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From: Ainslie Pyne <>
Subject: Re: [NZ] lighterman bit of trivia!
Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:34:04 +1030
References: <c20.233f3565.3457a9a0@aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <c20.233f3565.3457a9a0@aol.com>


Hi there all,

This dictionary reference (via Google) also throws further 'light' on
the connection of the word 'lighter' -
ie removing the burdens from the transporting ship to the shore by way
of 'lighters' .....


*Alight* \A*light"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Alightedsometimes
Alit <http://dict.die.net/alit/>;; p. pr. & vb. n. Alighting <http://dict.die.net/alighting/>;.] [OE. alihten, fr. AS.
[=a]l[=i]htan; pref. [=a]- (cf. Goth. us-, G. er-, orig.
meaning out) + l[=i]htan, to alight, orig. to render light,
to remove a burden from, fr. l[=i]ht, leoht, light. See
Light <http://dict.die.net/light/>;, v. i.]
1. To spring down, get down, or descend, as from on horseback
or from a carriage; to dismount.

2. To descend and settle, lodge, rest, or stop; as, a flying
bird alights on a tree; snow alights on a roof.

3. To come or chance (upon). [R.]

Cheers
Ainslie.

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