Collar-replacement on Covert Coat

[Guest]

The 't' at the end of 'roast' in 'roast beef' should really be present - but not over-done.
NJS

[Guest]

Etymological both cover and covert have the same French origin in English (Latin remote origin) and their meanings have much in common. To make a distinction, I think the "t" should not be silent and the "o" should sounds as in "coin" in covert. Does this make any sense?

Costi

[Guest]

I am sure that the full OED must have the pronunciation of 'covert' as a noun and, probably, Fowlers' Modern English Usage has it too - anyone have those to hand? - unless old Critch's say clinches it.

Fowler says the following on the subject (and I quote):

"covert, n. The -t is now so seldom sounded, & is so often omitted even in writing, that what distinction remains between covert & cover may be said to be valueless. The only sense in which covert, otherwise a Needless Variant, is worth preserving is the ornithologicial one (wing-coverts &c), in which the -t is invariable."

Unfortunately (because I was enjoying the debate) I think that must settle it...

[Guest]

I am sure that the full OED must have the pronunciation of 'covert' as a noun and, probably, Fowlers' Modern English Usage has it too - anyone have those to hand? - unless old Critch's say clinches it.

Fowler says the following on the subject (and I quote):

"covert, n. The -t is now so seldom sounded, & is so often omitted even in writing, that what distinction remains between covert & cover may be said to be valueless. The only sense in which covert, otherwise a Needless Variant, is worth preserving is the ornithologicial one (wing-coverts &c), in which the -t is invariable."

Unfortunately (because I was enjoying the debate) I think that must settle it...

Yes. Expecting to collect all our books in a short time, for reasons beyond my control, my Fowler's is still in storage but, you are right it settles it - and spoils all the fun.

For anyone who does not know this book: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fowlers-Modern- ... 352&sr=8-3


And there is also The King's English by the Fowler brothers: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kings-English-H ... 779&sr=8-2

They are not only authoritative guides to modern English usage but are, in themselves, enjoyable treasure troves of interesting information.
NJS

[Guest]

Fowler says the following on the subject (and I quote):

"covert, n. The -t is now so seldom sounded, & is so often omitted even in writing, that what distinction remains between covert & cover may be said to be valueless. The only sense in which covert, otherwise a Needless Variant, is worth preserving is the ornithologicial one (wing-coverts &c), in which the -t is invariable."

Unfortunately (because I was enjoying the debate) I think that must settle it...

Forgot to sign. ^Sartorius.

[marcelo]

I have remembered this thread after reading the last entry in the list below. It concerns the proper pronunciation of the word "covert":