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- A variant of Middle English mosty, moisti (“damp, humid, wet, moisty; of fruit: moist and juicy”) [and other forms] (perhaps influenced by must (“fruit (usually grape) juice which has been or will be fermented”)), from moist, moiste (“damp, humid; moist, wet; well-irrigated, well-watered; liquid; of ale: new; (figuratively) not withered, fresh; carnal, lascivious; raw, undisciplined”) (from Old French moiste: see above) + -i (suffix forming adjectives).
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/musty
Mar 27, 2019 · c. 1600, "linger in expectation;" 1640s, "have a longing or craving for," of unknown origin. Probably from Flemish hankeren, related to Dutch hunkeren "to hanker, to long for," which is perhaps an intensive or frequentative of Middle Dutch hangen "to hang" (see hang (v.)).
The earliest known use of the adjective musty is in the Middle English period (1150—1500). OED's earliest evidence for musty is from 1492, in the writing of J. Ryman. musty is of uncertain origin.
Oct 8, 2024 · The adjective is derived from Late Middle English musty; further origin uncertain, possibly from one of the following: [1]
noun. Word origin. C16: perhaps a variant of obsolete moisty, influenced by must3. musty in American English. (ˈmʌsti ) adjective Word forms: ˈmustier or ˈmustiest. 1. having a stale, moldy smell or taste, as an unused room, food kept in a damp place, etc. 2. stale or trite; worn-out; antiquated. musty ideas. 3. dull; apathetic.
The earliest known use of the adjective musty is in the 1860s. OED's earliest evidence for musty is from 1868, in the Morning Star (London). musty is formed within English, by derivation.
OED's earliest evidence for musty is from 1709, in the writing of Richard Steele, writer and politician. It is also recorded as an adjective from the Middle English period (1150—1500). musty is formed within English, by conversion.
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Discover everything about the word "MUSTY" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide.