URBANITY, n. The kind of civility that urban observers ascribe to dwellers in all cities but New York. Its commonest expression is heard in the words, 'I beg your pardon,' and it is not consistent with disregard of the rights of others.
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Politeness, n: The most acceptable hypocrisy.Ambrose Bierce
GENEROUS, adj. Originally this word meant noble by birth and was rightly applied to a great multitude of persons. It now means noble by nature and is taking a bit of a rest.
Ambrose Bierce
LYRE, n. An ancient instrument of torture.
Ambrose Bierce
DECALOGUE, n. A series of commandments, ten in number just enough to permit an intelligent selection for observance, but not enough to embarrass the choice.
Ambrose Bierce
SYLPH, n. An immaterial but visible being that inhabited the air when the air was an element and before it was fatally polluted with factory smoke, sewer gas and similar products of civilization.
Ambrose Bierce
MONARCHICAL GOVERNMENT, n. Government.
Ambrose Bierce
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