Word of the Day
Anile (ANN-eyel)
· Common clue: Old womanish
· Crossword puzzle frequency: 6 times a year
Definition: Of or like a feeble, doddering old woman.
Head
of an Old Woman (1856), by Edouard Manet
Arachne scowled; abrupt, aggrieved, morose, she dropped her threads; and though she kept her hand from striking out, her rage was clear – it showed upon Arachne’s face as she replied to Pallas (who was still disguised): Old age has addled you; your wits are gone; too long a life has left you anile, stale undone. Your drivel might appeal to your dear daughter-in-law, if you have one, or else your daughter, if you have one. As for advice, I can advise myself.
[Source: The Metamorphoses of Ovid, by Ovid]
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