INCOMPATIBILITY

n : In matrimony a similarity of tastes, particularly the taste for domination. Incompatibility may, however, consist of a meek-eyed matron living just around the corner. It has even been known to wear a moustache. INCOMPOSSIBLE, adj. Unable to exist if something else exists. Two things are incompo ible when the world of being has scope enough for one of them, but not enough for both—as Walt Whitman’s poetry and God’s mercy to man. In compo ibility, it will be seen, is only incompatibility let loose. Instead of such low language as “Go heel yourself—I mean to kill you on sight,” the words, “Sir, we are incompo ible,” would convey an equally significant intimation and in stately courtesy are altogether superior. INCUBUS, n. One of a race of highly improper demons who, though probably not wholly extinct, may be said to have seen their best nights. For a complete account of incubi and succubi, including incube, and succuba, see the Liber Demonorum Prot a us much (Paris, curious 1328), information which of contains that would be out of place in a dictionary intended as a text-book for the public schools. Victor Hugo relates that in the Channel Islands Satan himself—tempted more than elsewhere by the beauty of the women, doubtle —sometimes plays at incubus, greatly to the inconvenience and alarm of the good dames who wish to be loyal to their marriage vows, generally speaking. A certain lady applied to the parish priest to learn how they might, in the dark, distinguish the hardy intruder from their husbands. The holy man said they must feel his brow for horns; but Hugo is ungallant enough to hint a doubt of the efficacy of the test. 163