This week’s obscure English word is hornbeam. It’s a species of tree, genus Capinus, known for its hard wood. The word is of Middle English derivation. And it is, I suspect, no coincidence that the late Professor T. called one of his Ents Quickbeam. Your challenge? Write a sentence (or two) in the comments using … More The obscure word of the week is hornbeam

This week’s obscure English word is horripilation. It means hair standing on end due to cold, or fear. Your challenge? Write a sentence (or two) in the comments using this word. Copyright © Matthew Wright 2018

This week’s obscure English word is absquatulate. It means to leave suddenly. And it’s so obscure that WordPress’ spell checker doesn’t appear to know it, though Microsoft Word’s does. Your challenge? Write a sentence (or two) in the comments using this word. Copyright © Matthew Wright 2017

This week’s obscure English word is velleity. It means thinking about doing something, but not having the inclination to actually do it. Your challenge? Write a sentence (or two) in the comments using this word. Copyright © Matthew Wright 2018

This week’s obscure English word is frugivore. It means an animal that feeds on fruit. Your challenge? Write a sentence (or two) in the comments using this word. Copyright © Matthew Wright 2018

This week’s obscure English word is dree. It’s an archaic Scottish term for enduring something unpleasant or burdensome. Your challenge? Write a sentence (or two) in the comments using this word. Copyright © Matthew Wright 2018

This week’s obscure English word is effable. It means something is able to be described in words. Pretty much a description of any English word, really. Your challenge? Write a sentence (or two) in the comments using this word. Copyright © Matthew Wright 2018