promise ring

A pre-engagement ring (also known as a promise ring) is a ring given to a romantic partner to signify a commitment to a monogamous relationship, often as a precursor to an engagement ring. Promise rings can be worn on any finger, but those symbolizing pre-engagement are generally worn on the left ring finger; sometimes, the left middle finger or right ring finger is used instead to prevent confusion with an actual engagement ring. This is typically done among teenagers who are too young to be legally married, and rarely seen among adults.

Editor's side note on the dangers of automated blogging

Dearest readers,

Yesterday's word of the day "zerbert" is a term coined by Bill Cosby, and a picture of Bill Cosby accompanied the post. This post was in no way a show of support for this man, and there was no intention on my part to make light of his actions. I categorically and whole-heartedly condemn the actions, career, and character of Mr. Cosby. When I made the post it was intended as a playful word of the day referencing the work of a beloved artist. To say his long career as a comedian and self-styled role model is thoroughly tainted would be an understatement. The man is abhorrent.

The post was scheduled many months ago before the actions of Mr. Cosby were very widely known. I acknowledge that I was ignorant about his past. Unless anyone objects, I plan to leave the post where it is as a cautionary tale against lazy scheduled blogging. I am very sorry if my actions hurt anyone. I did not mean to offend.

Thank you for your continued readership.

Ben

Claddagh ring

The Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring given which represents love, loyalty, and friendship (the hands represent friendship; the heart represents love; and the crown represents loyalty).
The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the old city walls of Galway, now part of Galway City. The ring, as currently known, was first produced in the 17th century.

Airglow

Airglow (also called nightglow) is the very weak emission of light by a planetary atmosphere. In the case of Earth's atmosphere, this optical phenomenon causes the night sky never to be completely dark, even after the effects of starlight and diffused sunlight from the far side are removed.

seeing

Astronomical seeing refers to the blurring and twinkling of astronomical objects such as stars caused by turbulent mixing in the Earth's atmosphere varying the optical refractive index. The astronomical seeing conditions on a given night at a given location describe how much the Earth's atmosphere perturbs the images of stars as seen through a telescope.

zerbert

Noun

zerbert (plural zerberts)

1. The sound that occurs where someone places the mouth against skin and blows, imitative of the sound of flatulence.

Etymology

Coined as part of an episode of The Cosby Show in 1986.

cow

cow (third-person singular simple present cows, present participle cowing, simple past and past participle cowed)
(transitive) To intimidate; to daunt the spirits or courage of. Found primarily in the passive voice.

Con artists are not cowed by the law.