There is a book called 'A HOG ON ICE' by Charles E. Funk which deals with
unusual word and phrase origins. Funk wrote several books. But I only have
that one by him. However, I looked at my copy, and didn't find that
particular word. I have a degree in English (and Nursing) and if I had to
venture a guess, I'd say the etymology lies more with the phrase "one who
takes under" than with "under taker." An undertaker is one who is
responsible for preparing the dead for burial, and arranging for all burial
responsibilities. Thus it occurs to me that he was considered a person with
some form of revered rights as he "took the dead under" to their resting
places. But that's just my interpretation.
Let's look further to these links:
This history Of Undertaking!! http://dave.burrell.net/OofUnder.html
http://fun-with-words.com/etymology.html
http://www.funwords.com/
http://takeourword.com/
In a message dated 3/25/01 4:25:10 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
writes:
>> I have tried to find the origin of the word "UNDERTAKER" with mixed
results. The word does not lend itself to the handling of the dead. The word
"under" "taker" does not seem to fit. I have checked 20 or so web sites with
little results. Thanks in advance for any info. Woody <<
