DOINS
/ˈduːɪnz/
From the Archive of Entirely Emmet's Library
Filed under: Words That Know Exactly What They Mean
Origin: Dennis. Specifically, Dennis standing in front of a clock mechanism at approximately 7am, watching it work.
Not formally recorded elsewhere. Does not require to be.
Definition:
The internal components of a mechanism, specifically in the act of doing what they do. Not the parts at rest. Not the parts in theory. The parts going — turning, catching, releasing, counting — in the precise and purposeful way they were built to go.
A clock has a mechanism.
The mechanism has doins.
The doins do their doins.
This is, upon reflection, the most accurate description available.
Usage:
"And I watch the doins doing their doins every morning."
Correct. No further clarification required.
Technical note:
Engineers may recognise this as referring to the escapement, the gear train, the mainspring, and associated components. They are welcome to use those words. Dennis is also welcome to use his.
Both are accurate.
One of them is considerably more fun to say.
— E