Shakespeare Words

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Clutch

Invented in King John

And why rail I upon commodity?
But for because he hath not woo'd me yet:
Not that I have the power to clutch my hand,
When his fair angels would salute my palm;
But for my hand, as unattempted yet,
Like a poor beggar, raileth on the rich.
Well, whiles I am a beggar, I will rail
And say there is no sin but to be rich;
And, being rich, my virtue then shall be


Big Willy Shakes knew Middle English pretty well, so we're guessing he got this word from the word cloke (which meant claw).

Clutch neologism, Will.


Tag: King John

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