Etymology-wise, what poison is a
fair lady?
Etymology, Etymology, and more Etymology
as well as grammar, usage, euphemism, slang, jargon, semantics, linguistics, neologism, idiom, cant, and argot.
The critically-acclaimed board game
MooT
consists of tough questions about the nuances of the English language.
Answer:
belladonna
The name belladonna - which denotes the deadly poison
nightshade - means "fair lady" in Italian.
Belladonna was once used as a cosmetic because small doses cause the pupils to
dilate, thus making the lady's eyes sparkle.
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And, by the way, Cleopatra is said to have used it. In addition to
dilating the eyes, it has other anti-parasympathetic nervous system effects
-including dryness of certain mucosal membranes...
belstrauss at yahoo.com
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Isn't it useful in small doses as some sort of potion? I'd assume
it'd be an aphrodisiac, as it makes a woman more appealing, what with the
dilated pupils and all.
bapada at aol.com
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