Ambrose Gwinett Bierce
Ambrose Gwinett Bierce
Ambrose Gwinnett Biercewas an American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, fabulist, and satirist. He wrote the short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and compiled a satirical lexicon, The Devil's Dictionary. His vehemence as a critic, his motto "Nothing matters", and the sardonic view of human nature that informed his work, all earned him the nickname "Bitter Bierce"...
believed exponents famous found limiting practical soldiers though
MALTHUSIAN, adj. Pertaining to Malthus and his doctrines. Malthus believed in artificially limiting population, but found that it could not be done by talking. One of the most practical exponents of the Malthusian idea was Herod of Judea, though all the famous soldiers have been of the same way of thinking.
binding certain dominion holds male powers primal rebellious service tyrant woman women
WEAKNESSES, n.pl. Certain primal powers of Tyrant Woman wherewith she holds dominion over the male of her species, binding him to the service of her will and paralyzing his rebellious energies.
bring commander compound delinquent display division duty further ordered persuaded troops valor
VALOR, n. A soldierly compound of vanity, duty and the gambler's hope.""Why have you halted?"" roared the commander of a division and Chickamauga, who had ordered a charge; ""move forward, sir, at once.""""General,"" said the commander of the delinquent brigade, ""I am persuaded that any further display of valor by my troops will bring them into collision with the enemy.
compound duty valor
Valor is a soldierly compound of vanity, duty and the gambler's hope.
country fool free himself instrument power symbol wreck
Vote: The instrument and symbol of a free man's power to make a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.
act quotes repeating words
The act of repeating erroneously the words of another.
future practice selling
The are and practice of selling one's credibility for future delivery.
among bury imposing indians known man peace savage weapon white
HATCHET, n. A young axe, known among Indians as a Thomashawk.""O bury the hatchet, irascible Red, For peace is a blessing,"" the White Man said. The Savage concurred, and that weapon interred, With imposing rites, in the White Man's head. --John Lukkus
confined jail man taken writ wrong
HABEAS CORPUS. A writ by which a man may be taken out of jail when confined for the wrong crime.
exposed fury shelter ships stores taking
HARBOR, n. A place where ships taking shelter from stores are exposed to the fury of the customs.
known speech
HARANGUE, n. A speech by an opponent, who is known as an harrangue- outang.
arms fall falling hands women
Here's to woman! Would that we could fall into her arms without falling into her hands
agency bits civilization despite destroying metal obvious suspected
TYPE, n. Pestilent bits of metal suspected of destroying civilization and enlightenment, despite their obvious agency in this incomparable dictionary.
blameless characters contrast designed effect formal inquiry necessary order prove purpose record supply
TRIAL, n. A formal inquiry designed to prove and put upon record the blameless characters of judges, advocates and jurors. In order to effect this purpose it is necessary to supply a contrast in the person of one who is called the defendant. . .