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GENEALOGY n. The tracing of descent from ancestors; alternatively, a particular account of such tracing for a specific individual or family. In the English-speaking world, all those who take up this pursuit announce sooner or later that they can trace their descent back to Edward III. This should surprise no one with a rudimentary knowledge of mathematics; there are probably one or two well-bred basset hounds who could also trace their descent back to Edward III. What is really surprising is that Edward III seems to be regarded as some kind of ultimate antecedent beyond whom the genealogist does not venture, even though anyone descended from Edward III is also descended from his father Edward II, and so on. The author can guess only that the prudery of the late Victorian age (when genealogy became a family pastime) chose to draw a veil before the memory of Edward II in view of the sybaritic Plantagenet’s bisexual reputation and appalling death (see impalement).

— Peter Bowler, The Superior Person’s Book of Words.


8 posted on 02/05/2007 10:08:58 PM PST by dighton
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To: dighton

You mean there might be gays today who are related to EdwardII and don't know it?


73 posted on 02/06/2007 9:02:36 AM PST by Old Professer (The critic writes with rapier pen, dips it twice, and writes again.)
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