argal

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɑːɹɡəl/

Etymology 1

A corruption of the Latin ergō (“therefore, thus”).

Adverb

argal

1. thus, therefore
   • c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i], lines 11-13:

     And an act hath three branches—it is to act, to do, to perform. Argal, she drowned herself wittingly.

   • 1947, Malcolm Lowry, Under the Volcano, New York: Reynal & Hitchcock, page 77:

     He thought: 900 pesos=100 bottles of whiskey=900 ditto tequila. Argal: one should drink neither tequila nor whiskey but mescal.

Usage notes

This word is used facetiously or as a joke, to indicate that the conclusion that follows or the preceding reasoning is absurd or specious.

Etymology 2

Noun

argal (usually uncountable, plural argals)

1. crude tartar.

Etymology 3

Noun

argal (plural argals)

1. An argali (kind of sheep).

References

• Shakespeare, William. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. G.L Kittredge ed. Boston: Ginn, 1939.
• “argal”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.

Anagrams

• graal