Cassell's foreign words and phrases

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"English is packed with words and phrases gleaned from other tongues, both ancient and modern. Adopted to fill gaps in homegrown thought and expression, they have become an essential part of the language, their numbers constantly swelled by a steady flow of new terms and concepts, issuing from every part of the world." "Cassell's Foreign Words and Phrases provides a fascinating and comprehensive guide to this mix of foreign imports. Containing over 5000 separate entries, it goes far beyond the partial coverage provided by conventional dictionaries to review in detail a vast range of everyday vocabulary, specialist terms and colloquial expressions. In each case a clear definition is given, with a simple guide to pronunciation and details of the language and date of origin. Where appropriate, original spellings and literal meanings are also listed and frequent notes provide an interesting insight into a specific expression's historical or linguistic context" "This is an essential reference volume for anyone with an enthusiasm for words, and it forms an invaluable supplement to standard English dictionaries and glossaries."--Jacket.