June 13, 2010, 13:28
GeoffGeographic name query
Whence comes the name, "The Solent?" I know it's the channel between the Isle of Wight and the mainland, but what does the name mean?
June 13, 2010, 13:40
zmježdMy
Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names has this entry: "
Solent,
the Hants.
Soluente 731. An ancient pre-English name of uncertain origin and meaning."
June 14, 2010, 21:47
KallehThe adjective, according to the online OED, means "usual" or "customary," and the etymology is stated as: "[? f. L. sol-{emac}re to be wont.]" This is their quotation entry: "1658 FRANCK North. Mem. (1694) p. vi, There the Rocks and the Groves will be our solent Reception, and the Cities and Citadels supply us with Accommodation."