Most collective nouns, or "terms of venery," were coined during the 15th century. Many were codified in books of courtesy, like the 1486 classic Book of St. Albans. St. Albans was a handbook for ...

This collective noun provides a window on to British history. Before the 13th century the old feudal system of justice prevailed, under which anyone accused of a crime could be charged, tried and ...

In a warehouse near you, a shipment of Apple tablets arrives from China. "Get the trolleys," wails the foreman. "This rectangulation of iPad 2s won't shift itself!" The choice of collective noun might ...