1. Mooncalf
> When this word was first in use: 17th century
A mooncalf is a foolish or absentminded person. While no one uses this word anymore, it has made a reappearance in popular culture. Harry Potter fans will know that a mooncalf is a shy magical creature that only comes out of its burrow when there’s a full moon.
2. Yclept
> When this word was first in use: Old English
Yclept, or “by the name of,” is an Old English word meaning it’s really, really old. It’s also one of the small number of English words that have ‘y’ as a vowel at the beginning.
3. Egad
> When this word was first in use: 17th century
Egad was once used to express surprise or anger. It is believed to derive from Oh God. Some of the words on our list are minced oaths — euphemistic versions of profane or blasphemous terms.
4. Scaramouche
> When this word was first in use: 17th century
The scaramouche — a boastful but cowardly person — was a stock character in Italian comedy three centuries ago. Scaramouche was famously reintroduced into popular culture, if not everyday use, when it featured in the lyrics of Queen’s song “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
5. Avaunt
> When this word was first in use: 15th century
Avaunt is a Middle English word meaning go away — and it has gone away. It dates back to the 15th century. It derives from Latin by way of Anglo-French, and means forward or before.
