PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar itching palm (P…

Ambrose Bierce
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PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar itching palm (Palma hominis) is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver. ✨ Ambrose Bierce (2013). Delphi Complete Works of Ambrose Bierce (Illustrated), p.2476, Delphi Classics
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Optimist – A proponent of the doctrine that black is white. ✨ Ambrose Bierce (2001). The Unabridged Devil's Dictionary, p.175, University of Georgia Press
PHOTOGRAPH, n. A picture painted by the sun without instruction in art. It is a little better than the work of an Apache, but not quite so good as that of a Cheyenne. ✨ Ambrose Bierce (2001). The Una … ▶
NECTAR, n. A drink served at banquets of the Olympian deities. The secret of its preparation is lost, but the modern Kentuckians believe that they come pretty near to a knowledge of its chief ingredi … ▶
NEWTONIAN, Pertaining to a philosophy of the universe invented by Newton, who discovered that an apple will fall to the ground, but was unable to say why. His successors and disciples have advanced s … ▶
MESMERISM, n. Hypnotism before it wore good clothes, kept a carriage and asked Incredulity to dinner. ✨ Ambrose Bierce (2001). The Unabridged Devil's Dictionary, p.164, University of Georgia Press

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