Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Language/2019 January 29

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January 29

Baritarian

In Aptitudes and Instructional Methods (Cronbach & Snow, 1977) the authors refer to Guilford's factor analytic model of abilities, describing it as a model that "enthrones a multitude of abilities in Baritarian equality" (p. 152). Aside from a popular animated character, what does "Baritarian" refer to? I found it used again in the 1905 Convention Proceedings of the Louisiana Bankers' Association, but that doesn't really give a definition of the word. It's also not in any popular dictionary. Starting from what I know: it's an adjective based on a person's name. Perhaps it has to do with the Black Sea or a Russian person, like the animated character. Can anyone help? I suppose it needs a page on Wiktionary, so if that ups the ante for you to help, so be it. I appreciate you sharing any information you can find. Schyler (exquirito veritatem bonumque) 20:18, 29 January 2019 (UTC)

Looking at a Google Books search for "Baritarian" reveals that most/all instances involve a misspelling or alternate spelling of "Baratarian". Barataria is both a real place and a location used in fiction, starting with Don Quixote. The reference to Baritarian equality could refer to equality in Barataria as described in Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers. See this article, titled Gilbert & Sullivan take a logical look at equality: "So the two gondoliers and their fellows set out for Barataria and jointly reign over a society in which everybody is a Lord-High-Somingthingorother." - Lindert (talk) 21:31, 29 January 2019 (UTC)

"For every one who feels inclined,

Some post we undertake to find

Congenial with his frame of mind —

And all shall equal be.

The Chancellor in his peruke —

The Earl, the Marquis, and the Dook,

The Groom, the Butler, and the Cook —

They all shall equal be.

The Noble Lord who rules the State —

The Noble Lord who cleans the plate —

The Noble Lord who scrubs the grate —

They all shall equal be!"

70.67.193.176 (talk) 22:21, 30 January 2019 (UTC)