Literary notes about doty (AI summary)
The word "doty" appears with interesting versatility in literature. On one hand, it functions as a surname grounding figures in historical and narrative contexts—ranging from governors and military figures to literary contributors, as in Governor Doty [1] or the credited scenario writer Doty Hobart [2, 3]. On the other hand, it occasionally acquires an adjectival sense that hints at eccentricity or a peculiar state of mind, as in a curt remark about an old judge being "doty" [4] or a character remarking they were "getting doty" [5]. In these various settings, "doty" enriches the text by serving both as an identifier of lineage and a descriptor of behavior, thereby embodying multiple layers of meaning within the narrative.
- Governor Harding was succeeded, in May, 1863, by James Duane Doty, who, at the time of his appointment, was Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
— from The Mormon Prophet and His Harem Or, An Authentic History of Brigham Young, His Numerous Wives and Children by C. V. (Catherine Van Valkenburg) Waite - Credits: Director, William A. Wellman; scenario, Doty Hobart.
— from Motion pictures, 1912-1939: Catalog of Copyright Entries by Library of Congress. Copyright Office - Credits: Director, Albert Kelley; story, Douglas Doty.
— from Motion pictures, 1912-1939: Catalog of Copyright Entries by Library of Congress. Copyright Office - “That old Judge is doty,” declared the young man with a tone of conviction.
— from The Sheriffs Bluff1908 by Thomas Nelson Page - I must be getting doty--that plea was good for a thousand strays and cripples!"
— from Wells Brothers: The Young Cattle Kings by Andy Adams
