<Let's all note the date on that ancient text. >

That was the point. I was showing how the use of the terms, though also in contemporary use, are not a recent development.

<Allow me to take this opportunity to remind everyone that we are here to discuss the issues, not the author. Professionalism, please. Students are reading.>

Does that include calling another member's posts "vacuous"?

<Our apologies, AlainK. M56's views do not reflect how we here at UsingEnglish feel about posters or their contributions. >

You should have written the same about your accusations of vacuousness. Or is it OK for you, and not the rest of us, to attack members?

<I agree, Alain. Define your terms, M56.>

I have already done so in numerous ways. And next time, please ask me to do something, don't order.