CHAPTER X.
OF THE ABUSE OF WORDS.
1.

Woeful abuse of Words.
Besides the imperfection that is naturally in language, and the obscurity and confusion that is so hard to be avoided in the use of words, there are several WILFUL faults and neglects which men are guilty of in this way of communication, whereby they render these signs less clear and distinct in their signification than naturally they need to be.
2.

First, Words are often employed without any, or without clear Ideas.
FIRST, In this kind the first and most palpable abuse is, the using of words without clear and distinct ideas; or, which is worse, signs without anything signified.

Of these there are two sorts:-- I.Some words introduced without clear ideas annexed to them, even in their first original.
One may observe, in all languages, certain words that, if they be examined, will be found in their first original, and their appropriated use, not to stand for any clear and distinct ideas.

These, for the most part, the several sects of philosophy and religion have introduced.