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' By dint of.....'

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derekpara | 20:44 Fri 20th Jan 2012 | Phrases & Sayings
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Very rarely heard now, but I've always been puzzled about the origins of the expression, ' By dint of....' something or other. Any ideas ?
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Avatar Image Buenchico
'Dint' is a Mediaeval English word (from the Old English 'dynt', with links to the Old Norse 'dyntr'), meaning a blow or stroke.

'By dint of' (meaning 'by force of' or, more loosely, 'by means of') is a reference to a force of circumstances.

Chris
20:57 Fri 20th Jan 2012
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Thanks again, Chris. I'll start to use it as often as I can and start a revival !

Cheers.

Derek
21:09 Fri 20th Jan 2012

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