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Discuss Email this Feedback RSS/XML Permalink A.Word.A.Day--fustian This week's theme: fabric words used metaphorically. fustian (FUS-chuhn) adjective Bombastic: marked by pretentiousness or pomposity. noun 1. Pretentious speech or writing. 2. A coarse, sturdy cloth, blend of cotton and linen, usually having twill weave. [From Old French fustaigne, from Latin fustanum, from fustis (tree trunk, stick), or from El Fostat (a suburb of Cairo, Egypt, where it was first made).] "Despite its fustian moments and overuse of exclamation points, I find Modern Love greatly moving." Michael Dirda; Scenes from a Marriage; The Washington Post; Oct 5, 2003. X-Bonus The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart. -Iris Murdoch, writer (1919-1999) [Celebrate World Carfree Day Sep 22]

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