Umbrage

umbrage n. 1. Shade; shadow; hence, something that affords a shade, as a screen of trees or foliage. 2. A vague indication or suggestion, a hint; a reason for doubt or suspicion. 3. Suspicion of injury or wrong; offense; resentment.

Usage

"Why, I never took umbrage in my life." -- Polack John to Tommy the bookie, date unknown, as recorded in Malachi Smiley's Life Unknown: A Portrait of Stims [sic] Addisson.

See Also

• German Lampshades
• Thumbrage
• Umbrella

Desiderata

Solar eclipses have long been viewed as supernatural events by "primitive societies" and have served as many a plot foil, wherein white men, about to be boiled by cannibals, are saved by a sudden eclipse which the cannibals perceive as a sign that they are dealing with Gods.