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A.Word.A.Day--velitation

This week in AWAD: assorted words.

velitation (vel-i-TAY-shuhn) noun

A minor dispute or skirmish.

[From Latin velitation-, from velitatus, past participle of velitari (to skirmish), from veles (light-armed foot soldier). Ultimately from Indo-European root weg- (to be strong or lively), that's the source for vegetable (Kids, etymology gives you another reason to eat your veggies!), vigor, velocity, watch, vigilante, and vigil.]

"And in a tense atmosphere of mistrust, with normal diplomatic channels severed, any small clash or velitation can spur escalation back to full-scale war." Virginia Page Fortna; Peace Time; Princeton University Press; 2004.

X-Bonus