polymorphism

[Bengt Richter]

[OT]
On 13 May 2003 23:26:29 -0700, afriere at yahoo.co.uk (Asun Friere) wrote:
[...]
>
>Since 'straight' means not curved or bent, whereas 'strait' means
>restrictive, tight or strict, 'straitjacket' seems the more logical
>spelling.  I can only surmise that 'straightjacket,' insofar as it has
>entered usage, was originally a spelling mistake.  The Merriam-Webster
>treats 'straitjacket' as the main spelling, and 'straightjacket' as a
>variant, while the OED makes no reference at all to 'straightjacket,'
>preferring 'strait jacket' (2 words).

Thanks for pursuing that ;-)

Regards,
Bengt Richter