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There Was No Cavalry at Calvary
Posted by Editormum on Monday, 7 July 2003 in Usage and Diction | ∞
At least, not a cavalry as we know it.
A cavalry, pronounced /kav ul ree/, is a group of mounted soldiers.
Calvary, pronounced /kal vuh ree/, is the place where Jesus was crucified, on Mount Golgotha, just outside the gates of Jerusalem.
While there were soldiers present at the Crucifixion, they were infantry — Roman footsoldiers headed by a centurion or decurion.
A slippery slope both for writers and speakers, this diabolical duo bears watching. Correct usage will distinguish you as a writer or speaker who is well-educated and careful. Incorrect usage is detrimental to your reputation.
2 Comments
I came to read because you read me . . .
I love twists like this. I sit by my computer with a Webster’s just because “spell check” will not catch mistakes like this. A very good post.
By the way, I added some info to my blog about the mom and I answered you and Crabby directly in comments.
Very nice blog. Would not have thought of these two words, but have heard them misused. Hope everyone reads this blog!