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Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary

February 10, 2012

Project::Noah

It is not only important, but, in a degree necessary, that the people of this country, should have an American Dictionary of the English language; for, although the body of the language is the same as in England, and it is desirable to perpetuate that sameness, yet some differences must exist. Language is the expression of ideas; and if the people of one country cannot preserve an identity of ideas, they cannot retain an identity of language.

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(5) Words.

foreshorten
foreshortening
shorten
shortened
shortening

Webster

KJV

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1828 Definition

SHORTEN, v.t. short'n.

1. To make short in measure, extent or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.

2. To abridge; to lessen; as, to shorten labor or work.

3. To curtail; as, to shorten the hair by clipping.

4. To cintract; to lessen; to diminish in extent or amount; as, to shorten sail; to shorten an allowance of provisions.

5. To confine; to restrain.

Here where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain. Dryden.

6. To lop; to deprive.

The youth-shortened of his ears. Dryden.

SHORTEN, v.i. short'n.

1. To become short or shorter. The day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December.

2. To contract; as, a cord shortens by being wet; a metallic rod shortens by cold.

1913 Definition

Shorten (shorten)
v. t.	(?)
Short"en
[imp. ** p. p.* Shortened &?]; p. pr. ** vb. n.* Shortening.] [See Short, a.]

To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time] as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.

To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to shorten work, an allowance of food, etc.

Here, where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain. Dryden.

To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of.

Spoiled of his nose, and shortened of his ears. Dryden.

To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like.

To shorten a rope (Naut.), to take in the slack of it. -- To shorten sail (Naut.), to reduce sail by taking it in.

To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold.

Noah Says...

Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has its bases broad and low, close to the ground

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Project::Noah

More info ...

The foundation for American Heritage Access [AHA] strives to capture the essence of American culture with an intent to make early American manuscripts accessible to modern society. We believe that the successful future of this country is dependent on honoring and respecting its past. In order to achieve this ideal, several projects will be introduced and executed. The first initiatives of Project::Noah will involve the accessibility of the 1828 American dictionary.

Vision::Reprint

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The first vision, Vision::Reprint, has an intent to make a modern printing of the first dictionary of the American language available to the public for under $25. The first task, Task::Access, involves the digitizing of the original 1828 dictionary. The dictionary is available in microfilm (American Culture Series, Reel 335.6-336.1, Michigan University Microfilms) at many universities. To digitize the microfilm as a batch process requires a special scanner.

Vision::Redesign

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The second vision, Vision::Redesign, has an intent to improve the current online accessibility to the 1828 dictionary. Beyond the Task::XML, other tasks related to this Vision::Redesign include identifying features and functionality for this new website. In addition, plugins will be discussed and created to make the dictionary accessible in other ways: iPhone, Google widget, Firefox Add-on, etc.

Vision::Recapture

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The third vision, Vision::Recapture, has an intent to evoke the importance of Noah Webster in our American Heritage. This vision will manifest itself in a commissioned painting of Noah Webster. The process involved will require the input from concerned Americans. The final commission painting will be derived from initial sketches and digital compositions. Feedback from the community is essential for this vision's success throughout the entire process.

February 10, 2012