Page:Ralcy H. Bell - The Mystery of Words (1924).pdf/217

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Selective Tendencies, etc.

has been applied to infusions made from other leaves similarly prepared, even to decoctions made from the dried petals of flowers. For example: senna-tea, camomile-tea, tansy-tea, and so forward. Common sense must occasionally humor convenience; and both may justify common usage when it facilitates clear expression which neither is ugly nor incongruous. Tea so long has been in use that no possible confusion can result from a compound of the word that designates another potable extract of similar preparation. Eau de Cologne, eau de rose, Bristol milk, milk of almonds, milk of sulphur, lime, magnesium, crême de mint, cream of lime, cream of tartar, cocoa-butter, butter-bean, butter weed, butter-milk, and many other like compounds, are no better and certainly no more logical of combination and usage than, let us say, camomile-tea.

Excessively is not a synonym of exceedingly or very. Excessively hot, …is an ignorant misuse of the word.”[1] Let us see if there are

  1. The Worth of Words. (Bell.)

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