(Encyclopedia) GoliathGoliathgōlīˈəth [key], in the Bible, a giant of Gath, a Philistine city, who challenged the Israelites. The young David, fortified by faith, accepted the challenge and killed…
(Encyclopedia) initiation, the transition and attendant ceremonies, such as ordeals and rites, involved in passing from one state or status to another, often from childhood to adulthood. It was among…
(Encyclopedia) Crompton, Samuel, 1753–1827, English inventor of the mule spinner, or muslin wheel, an important step in the development of fine cotton spinning. Working as a young man in a spinning…
(Encyclopedia) Albany, Louisa, countess ofAlbany, Louisa, countess ofôlˈbənē [key], 1752–1824, wife of Charles Edward Stuart (the Young Pretender), self-styled count of Albany; daughter of a German…
(Encyclopedia) Bach, Johann ChristianBach, Johann Christiankrĭsˈtyän [key]Bach, Johann Christian bäkh [key], 1735–82, German musician and composer; son of J. S. Bach. He went to Italy in 1754, became…
(Encyclopedia) pokeweed or pokeberry, tall, bushy perennial herb (Phytolacca americana) native to North America but cultivated and naturalized in Europe. The long clusters of white flowers are…
(Encyclopedia) Newcastle disease, pneumoencephalitis, acute viral disease of domestic poultry. Newcastle disease is characterized by sneezing, coughing, and nervous behavior. Affected birds may show…
(Encyclopedia) Santa Fe Opera, summer opera festival held outside Santa Fe, N. Mex., founded 1957. Featuring outstanding young singers and musicians, it presents a wide variety of operas from the…
(Encyclopedia) Torres Naharro, Bartolomé deTorres Naharro, Bartolomé debärtōlōmāˈ ᵺā tôˈrās nä-äˈrō [key], fl. 1531, Spanish dramatist and lyric poet, b. Extremadura. As a young man he went to Italy…
(Encyclopedia) borstal systemborstal systembôrˈstəl [key], rehabilitation method formerly used in Great Britain for delinquent boys aged 16 to 21. The idea originated (1895) with the Gladstone…
