Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

This dictionary is simply amazing and astounding.

The current publishers of this dictionary have stated:  “The English language has changed again and again and in many instances has become corrupt.”

Examples of Corrupted Words

Rational and Social Beings

One of the definitions of “Constitution” in this 1828 dictionary is “A system of fundamental principles for the government of rational and social beings.” I had never seen the concept of “rational and social beings” in any definition I had seen in modern dictionaries.

Liberty

Look at two of the definitions of “Liberty” from Webster’s 1828 dictionary:

“2. Natural liberty, consists in the power of acting as one thinks fit, without any restraint or control, except from the laws of nature. It is a state of exemption from the control of others, and from positive laws and the institutions of social life. This liberty is abridged by the establishment of government.

“3. Civil liberty, is the liberty of men in a state of society, or natural liberty, so far only abridged and restrained, as is necessary and expedient for the safety and interest of the society, state or nation. A restraint of natural liberty, not necessary or expedient for the public, is tyranny or oppression. Civil liberty is an exemption from the arbitrary will of others, which exemption is secured by established laws, which restrain every man from injuring or controlling another. Hence the restraints of law are essential to civil liberty.”

There concepts are not in modern dictionaries.

Noah Webster’s Clearly Crafted Definitions

Noah Webster created thousands of clearly crafted definitions that convey exact and vividly full meanings.

Here is a link to a free online version of this dictionary.

Enjoy it!

Dave Kluge

www.understandtheconstitution.com

Author of The People’s Guide to the United States Constitution. The book presents the original texts of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and all amendments, with enough background, examples, and definitions to easily understand and read straight through these documents.