The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #30616 Message #397747
Posted By: Wavestar
14-Feb-01 - 07:09 AM
Thread Name: Folklore: 'Fingernail Moon' metaphor
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Origin of 'Fingernail Moon' Metaphor
Gervase-
Gibbous, referring to the waning moon in the third quarter, comes from gibus, the Latin meaning lump, or hump, I can't remember exactly. It refers to the convex shape of the moon, as if it were humpbacked!