SINCE 1828
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reverse spelling

noun
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Definition of reverse spelling

: an unphonetic and unetymological spelling imitating the same spelling in words where it is etymological but no longer phonetic (as limb from lim, compare lamb, where b is etymological; delight from delit, compare light; Swanage from Swanwich \ˈswänij\ compare savage)

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Cite this Entry

“Reverse spelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverse%20spelling. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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