dogberry etymology

Etymology

The word "dogberry" has two possible etymologies:

• From the Old English word "dogge-berie," meaning "dog's berry." This refers to the small, round berries of the dogwood tree, which were traditionally used as a vermifuge (a medicine used to expel intestinal worms) for dogs.
• From the German word "dödber," meaning "dead berry." This refers to the fact that the berries of the dogwood tree are poisonous to humans and can cause death if ingested.

Meaning

The word "dogberry" has the following meanings:

• A small, round berry of the dogwood tree.
• A foolish or incompetent person. This meaning derives from the character of Dogberry in Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing," who is a foolish and pompous constable.
• A type of beetle.

Origin

The word "dogberry" is first recorded in the 15th century. It is thought to have originated in England, and it is still used in British English today. The word is not as common in American English, but it is still used to refer to a foolish or incompetent person.

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