Definitions by Anne Thrax
dyke
Differentiate between DYKE and DIKE:
n. 1 dike: 7. a. A ridge, embankment, long mound, or dam, thrown up to resist the encroachments of the sea, or to prevent low-lying lands from being flooded by seas, rivers, or streams. (Oxford English Dictionary)
and
n. 2 dyke. Of obscure origin. A lesbian; a masculine woman. Also attrib.
1942 BERREY & VAN DEN BARK Amer. Thes. Slang ยง405/3 Masculine woman,..dike, dyke.
The spelling DIKE is the proper etymological spelling for the ditch. The spelling DYKE is useful to make the difference clear.
n. 1 dike: 7. a. A ridge, embankment, long mound, or dam, thrown up to resist the encroachments of the sea, or to prevent low-lying lands from being flooded by seas, rivers, or streams. (Oxford English Dictionary)
and
n. 2 dyke. Of obscure origin. A lesbian; a masculine woman. Also attrib.
1942 BERREY & VAN DEN BARK Amer. Thes. Slang ยง405/3 Masculine woman,..dike, dyke.
The spelling DIKE is the proper etymological spelling for the ditch. The spelling DYKE is useful to make the difference clear.
dyke by Anne Thrax August 22, 2006