ghost word (gostwerd)

An apparent word or false form found in manuscript or print, due to some blunder of the scribe, editor, or printer. Such ghost-words, mostly mis writings or misprints not obvious to subsequent readers or editors, abound in die fying destructive physical phenomena, as those of volcanic origin. They were subdued by the Olym- pian gods after a war which forms a favorite subject in ancient art (see gigantomachy ), and typifies the inherent opposition between darkne and light. Hence-2. Some other imaginary being of human form but superhuman size: as, Giant Despair, in Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progre ." He was byseged sothliche with seuene grete geauntes , That with Antecrist helden harde azeyns Conscience. Piers Plowman (C), xxiii. 215. Giants of mighty bone, and bold emprise. Milton , P. L., xi. 642. 3. Figuratively, a person of unusual size or of extraordinary powers, physical or mental. Then we went to pay a visit at a hotel in Jermyn Street. A powdered giant lolling in the hall, his buttons emblazoned with prodigious coronets, took our cards up to the Prince. Thackeray, New comes, II. ii. Giant's Causeway. See causeway . II. a . Gigantic; of extraordinary size or force, actual or relative: as, "the giant world," Shak .; a giant intellect. Put the world's whole strength As our dire neighbours of Cyclopean birth Match in fierce wrong the giant sons of earth. Into one giant arm. Shak ., 2 Hen. IV., iv. 4.