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The Devil’s Dictionary

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The Devil’s Dictionary

Daily Definitions for 24 May 2012

Barrack
n. A house in which soldiers enjoy a portion of that of which it is their business to deprive others.
Clio
n. One of the nine Muses. Clio’s function was to preside over history — which she did with great dignity, many of the prominent citizens of Athens occupying seats on the platform, the meetings being addressed by Messrs. Xenophon, Herodotus and other popular speakers.
Robber
n. A candid man of affairs. It is related of Voltaire that one night he and some traveling companion lodged at a wayside inn. The surroundings were suggestive, and after supper they agreed to tell robber stories in turn. “Once there was a Farmer-General of the Revenues.” Saying nothing more, he was encouraged to continue. “That,” he said, “is the story.”

About The Devil’s Dictionary

The Ambrose Bierce original.

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