Throes, and a couple of pages

I'm in the last throes of finishing my dissertation, which is due in next week - I might resume somewhat more regular blogging once it's handed in!



"Throe" is a great word, by the way. The OED defines it as:

1. A violent spasm or pang, such as convulses the body, limbs, or face. Also, a spasm of feeling; a paroxysm; agony of mind; anguish.

b. spec. The pain and struggle of childbirth; pl. labour-pangs.

c. The agony of death; the death-struggle, death-throe (Sc. deid-thraw).

2. transf. and fi...