Osric lost his patience. “If this dotard gives us one more bloody etymology—” “Dotard,” said Widdershins. “From Middle Dutch doten, to be foolish. Ard indicates a particular quality, usually pejorative. And so we also have drunkard and coward and dullard and laggard.” Widdershins’ dreamy gaze refocused. He looked Osric dead in the eye. “And, of course, bastard, but you’re well acquainted with that one, boy, being such a stellar example yourself.”
