justified.
From one episode of Bones (I don’t recall the episode or even the season) I learned that a misericord (or misericorde) is a short, narrow dagger-like weapon. In the show, it’s a murder weapon.
Then last night, I learn (while reading Saint Julian by Walter Wangerin Jr.) that misericordia means mercy in Latin. [Why oh why didn't I learn Latin when I had the chance?]
So this morning, I had to look this up. I learned this word misericord can also mean a support for someone who’s standing and a special monastic apartment for a monk who has been granted a relaxation of the monastic rules (as well as that relaxation of the rules), in addition to the weapon. All these rely precisely on the word’s Latin origin — they’re all, apparently, ways of showing mercy.
The weapon? Used in medieval times to deliver the death stroke to a seriously wounded knight.
The bracket? On the underside of a hinged seat in a choir stall against which a standing person could lean during long services.
Interesting, very interesting.
Who knew you could learn new words from TV too? I love learning new words!
I know, right? This isn’t the first word I learned from Bones. I’ve highlighted others in my regular words posts when I later ran across the words in books.
Oh, NOW I get it!! There is a college in my state called Misericordia, and I always thought it was a terrible name, sounding too much like “miserable.” But now it all makes sense! Thanks =) LOL!
Hey, you’re welcome! Glad my random post could help! :p
Now I am wracking my brain trying to figure out the episode that was in.
I love when I can learn really random things from other people’s blogs. Thanks for this!!
I love it when you learn hings from the shows we watch and the books we read – and when you can combine that knowledge – so cool!
Would you believe I have never watched Bones?
Whoa, really? I think the writing is really great. One of my very favorites.
LOL – yes. I have three shows that I watch: Survivor, Biggest Loser, and Amazing Race. A creature of habit
But – I may need to check Bones out.
Well, I think you have room for a non-”reality” TV drama. :p
I love Bones! I remember this murder weapon, but not the name. Good for you