At last, help! Thanks, Martin.
I think the word my GP needs to be reminded of is
pasquinade.
Now I can face him at our next meeting,
and see if he remembers asking.
Max in Melbourne
(where in the world are you?)
On 11/03/2013, at 11:12 PM, Martin Dolan wrote:
> Max
>
> I assumed someone else would help you on this. I've been lurking so long
> it's become a habit.
>
> Still.* Insultes* or *injures* were current in Voltaire's time, as was *dé
> nigrement*. *Sottises* was also current, but had/has the emphasis on stupid
> abuse. *M**é**disance *(from c. 16) might get you there, but with an
> emphasis on saying the worst of someone. Otherwise, *pasquinade* might be
> as close to flyting as you'll find - deliberate (but I think normally
> written) satire.
>
> All the best
>
> Martin Dolan
>
> On 1 March 2013 08:32, Max Richards <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> My GP asked me what was the word used in Voltaire's time for abusive
>> language?
>>
>> I had no suggestion.
>>
>> It sounded as if he wanted a French word for 'flyting'.
>
>
>
>
> --
> Regards
>
> Martin
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