Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- To act like Penelope, the wife of Ulysses, when she was pressed by the suitors; pull work to pieces in order to do it over again, for the purpose of gaining time.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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However, there is nothing for it but to penelopize, pull to pieces, and stitch away again.
Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Works Oliver Wendell Holmes 1851
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However, there is nothing for it but to penelopize, pull to pieces, and stitch away again.
John Lothrop Motley. a memoir — Volume 1 Oliver Wendell Holmes 1851
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However, there is nothing for it but to penelopize, pull to pieces, and stitch away again.
John Lothrop Motley, A Memoir — Complete Oliver Wendell Holmes 1851
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However, there is nothing for it but to penelopize, pull to pieces, and stitch away again.
PG Edition of Netherlands series — Complete John Lothrop Motley 1845
whichbe commented on the word penelopize
To create work as an excuse to deter suitors. (from Phrontistery)
May 24, 2008
dontcry commented on the word penelopize
I just used the excuse that I had to wash my hair. I had really long hair -- before blow dryers were popular. Yes, I'm old...
May 24, 2008
mollusque commented on the word penelopize
I was going to suggest that you add that to
May 24, 2008
ruzuzu commented on the word penelopize
See here for mollusque's list and here for dontcry's.
May 14, 2010