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To John St. Loe Strachey
Elderfield, Otterbourne, Winchester.
[c. 2 December 1900]

MS location unknown. Published in the Spectator, 85, (8 December 1900), 841.

Sir,
I am anxious to ask in the interest of the English language why the word ‘desight’ is gibbeted by [sic] in the notice of ’Modern Broods’ (Spectator, December 1st). It was marked in the proof, but I thought the objection was only that of a scrupulous ‘reader’ and I left it, having always used it, and heard it applied to a blemish or disfigurement, and I find it in the 1864 revision of Webster’s Dictionary, so that I can hardly suppose it to be objectionable or inelegant. I should much like to know whether another term can be suggested bearing the same meaning, as expressing a slight defect, marring the general appearance.1
-I am, Sir, &c.,
C. M. YONGE

1The letter was printed under the heading 'The Word "Desight"', and appeared with the editor's reply:

'Desight' is an unusual, if not actually obsolete, word. But the use of [Sic] was certainly unwarrantable, and we gladly offer Miss Yonge our apologies. - ED. Spectator.
Cite this letter


The Letters of Charlotte Mary Yonge(1823-1901) edited by Charlotte Mitchell, Ellen Jordan and Helen Schinske.

URL to this Letter is: https://c21ch.newcastle.edu.au/yonge/19000/to-john-st-loe-strachey-2

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