how much do you know "tabernacle"?

smellingdune • Mar 16, 2005 12:22 am
I met "tabernacle" in one of Waley's translated poems and wonder how much you know about this term. As far as i know, it is somewhat related with the Bible.
Thanks a lot.
smoothmoniker • Mar 16, 2005 12:29 am
sure, no problem, we'll do your 10th grade english homework for you ...
lookout123 • Mar 16, 2005 1:28 am
ah, sarcastic SM is present and accounted for. carry on.
Clodfobble • Mar 16, 2005 10:43 am
Well, "tabernacle" is actually the Old English form for the word "tackle," which we all know refers to balls. Substitute "testicles" in place of "tabernacle" in the poem and it should be all clear to you.
smoothmoniker • Mar 17, 2005 4:21 pm
although in later mishnah poetry of the 2nd Hillel movement, the old english usage was revised to refer primarily to non-kosher pig testicles, or "gnoshes".

The author was clearly trying to reference the greatest sin in all of judaism - having sex with a hooved animal.
SteveDallas • Mar 17, 2005 4:40 pm
Don't listen to these assholes. They're just trying to be obnoxious. But it's OK, there are still some of us who will help somebody out.

"Tabern" is an old English form of "tavern," referring of course to a bar or pub, or possibly an inn depending on context. The "acle" suffix actually dates back to Saxon roots and indicates a woman or something to do with a woman. Therefore, "tabernacle" is usually read as a reference to a "tavern woman," namely a woman of not-so-sterling moral fiber, and most likely a prostitute, though this can be hard to infer from context in many situations.

Etymology is such an interesting pastime.
glatt • Mar 17, 2005 4:52 pm
In nautical terms, lonely sailors have taken to calling the box which supports the full girdth of a ship's mast a "tabernacle." The box is synonymous with a tavern woman's vagina, and we all know what the mast represents.

Your poem will probably give you the proper context. Is it a nautical poem?
lookout123 • Mar 17, 2005 4:58 pm
:biglaugha :notworthy
Griff • Mar 17, 2005 5:09 pm
You pricks! Seriously, just google it kid Tabernacle. It couldn't be more plain, referring only to lawyers from Ontario.
lookout123 • Mar 17, 2005 5:28 pm
stop it! my assistant just asked why i was laughing out loud.

i told her to shut up and get back in her cage.
mrnoodle • Mar 17, 2005 6:22 pm
all you have to do is look it up in the dictionary. here's a link:

Tabernacle

don't let em get you down kid. :D
wolf • Mar 18, 2005 2:04 am
This thread reminds me of how much I miss the Cellar Oracle™ ...
SteveDallas • Mar 18, 2005 5:41 am
The Steve Dallas Oracle is still available, though I don't think we ever had more than about 3 questions. I was gonna just kill the address, but I never got around to it.

By the way, what's the prize?
russotto • Mar 18, 2005 1:42 pm
Surrender Dorothy!

(this is on topic, but just barely)