Word of the Day
tonsorial
adjective
of or relating to a barber or barbering
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Why Dictionary.com chose tonsorial
More about tonsorial
- First recorded in 1805–1815.
- Combines the Latin tonsor, meaning “barber,” which comes from a root meaning “to cut,” + the suffix -al².
EXAMPLES OF TONSORIAL
- The barber’s tonsorial training included beard trims, scalp massages, and hair styling.
- A tonsorial chair from the 19th century was on display at the antique shop.
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Why Dictionary.com chose plaint
More about plaint
- First recorded between 1175–1225.
- From the Old French pleinte, meaning “lamentation” and ultimately from the Latin plangere, “to strike one’s head or breast as a sign of grief.”
EXAMPLES OF PLAINT
- The neighborhood’s plaint expressed their sorrow over losing the library.
- The poet evoked the nightingale’s mournful plaint.
froward
adjective
willfully contrary; not easily managed
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Why Dictionary.com chose froward
More about froward
- First recorded between 1150–1200 as a preposition meaning “away from.”
- Combines fro-¹, meaning “from, back,” + -ward³.
EXAMPLES OF FROWARD
- My brother’s froward nature often leads to arguments — he refuses to compromise!
- Her froward attitude makes teamwork nearly impossible because she resists every suggestion.
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