Today's word is Hector, spelled H-E-C-T-O-R.
Hector is a verb.
To hector someone is to criticize or question them in a threatening way.
Here's the word used in a sentence from Variety.
He continued to Hector Neil about his inattention to business.
I have been waiting to hear from you again and again and again, without any tangible results.
In Homer's Iliad, Hector, the eldest son of King Priam of Troy,
was a model soldier, son, father, and friend.
The champion of the Trojan army until he was killed by the Greek hero Achilles.
So how did his name become a verb meaning to intimidate or harass?
That use was likely influenced by gangs of rowdy street toughs who roamed London in the 17th century and called themselves hectors.
They may have thought themselves gallant young blades,
but to the general populace they were swaggering bullies who intimidated passers-by and vandalized property.
With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski.
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