Pronunciation: /ˈælbɪən/
Etymology: Old English Albion , < Latin Albion, -ōnis (Pliny), Greek Ἁλουίων (Ptolemy); Celtic *Albio , genitive *Albionis , whence Irish Gaelic Alba , genitive Alban Scotland (compare medieval Latin Albania : see Albanian adj.1); usually referred to *albho- (Latin albus) white, the allusion being to the white cliffs of Britain.
poet. or rhet.
Great Britain. Phrase. perfidious Albion, rendering French la perfide Albion, a rhetorical expression for ‘England’, with reference to her alleged treacherous policy towards foreigners."
Love the OED. Going to miss my student access after I graduate.
On my departure for London, Samara reintroduced me to this charming word. Though "perfidious Albion" isn't really that cheery of a phrase, I love the connection to the white cliffs of Britain.
Am now residing in the beautiful land of Albion. Arrived yesterday afternoon. Because I've created another blog to document my London adventures, I won't be writing on this blog as often. Probably just a few entries, here and there... when I want to write extensively about literary discoveries and such.
To follow my time in London, see Lois in London
"Albion, n.". OED Online. March 2012. Oxford University Press. 21 March 2012
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