oral-formulaic

[ awr-uhl-fawr-myuh-ley-ik, ohr-uhl- ]

/ ˈɔr əlˌfɔr myəˈleɪ ɪk, ˈoʊr əl- /

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noting or pertaining to poetry of an earlier spoken tradition, as the Iliad, that uses formulas to aid its continued expression.

QUIZZES

Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!

Question 1 of 7

Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?

My doctor put me on oral contraceptives to induce a period, figuring it would help build bone.
You’re Never ‘Cured’ of an Eating Disorder|Carrie Arnold|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The second major split between the capital and the court occurred over oral care.
The French Court’s Royal Ban on Smiles|William O’Connor|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“He was attempting to force me into oral sex,” Ruehli told Philadelphia Magazine.
Bill Cosby’s Long List of Accusers (So Far): 18 Alleged Sexual Assault Victims Between 1965-2004|Marlow Stern|November 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Also, when Nelson died and Hugh Morrow did his own oral history project and talked to about 75 Rockefeller associates.
This Republican Loved Taxes & Modern Art|Scott Porch|November 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The papers report that J.W. was too afraid to resist his command for her to perform oral sex on him.
Rape, Lies & Videotape in Ferguson|Michael Daly|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
These oral inanities only served to make Lyn give me the benefit of a look of amused wonder.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
But none of the orders given were more than oral, for the governor did not want them set on the records.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
Oral evidence may be admitted to establish the location of monuments, and even hearsay evidence may be used for the purpose.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
Oral evidence is admissible to prove the fraud or mistake; it must, however, be clear before a court will grant relief.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles
The improvement of land by the purchaser under an oral contract is an act which enables him to enforce the contract in equity.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles