In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
LOOPHOLE
loophole
(noun) a small hole in a fortified wall; for observation or discharging weapons
loophole
(noun) an ambiguity (especially one in the text of a law or contract) that makes it possible to evade a difficulty or obligation
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
loophole (plural loopholes)
(historical) A slit in a castle wall; today, any similar window for shooting a ranged weapon or letting in light.
A method of escape, especially an ambiguity or exception in a rule or law that can be exploited in order to avoid its effect.
Verb
loophole (third-person singular simple present loopholes, present participle loopholing, simple past and past participle loopholed)
(military, transitive) To prepare a building for defense by preparing slits or holes through which to fire on attackers
(transitive) To exploit (a law, etc.) by means of loopholes.
Source: Wiktionary
Loop"hole`, n.
1. (Mil.)
Definition: A small opening, as in the walls of fortification, or in the bulkhead of a ship, through which small arms or other weapons may be discharged at an enemy.
2. A hole or aperture that gives a passage, or the means of escape or evasion.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
3 May 2025
DESIRABLE
(adjective) worth having or seeking or achieving; “a desirable job”; “computer with many desirable features”; “a desirable outcome”
Coffee Trivia
