Fossil word
A fossil word is an obsolete word which remains in currency because it is contained within an idiom still in use.[1][2]
It can also occur for phrases, such as in point ('relevant'), which is retained in the larger phrases case in point and in point of fact, but is not otherwise used outside of a legal context.
English language examples
- Ulterior, as in "ulterior motives"
- Fro, as in "to and fro"
- Sleight, as in "sleight of hand"
- Yore, as in "days of yore"
- Coign, as in "coign of vantage"
- Deserts, as in "just deserts"
- Fettle, as in "in fine fettle"[3]
- Kith, as in "kith and kin"[4]
- Spick, as in "spick and span"
- Loggerheads as in "at loggerheads"[5] or loggerhead turtle
- Offing, as in "in the offing"[6]
- Shrift, as in "short shrift"[7]
- Amok, as in "run amok"
- Eke, as in "eke out"
- Ken, as in "beyond one's ken"
See also
References