In ‘The Dead Words’ Series, A Typeface For Each Word That No Longer Exist
Back in 2010, US-based graphic designer, illustrator and letterer Karen To started a project where she dug up English words that have been either modified, or culled from the dictionaries.
From there, she began to illustrate each word, in an attempt to rediscover and interpret stories of “The Dead Words”.
According to her, “this may be the last chance for us to learn and commemorate the words before they are truly dead and forgotten”.
Ambsace (AYM-zays), n. 1250–1300; Double aces, the lowest throw of all on the dice. Hence: Bad luck; anything of no account or value.
Also, ameace. Ambs-ace
Ballicatter ( b.lli-KÁTTƏR), n. 1863-1971 [in Newfoundland] ice that forms along a shore from waves and spray. Also, barricade.
Causeuse ( koh-ZoeZ), n.1835-1913 French Furniture. An upholstered settee for two persons. Also, love seat.
Dehisce ( dih-HIS), v. 1650-2009 to split open along definite structural lines, as the seedpots of legumes, lilies etc.
Echinate ( ih-KAHYneyt), adj. covered with prickles; bristling, as a porcupine. Also echinated.
Famelicose ( fuh-Mel-i-kohs), adj. 1730-1775; often or very hungry.
Habroneme (hab’ro-nem), adj. 1886-1886; Shaving the appearance of fine threads
Impigrity (im-PIG-rit-ee), n. 1623-1721; quickness, speed.
Jecorary (je-KOR-er-ē), adj. 1684-1684; belonging to the liver; hepatic.
Kexy (ke-zahy), adj. 1608-1884; like a kex; dry and brittle; withered, sapless, hollow.
Oporopolist (oh-pawr-po-.list )n. 1671 -1725; A fruit-seller.
Quod (kwad), n. 1690-1700; Prison, the state of imprisonment, Also prison.
Woolbird (woo l-burd)n. 1785-1811; a sheep.
Xylogenous (zahy-log-jen-ouz),n. ?; adapted to or living in or on wood
Yex (yesk) n. 700-1828; a hiccup or the hiccups.
Zoophyte (zoh-uh-fahyt), n. 1621-1983; plant-like animal such as coral.
[via Under Consideration]
From there, she began to illustrate each word, in an attempt to rediscover and interpret stories of “The Dead Words”.
According to her, “this may be the last chance for us to learn and commemorate the words before they are truly dead and forgotten”.
Ambsace (AYM-zays), n. 1250–1300; Double aces, the lowest throw of all on the dice. Hence: Bad luck; anything of no account or value.
Also, ameace. Ambs-ace
Ballicatter ( b.lli-KÁTTƏR), n. 1863-1971 [in Newfoundland] ice that forms along a shore from waves and spray. Also, barricade.
Causeuse ( koh-ZoeZ), n.1835-1913 French Furniture. An upholstered settee for two persons. Also, love seat.
Dehisce ( dih-HIS), v. 1650-2009 to split open along definite structural lines, as the seedpots of legumes, lilies etc.
Echinate ( ih-KAHYneyt), adj. covered with prickles; bristling, as a porcupine. Also echinated.
Famelicose ( fuh-Mel-i-kohs), adj. 1730-1775; often or very hungry.
Habroneme (hab’ro-nem), adj. 1886-1886; Shaving the appearance of fine threads
Impigrity (im-PIG-rit-ee), n. 1623-1721; quickness, speed.
Jecorary (je-KOR-er-ē), adj. 1684-1684; belonging to the liver; hepatic.
Kexy (ke-zahy), adj. 1608-1884; like a kex; dry and brittle; withered, sapless, hollow.
Oporopolist (oh-pawr-po-.list )n. 1671 -1725; A fruit-seller.
Quod (kwad), n. 1690-1700; Prison, the state of imprisonment, Also prison.
Woolbird (woo l-burd)n. 1785-1811; a sheep.
Xylogenous (zahy-log-jen-ouz),n. ?; adapted to or living in or on wood
Yex (yesk) n. 700-1828; a hiccup or the hiccups.
Zoophyte (zoh-uh-fahyt), n. 1621-1983; plant-like animal such as coral.
[via Under Consideration]
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