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prettygoodwordbascule (BAS-kyool) - n., a counterbalanced structure having one end that rises as the other lowers, especially, a drawbridge.
Which, in fact, is sometimes called a bascule bridge. Borrowed in the 1670s from French, where it meant seesaw, from bas, low, down + cul, buttocks. I like the idea of calling a seesaw a "rump-down" -- makes one see playgrounds in a new way.
---L.
Which, in fact, is sometimes called a bascule bridge. Borrowed in the 1670s from French, where it meant seesaw, from bas, low, down + cul, buttocks. I like the idea of calling a seesaw a "rump-down" -- makes one see playgrounds in a new way.
---L.
