✨ Renaissance and Enlightenment - The invention of the printing press in the 15th century revolutionized dictionaries. Samuel Johnson's "A Dictionary of the English Language" (1755) set the standard for English lexicography. #SamuelJohnson #PrintingPress 3/10

Lexico'grapher. n.s. [λεξιϰὸν and γϱάφω; lexicographe, French.] A writer of dictionaries; a harmless drudge, that busies himself in tracing the original, and detailing the signification of words. #SamuelJohnson #Dictionary #18thCentury #CityofLondon #BritishHistory

A'ppetence. | A'ppetency. n.s. [appetentia, Lat.] Carnal desire; sensual desire. buff.ly/3JOStAj

Pri'ncess. n.s. [princesse, Fr.] 1. A sovereign lady; a woman having sovereign command. 2. A sovereign lady of rank, next to that of a queen. 3. The daughter of a king. 4. The wife of a prince: as, the princess of Wales. buff.ly/3UpM1oq

To Bespa'wl. v.a. [from spawl.] To dawb with spittle. buff.ly/3Qyh54e

“But you do think Johnson's a genius?” “No sir, I do not. Unless, of course, the definition of genius in his ridiculous dictionary is 'a fat dullard or wobble-bottom; a pompous ass with sweaty dewflaps'.” #Blackadder

"Conversion" in Johnson's Dictionary

Calling all junior lexicographers! Join us at 2:30 on August 10 and 24 to engage with our exhibition through activities such as word games and creating dictionary definitions using an actual quill pen and hand-made paper.

Pro'phetess. n.s. [prophetesse, Fr. from prophet.] A woman that foretells future events. buff.ly/3QDPxdJ

Mi'nnock. n.s. Of this word I know not the precise meaning. It is not unlikely that minnock and minx are originally the same word. buff.ly/3wr9SME

Propri'etress. n.s. [from proprietor.] A female possessor in her own right; a mistress. A big-bellied bitch borrowed another bitch’s kennel to lay her burthen in; the proprietress demanded possession, but the other begged her excuse. L’Estrange. buff.ly/4b2XQIc

The security certificates for johnsonsdictionaryonline.com are fine, but apparently an update on the outer wall of the university is interfering with access for some browsers. We're working on it.

johnsonsdictionaryonline.com is reachable once again. Let the looking of up words commence!

He's "arguably the most distinguished man of letters in English history." At least, the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography says so. On today, his 315th birthday, a thread of the most quotable wit and wisdom of the inimitable Dr. Samuel Johnson. 🧵👇

Bi'rthday. n.s. [from birth and day.] 1. The day on which any one is born. 2. The day of the year in which any one was born, annually observed. Happy 315th Birthday to Samuel Johnson! johnsonsdictionaryonline.com/views/search.p…