"TO PAY OFF OLD SCORES"
The word "score” comes from the An-glo-Saxon, being nothing more than the word “scorcii,” which is the past participle of “sceren,” —meaning to cut. It indicated a notch or incision made upon a tally-stick for the purpose ot keeping a.record of financial transact.on-. The "score-mark” was the twcnl'oth notch upon these primitive “account hooks’ a cut which was longer and deeper than the others. Hence the expression "to pay off old scores,” means not only D:e repayment of old dents, h a the revenging of grievances which have left a lasting impression. It is for the reason of reckoning that wo speak of the “score” of a game—meaning the record of the opints made—and tho "score or musical record of au opera.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NEM19340504.2.112
Bibliographic details
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 4 May 1934, Page 7
Word Count
127"TO PAY OFF OLD SCORES" Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 4 May 1934, Page 7
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