Donate SIGN UP
Home > Phrases & Sayings > ' By dint of.....'

' By dint of.....'

Avatar Image
derekpara | 21:44 Fri 20th Jan 2012 | Phrases & Sayings
2 Answers
Very rarely heard now, but I've always been puzzled about the origins of the expression, ' By dint of....' something or other. Any ideas ?
prev Disaffected youth
  
next Whiter than white?
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 2 of 2rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by derekpara. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
Avatar Image Buenchico
'Dint' is a Mediaeval English word (from the Old English 'dynt', with links to the Old Norse 'dyntr'), meaning a blow or stroke.

'By dint of' (meaning 'by force of' or, more loosely, 'by means of') is a reference to a force of circumstances.

Chris
21:57 Fri 20th Jan 2012
Avatar Image derekpara
Question Author
Thanks again, Chris. I'll start to use it as often as I can and start a revival !

Cheers.

Derek
22:09 Fri 20th Jan 2012

1 to 2 of 2rss feed

Do you know the answer?

' By dint of.....'

Answer Question >>