"Guido" wrote in message
...
PrecisionMachinisT wrote:


...LOL...

Appears theres quite a few blogs out there where you copied that one
from--doubtless most of em say its TRUE so it MUST be, eh???


http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...=Google+Search

--not worth my time and effort to argue over a number of carefully
selected
( and out of context ) writings from the period in attempt to show that
"well regulated" didn't apply equally to government.


It's a direct cut&paste from the OED up until

The phrase "well-regulated" was in common use

which is some blogger's commentary. The 1927 OED has no
definition but just lists the usages. Perhaps the latest
version lists more. However, you should consider that this a
combination word so you have to look at 'Regulated'.

Governed by rule, properly controlled, or directed,
adjusted to some standard, etc
Also freq. in combs. as badly-, ill-, well-

Of troops: properly disciplined.



Yeah, there are enough other historical examples and references to make it
clear that a "well regulated militia" meant one that was trained and
disciplined. Gunner really isn't off the mark with his definition. I just
get a kick out of him quoting the OED. g

Which makes me wonder what happened to drilling on the village green. That's
how they disciplined militias. If we're a militia, we ought to be out there
marching around and presenting arms, and all that stuff. Nobody has
suggested doing close-order drill to me since I was around 11.

Ed Huntress