Literary notes about Disclaim (AI summary)
The term "disclaim" in literature often serves as a linguistic tool to signal a deliberate disavowal or distancing from one’s associations, responsibilities, or any implied connections. In Fielding’s work, for instance, it is used to renounce any relationship with a character deemed unworthy [1], while in Thurston’s account it draws a clear line between local identity and external affiliations [2]. Similarly, in Chambers’ narrative the word punctuates a stark refusal to accept association with a misbehaving dog [3], and Jacobs employs it to cast aside any responsibility for ominous outcomes [4]. Philosophical and rhetorical uses abound as well: William James leverages the term to reject claims about the freedom of will [5], and Nietzsche criticizes the misattribution of authority by disclaiming it to fleeting circumstances [6]. Even in classical epics and dramatic works—from Homer’s sealing of disgrace [7] to the multifaceted rejections found in Ben Jonson’s and Burke’s writings [8, 9, 10]—"disclaim" effectively underscores a refusal to acknowledge any link to a particular role, action, or ideology.
- He is your own scholar, and I disclaim him.
— from History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding - In their own towns or villages they acknowledge themselves to be washermen, but in other places they disclaim all such connection.”
— from Castes and Tribes of Southern India. Vol. 7 of 7 by Edgar Thurston - "But," objected the other, "I disclaim the dog."
— from The King in Yellow by Robert W. Chambers - "I was to say that 'Maw and Meggins' disclaim all responsibility," continued the other.
— from The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs - I thus disclaim openly on the threshold all pretension to prove to you that the freedom of the will is true.
— from The Will to Believe, and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy by William James - What one wants to do, above all, is to disclaim all authority and to attribute it to circumstances.
— from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book I and II by Nietzsche - So may he perish, so may Jove disclaim The wretch relentless, and o'erwhelm with shame!
— from The Iliad by Homer - DISCIPLINE, reformation; ecclesiastical system. DISCLAIM, renounce all part in.
— from The Alchemist by Ben Jonson - His colleagues in office are in haste to shake him off, and to disclaim the whole of his proceedings.
— from The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 01 (of 12) by Edmund Burke - Sir, if I do, mankind disclaim me ever! Kit.
— from Every Man in His Humor by Ben Jonson