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From: "Gordon Barlow" <>
Subject: [ABOUT WORDS] titbits
Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 09:01:36 -0700
References: <5.1.1.6.2.20040401132441.00a21700@pop.netcarrier.net>


GrampsQ. What does your dictionary say about "titch" meaning small? I can
see "titbit" deriving from "titchbit", and I do see the semantic connection
with feasts; but "tide" generally simply meant "time" - e.g. eventide -
rather than "feast". "Tidbit" still looks a bit forced, to me.

Gordon

>
> Titbit and tidbit do not seem to evolve from the same root.
>
> GrampsQ
> ============
> tid·bit, n.
> 1. a delicate bit or morsel of food.
> 2. a choice or pleasing bit of anything, as news or gossip.
> Also, esp. Brit., titbit.
> [1630-40; TIDE1 (in sense "feast day') + BIT2]
>

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