Wit

(wit.) [From A. Fig. 690.-WISTARIA CHINENSIS. S. wi tam, to know.] In its original signification, this word was synonymous with wisdom. Thus we read of our ancient witenagemot, or Saxon parliament, an a embly of wise men; and so late as the Elizabeth an age, a man of great or pregnant wit meant a man of vast judgment. The word wit, however, like many others, has in the course of time undergone various mutations. According to Locke, wit lies in the a emblage of ideas, and putting those together with quickne and variety, so that a congruity of a ociations and pleasant images may be present to the fancy; while Pope defines it to be aquick conception and an easy delivery. It is evident that wit excites in the mind an agreeable surprise; and that this is entirely owing to the strange a emblage of congruous ideas presented to the mind. Of so much consequence are surprise and novelty, that nothing is more vapid than a joke that has become stale by frequent repetition. For the same reason a witty repartee is infinitely more pleasing than a witty attack; and a pun or happy allusion thrown ont extempore, in conversation, will often appear excellent, though it might be deemed execrable in print. [s. 966]