From: Francesco Brighenti
Message: 60102
Date: 2008-09-18
--- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "tgpedersen" <tgpedersen@...> wrote:
> --- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "Brian M. Scott" <BMScott@> wrote:
> >
> > Originally <brig> was simply a colloquial abbreviation of
> > <brigantine>;
>
> Documentation? OED doesn't provide that.
*All* English dictionaries that provide an etymology for the word
brig state it is a shortening of brigantine < Italian brigantino:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/brig
On the other hand, brigantine is attested in English from the early
16th century, while brig is only attested from the early 18th
century -- namely, two centuries later.
As to the method of shortening words applied in the case of
brigantine > brig, see at
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23958/23958-h/23958-h.htm :
<< CLIPPED FORMS: The simplest way of reducing a word is to take the
first syllable and make it a symbol for the rest. Of comparatively
modern formation are pub and Zoo, with which we may compare Bart's,
for Saint Bartholomew's, Cri, Pav, "half a mo'" bike, and even paj,
for pageant. This method of shortening words was very popular
in the 17th century, from which period date cit(izen), mob(ile
vulgus), the fickle crowd, and, pun(digrion). We often find the
fuller mobile used for mob. The origin of pundigrion is uncertain.
It may be an illiterate attempt at Ital. puntiglio, which, like Fr.
pointe, was used of a verbal quibble or fine distinction. Most of
these clipped forms are easily identified, e.g., cab(riolet), gent
(leman), hack(ney), vet(erinary surgeon). Cad is for Scot. caddie,
errand boy, now familiar in connection with golf, and caddie is from
Fr. cadet, younger. The word had not always the very strong meaning
we now associate with it. Among Sketches by Boz is one entitled—
"The last Cab driver and the first Omnibus Cad,"
where cad means conductor. On tick, for on ticket, is found in the
17th century. We may compare the more modern biz and spec. Brig is
for brigantine, Ital. brigantino... >>
Regards,
Francesco