Elamp

/ɪˈlæmp/ verb

Definition

An archaic or dialectal word meaning to shine brightly or illuminate, related to flame or lamp.

Etymology

From Old English origins combining 'e-' (a prefix meaning 'out') and 'lamp,' influenced by similar Germanic words. The word fell out of common use by the Middle English period.

Kelly Says

This delightful dead word shows how English once had a perfectly good verb for 'to light up' that we abandoned—we'd rather say 'illuminate' now, which ironically comes from Latin and means almost the same thing!

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