The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce
page 29 of 302 (09%)
page 29 of 302 (09%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
A sally from our ambuscade,
And, falling on the unholy beast, Dispatched him with a pick and spade." Bettel K. Jhones BONDSMAN, n. A fool who, having property of his own, undertakes to become responsible for that entrusted to another to a third. Philippe of Orleans wishing to appoint one of his favorites, a dissolute nobleman, to a high office, asked him what security he would be able to give. "I need no bondsmen," he replied, "for I can give you my word of honor." "And pray what may be the value of that?" inquired the amused Regent. "Monsieur, it is worth its weight in gold." BORE, n. A person who talks when you wish him to listen. BOTANY, n. The science of vegetables -- those that are not good to eat, as well as those that are. It deals largely with their flowers, which are commonly badly designed, inartistic in color, and ill- smelling. BOTTLE-NOSED, adj. Having a nose created in the image of its maker. BOUNDARY, n. In political geography, an imaginary line between two nations, separating the imaginary rights of one from the imaginary rights of the other. BOUNTY, n. The liberality of one who has much, in permitting one who |
|