Monday, December 19, 2011

Stolid

Pronunciation: \ˈstä-ləd\

Definition:  having or expressing little or no sensibility

Etymology: Latin stolidus dull, stupid

First Known Use: circa 1600

In Doc by Marie Daria Russell, a Dutch priest is described as stolid. Not a compliment, I would say.

I found it used again in a cute little poem titled The Adventures of two Dutch Dolls and a "Golliwogg", by Florence K. Upton. Here is an excerpt with the usage:

Said Peggy--"After work so hard,

I think a rest we need;
Let's take a ride
Seated astride
Upon this gentle steed."
 Then simple Sarah Jane climbed up
Upon his wooden back;
With tim'rous heart
She felt him start
Upon the open track.

Ere long they knew that hidden there,
Beneath a stolid mien,
Dwelt a fierce will.
They could not still
They rode as if by steam!

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