Nathan Bailey (Noun)
Meaning
English lexicographer who was the first to treat etymology consistently; his work was used as a reference by Samuel Johnson (died in 1742).
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- Nathan Bailey's dictionary was a groundbreaking work that standardized English lexicography and provided a model for later dictionaries.
- Bailey's consistent treatment of etymology helped to establish a more scientific approach to the study of language.
- Samuel Johnson drew heavily from Nathan Bailey's work when compiling his own dictionary.
- Nathan Bailey's greatest contribution to the field of lexicography was his emphasis on the importance of etymology.
- Nathan Bailey's dictionary was a major reference work that remained in use for over a century after his death in 1742.