MDMD(0): Sigmated Ampersand

[Sherwood, Harrison]

>From: 	David Casseres Subject: 	Re: MDMD(0): Sigmated Ampersand
>
>jody sez
>
>>The derivation of the word *ampersand* seems to be, literally: the symbol,
>>"&", itself, stands for "and". That is, a word, defining a symbol, which
>>stands for a word.

>Say whut?  The graphical symbol stands for "and," & it has a name, 
>"ampersand."  This isn't the *derivation* of the word "ampersand," and it 
>isn't reflexive or circular or even annular.

The derivation of the word, accordion to my Webster's Ninth Collegiate,
is:

[alter. of _and (&) per se and,_ lit., (the character) & by itself (is
the word) _and_]

(Whew!)

Reducing both sides of the equation down to the lowest common thingy and
solving for Pi yields (near as I can dope it out):

The *word* "ampersand" (not the symbol) is a contraction of the phrase,
"&, per se [i.e., standing alone], is the word "and."

Further reduced: "& is and."

So Jody is actually correct, at least as far as the dictionary stuff
goes. And you gotta admit, that derivation _is_ a tad circular.

The "curlicue licking eastward" gambit is reaching. A smidge.

Harrison