genesis of applause

[Barry Owen]

hmmmmm . . . I happened to have a spare moment and thought Iwould do some
internet research . . . I found several websites of etymology - none had the
word "applause"  . . . I did find this and thought it was a dose of reality.

b

APPLAUSE, n. [1] an explosive sound, when heard at the beginning of a
speech, shows the audience has faith; when heard in the middle, it shows
they have hope - at the end it only indicates charity
from
http://www.iop.com/~words/


----- Original Message -----
From: Don Ferretti <dferrett at PLACER.CA.GOV>
To: <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
Sent: Thursday, July 08, 1999 8:12 PM
Subject: genesis of applause


>      I was asked this question and do not know the answer. Does anyone
know
>      the history of applause? Where did that start and what was the
>      original intent of putting ones hands together and clapping. Has it
>      always been to show appreciation or are there other meanings?
>
>      Don