Our first weekly word is accoy. But before I talk about it, I want to mention a really great book—Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. It is replete with colorful, vivid, old-fashioned words like accoy that you have probably never heard of (Microsoft Word and I hadn’t anyway—squiggly red lines galore!). I use this dictionary not only for the definitions, but also for the rare and exciting words themselves! So enjoy “accoy” brought to you by Mr. Webster (who supplies the text in quotes) and myself (who supplies the rambling explanations).
accoy’, v. : “To render quiet or diffident; to soothe; to caress”. (Pronounced like “accord” or “account” with the accent on the second syllable)
The language in Webster’s 1828 is sometimes difficult to get around, but we can break it down. The word “render” in the above definition basically means to make or cause to become. So to render something quiet is to make or cause it to be quiet. With this word accoy, I think of soothing or quieting a baby. Mothers, fathers, and older siblings, here is a new word for you!
The screaming toddler, chocolate chip cookie goo dribbling out of his mouth, cascading down his shirt, and plopping to the floor, would not be accoyed. His wails instead lifted to heaven, threatening to alter the course of the sun with their power.
Having no idea how to accoy her friend’s sobbing, Sarah patted her awkwardly on the shoulder.
Have fun with this word! Use it around your friends and see if you get any weird looks. Or maybe you’ll get impressed glances or even someone brave enough and humble enough to ask you what it means!
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