Chambers's English Dictionary : Pronouncing, Explanatory, Etymological. Edited by Thomas
Davidson. (W. and R. Chambers. 12s. 6d.)—There is something of the encyclopaidie character about this dictionary. This, indeed, is necessary if such a work is to meet the popular demand and satisfy the popular want. The New English Dictionary "will stand," as Mr. Davidson says, "when completed, at the head of all our English dictionaries." But the "when completed" means a great deal. Meanwhile the "Century Dictionary" holds the field. This volume does not pretend to be a rival ; indeed, it is not comparable in point of bulk , but it is likely to be very useful. The editor's "aim has been to include all the common terms of the sciences and the arts of life, of astronomy, physiology, and medicine, as well as of photography, printing, golf, and heraldry." "Stymy," to go to golf, and " dormy are both explained, but we do not see the peculiar use of "down." A player who is beaten in "match- play," reckoned by holes, is so many holes "down." " Match- play " and " medal-play " are not distinguished. Perhaps this is hypercritical. But where is the word " rubicon," so important in modern card-playing? The definition of to "stump," in cricket, is not satisfactory. "To knock down the wicket when the bats- man is out of his ground" would include to run out. The batsman must not have touched the ball, if he is said to be stumped. "Point" is given, but not "cover point." "Chase," in tennis, is not given. But these are mere trifles. The book is substantially a good one, and the price, considering that there are more than twelve hundred and fifty pages, certainly moderate.
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