Today’s WOTD – 13 October 2012
Protean:
(pro-TEE-uhn)
adjective:
1. Assuming many forms: variable.
2. Able to handle many different things, as roles in a play. Versatile.
2. Able to handle many different things, as roles in a play. Versatile.
ETYMOLOGY:
After Proteus, a sea god in Greek mythology, who could assume different forms. He got his name from Greek protos (first) as he was one of the earliest sea gods. Earliest documented use: 1594.
USAGE:
“Bruce Chatwin: Such a protean character, a man of many parts. A man who loved the austere but was also flamboyant in manner.”
Thor Kah Hoong; Protean Character; The Star (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia); Feb 27, 2007.
Thor Kah Hoong; Protean Character; The Star (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia); Feb 27, 2007.
Today’s aphorism
‘Many a man stumbles across the truth, then picks himself up and hurries on as though nothing had happened’.
Winston Churchill
On this day
13 October 54AD – death of Claudius, Roman Emporer.
13 October 1307 – Pope Clement V orders the overthrow, arrest and torture of Knights Templar in France. This is believed to be the origin of Black Friday or Friday the 13th being unlucky.