>>Hi Hilmar,
>>
>>I did a few web searches on "Ambroise Bierce" and "lexicographer" and your post became very entertaining.
>
>The following are some of my favorite definitions, from the Devil's Dictionary, which I invite you to look up (a search on "Devil's Dictionary" + the desired word should suffice):
>
>

back
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cannon
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mammon
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corsair
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abdication
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air
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>Well, you might just as well read all of it - you will find many worth-while definitions.

I like this one:

INDECISION, n. The chief element of success; "for whereas," saith Sir Thomas Brewbold, "there is but one way to do nothing and divers way to do something, whereof, to a surety, only one is the right way, it followeth that he who from indecision standeth still hath not so many chances of going astray as he who pusheth forwards" – a most clear and satisfactory exposition on the matter.

"Your prompt decision to attack," said General Grant on a certain occasion to General Gordon Granger, "was admirable; you had but five minutes to make up your mind in."

"Yes, sir," answered the victorious subordinate, "it is a great thing to be know exactly what to do in an emergency. When in doubt whether to attack or retreat I never hesitate a moment – I toss us a copper."

"Do you mean to say that's what you did this time?"

"Yes, General; but for Heaven's sake don't reprimand me: I disobeyed the coin."

Steve Gibson