Can Someone Give Me the Definition to These Old Words?

Question

Vorpal, galumphing and outgrabe.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Galumphing:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionar...

Answer 2

These are all made-up words that appear in Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.  They come from the poem Jabberwocky.  Vorpal is used as an adjective, galumphing as a verb, and outgrabe also as a verb.

What they mean is left to the reader's imagination.

Answer 3

Mamie is right in that the words were made up for the poem 'The Jabberwocky'. I know however that 'galumphing' is used now as a verb, 'to galumph' meaning to run or jog whilst making a lot of noise, or perhaps with excessive arm movements. Think of an elephant running: loud and a litte awkwardness in the movements - that's pretty much what 'galumphing' means.

Answer 4

Vorpal ; Vor(acious) + (princi) pal

Galumph; Gal(lop) + (harr)umph

Outgrabe; Out(live) + gra(nd) + be(lievers)

Elementar, my Dreary Watnot.