I'm reading an old book from 1901 and the author refers to an object as a brass "ditto". Does anyone have a clue what that might be? The word does not appear anywhere in the text with its usual meaning (repetition) so I think this is an old word that has dropped out of usage. Given the context it seems like it should be a sword, dagger, spear, or knife... has anyone heard of 'ditto' being defined in this manner?
Thanks in advnace for your ideas.
2007-01-25 07:12:16 · 2 answers · asked by marks311girl 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
A "ditto" is a weight, like a paperweight, but usually used for holding something else as well...
You can see a couple of them here:
http://www.reeman-dansie-auctions.co.uk/auction_lot_details.php?auction=6695&lot=415
You can see that there is a spot for the "ditto" to hold something else (though to be sure, I'm not exactly sure what). More than likely it's a type of coaster, to keep water from collecting on the desktop or dresser. I hope this helps.
2007-01-25 07:23:04 · answer #1 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can you provide the complete sentence and the one before?
Is per chance at item listed before this phrase such as something made of silver, iron, etc?
If so it means made of brass
"ditto" is meaning "repeat the above information"
2007-01-25 15:31:57 · answer #2 · answered by cruisingyeti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋