Shakespeare Words

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Clutch

Invented in King John

“
And why rail I upon commodity?
But for because he hath not woo'd me yet:
Not that I have the power to clutch my hand,
When his fair angels would salute my palm;
But for my hand, as unattempted yet,
Like a poor beggar, raileth on the rich.
Well, whiles I am a beggar, I will rail
And say there is no sin but to be rich;
And, being rich, my virtue then shall be
”


Big Willy Shakes knew Middle English pretty well, so we're guessing he got this word from the word cloke (which meant claw).

Clutch neologism, Will.


Tag: King John

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