Posted by Kathy_S on January 08, 2007 at 06:04:17 from 69.81.57.33 user kschmid.
In Reply to: Ah! - Re: Britain posted by Brad H on January 08, 2007 at 05:04:11:
I don't think it's whim, but context. Dictionaries often have many definitions for one word. Imagine a dictionary with all three:
1. The large island to the east of Ireland. Before Scotland, England and Wales were united politically, this was the only definition of Britain.
2. Great Britain: Scotland, England and Wales. This is a logical abbreviation, since definitions 1 and 2 effectively cover the same territory. It seems to be occur frequently in post-1707 formal writing.
3. Common shorthand for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.