In lapidary inscriptions a man is not upon oath

[chebu]

What is the meaning of "In lapidary inscriptions a man is not upon oath"
It is said by Dr Johnson, and appears on the article of BBC.
BBC NEWS | Magazine | When can you speak ill of the dead?


Your help will be highly appreciated.

[bhaisahab]

What is the meaning of "In lapidary inscriptions a man is not upon oath"
It is said by Dr Johnson, and appears on the article of BBC.
BBC NEWS | Magazine | When can you speak ill of the dead?


Your help will be highly appreciated.

It means, when you write an inscription on the headstone of a deceased person, it is not always necessary to be absolutely truthful.

[BobK]

A couple of observations about the language:

upon oath - the more common expression today is 'on oath'. When you are speaking 'on oath' (typically, in a court of law) it is illegal not to tell 'the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth' (those are the words of the oath)
lapidary inscriptions - 'lapidary' = (roughly) to do with stone; so Johnson may also have been referring to inscriptions on public masonry (stonework) of any kind

b

[chebu]

It means, when you write an inscription on the headstone of a deceased person, it is not always necessary to be absolutely truthful.

Thank you for your help!

[chebu]

To BobK

Thank you so much for very detailed explanation!
It makes me feel like I'm attending in your real lesson.

A couple of observations about the language:

upon oath - the more common expression today is 'on oath'. When you are speaking 'on oath' (typically, in a court of law) it is illegal not to tell 'the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth' (those are the words of the oath)
lapidary inscriptions - 'lapidary' = (roughly) to do with stone; so Johnson may also have been referring to inscriptions on public masonry (stonework) of any kind

b

[BobK]

You're most welcome.

b