Crassus [was Re: A moral zero-point?]

From: Dick.Gray@bull.com
Date: Tue Jan 19 1999 - 14:14:51 MST


Well, I'll be! Guess I've been reading the wrong history books. Thanks for
the fascinating info on Crassus, Mike. I have to say, though, the
derivations of "crass" and "pompous" you cite do look suspiciously like
folk etymology. "Crassus" is a standard Latin word meaning "thick", "fat",
etc.; it's possible that the word derives ultimately from a family name,
but the reverse seems more likely. "Pomp" and its derivatives, however,
come to us via Latin from a Greek term for a solemn procession.

Dick



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