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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—C

Calamity

The beating down of standing corn by wind or storm. The word is derived from the Latin calamus (a stalk of corn). Hence, Cicero calls a storm Calamitosa tempestas (a corn-levelling tempest).

“Another ill accident is drought, and the spoiling of the corn; inasmuch as the word `calamity' was first derived from calamus (stalk), when the corn could not get out of the ear.” —Bacon.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Calandrino
Calamanco Cat
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