Centiloquy

/sɛnˈtɪl.ə.kwi/ noun

Definition

A rare or archaic term for excessive or trivial talk; literally 'one hundred words of chatter.'

Etymology

From Latin 'centum' (hundred) + 'loquium' (speech, from 'loqui' meaning to speak). The word was more common in medieval and Renaissance literature but has largely disappeared from modern usage.

Kelly Says

This wonderfully obscure word captures what we'd now call 'rambling'—and it shows how older writers combined Latin roots to insult people who talked too much, a problem that apparently hasn't changed in 500 years!

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