I have a question for anyone who might know why the OED, Random House, Merriam
(dictionary & "Coined by Shakespeare" Merriam) don't list Shakespeare as having
coined the word/phrase "bees-wax" or "mind your own bees wax." I know that
everyone in Elizabethan times knew where wax for officially sealing various
correspondences came from, but coinage being what is is (the first recorded use
of a term/expression) it's puzzling that the first listing in OED (online) lists
the first use in 1676 -- MOXON Print lett. 12 "You may rub your stone over with
little Bees Wax."; Merriam lists 1664, Random lists 1670).
     Yet II Henry VI 4.2.81-84 (1590-91) reads, "Some say the bee stings, but I
say, 'tis the bee's wax: for I did but seal once to a thing, and I was never
mine own man since." I must be not be able to see the Amazon jungle for the
trees.

Scott N.




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