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Subject:To Vet or Not to Vet From:"Segal, Betty S." <bss3 -at- PHPMTS1 -dot- EM -dot- CDC -dot- GOV> Date:Sun, 18 Sep 1994 15:09:00 EST
Re: use of the word 'vet' in the context of checking and proofreading:
I have seen the word used in this sense only in British writings. Apparently
the usage evolved from _veterinarian_ in the following sequence:
veterinarian = vet = take to a veterinarian for examination = examine
carefully. Both the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary and the 3rd edition of
The American Heritage Dictionary show this usage for 'vet.' The AHD says:
"2. To subject to thorough examination or evaluation: _vet a manuscript._"
Betty Segal (BSS3 -at- phpmts1 -dot- em -dot- cdc -dot- gov)
Sr. Training Development Specialist (Instructional Editor)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
