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Geographic name query

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June 13, 2010, 13:28
Geoff
Geographic 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?


It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -J. Krishnamurti
June 13, 2010, 13:40
zmježd
My Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names has this entry: "Solent, the Hants. Soluente 731. An ancient pre-English name of uncertain origin and meaning."


Ceci n'est pas un seing.
June 14, 2010, 21:47
Kalleh
The 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."