474 Mr. Pickering on the present state of the English language 
if not four clergymen ; a number, which by its form and dimensions, it was 
able to accommodate.” Xendall’s Travels, vol. i. p. 4. It is also used 
in some other states: “They are common to every species of oratory, 
though of rarer use-in the desk,” &c... Adams’ Lectures on Rhetoric, vol. i. 
p- 198. This word, however, with an epithet (as sacred desk, for example, ) 
is, I think, to be found in English authors. 
DESTITUTION ; want, deficiency, 
This is criticised in an English pamphlet on America, (quoted in 
the Monthly Review, vol. lvi. p. 104,) as one of our words, and this phrase 
“is given as an example of our use of it: “ were it not for my deszitution of 
leisure,” &c. The following may be added: “Is it not true that our deszi- 
tution of competent fleets and armies, the state of our finances. ..com- 
bined to furnish,” &e. Answer of the House of Representatives of Massa- 
_ chusetts to the Governor’s Speech, June Session, 1813. This word is in the 
dictionaries, but does not seem to be in common use in England at this day. 
DICTATION; a dictating. « Was not this an arbitrary dictation to a national 
vessel?” This word is in Jofinson, upon the authority of former diction- 
res pt, 3s Ash says, It, is = ot mack wee. es a ee 4 it can 
y be ‘be in use in this c a 
Dae © A miver'< coin rhe United States, ae ten cents.” “Webet.- 
DISCONNEXION. This word is not in Johnson ; and it has been calli 
an American writer, as an unauthorized word. See Monthly Anthol. vol. 
iv. p. 281. It is, however, sometimes used by English authors. Mason 
_. has 5 in his supplement, upon the authority of Burke, as he has. also the 
disconnected. 
DISDAIN ; contempt. 
Dr. Witherspoon gives the following example: «1 should have let 
_ your performance sink into silent disdain,” He then observes : ‘“ A per- 
formance may fall into contempt, or sink into oblivion, or be treated with 
disdain ; but to make it sink into silent disdain, is a very crude expression 
indeed.” No American author at the present day would use the = 
disdain im this extraordinary manner. 
DOCITY, (fronounced dossity.) A low word, used in some parts of this country 
