Quote:
Originally Posted by hhEb09'1
There are also other meanings for the word "dark"--one of them is "concealed or secret" (as in "the dark side of the moon" or "darkest Africa"), but similar shades of meaning are "lacking enlightment" (as in "The Dark Ages") or "exhibiting evil characteristics" (as in "dark magic"). I don't think anybody really says "dark side of the moon" anymore, except Pink Floyd fans  |
I buy that one.
Just as "bald" eagle means not "featherless", just "white headed".
Another common misnomer relating to the moon is "crescent". Widely used in English for "quarter", or close to quarter. But in fact, crescent comes from the French "croissant", which means "growing", aka "waxing".
So a "waning crescent" is a paradox.