Daily Almanac for
Dec 4, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—A

A

This letter is modified from the Hebrew (aleph = an ox), which was meant to indicate the outline of an ox's head.

Among the Egyptians, a is denoted by the hieroglyphic which represents the ibis. Among the Greeks it was the symbol of a bad augury in the sacrifices.

In logic, A is the symbol of a universal affirmative. A asserts, E denies. Thus, syllogisms in bArbArA contain three universal affirmative propositions.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
A1
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