Runcible

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"Runcible" is a pseudoword invented by Edward Lear. The word appears (as an adjective) several times in his works, most famously as the "runcible spoon" used by the Owl and the Pussycat.[1] The word "runcible" was apparently one of Lear's favourite inventions, appearing in several of his works in reference to a number of different objects. In his verse self-portrait, The Self-Portrait of the Laureate of Nonsense, it is noted that "he weareth a runcible hat".[2] Other poems include mention of a "runcible cat",[3] a "runcible goose" (in the sense of "silly person"),[4] a "runcible wall",[4] and "the Rural Runcible Raven".[5]

  1. ^ "The Owl and the Pussycat". Nonsenselit.org. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  2. ^ "How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear". Nonsenselit.org. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  3. ^ "The Pobble Who Has No Toes". Nonsenselit.org. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Mr. and Mrs. Discobbolos Part Two". Nonsenselit.org. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  5. ^ "Twenty-Six Nonsense Rhymes and Pictures". Nonsenselit.org. Retrieved 30 September 2017.