From: tgpedersen
Message: 60104
Date: 2008-09-18
> > > Originally <brig> was simply a colloquial abbreviation ofThat makes sense. I give.
> > > <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), mo(bile 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... >>