Part and parcel

Posted by ESC on September 09, 2001

In Reply to: Part and parcel posted by ESC on September 09, 2001

: : Need to know the meaning of the expression "part and parcel." Need to know tonight, unfortunately.

: I thought it mean the whole thing -- each separate piece and in total -- and that it was probably a legal term. My legal dictionary is at work. I did find it in one of my phrase books. It kind of says that. If I find anything more, I'll post again.

: PART AND PARCEL - "A key component. With alliteration, redundancy and usage in the law going for it, this phrase was bound to be a veteran in the store of cliches. Indeed, it turned up as early as 1535 in the 'Acts of Henry VIII': 'This present Act, and euery (every) part and parcel thereof, shall extend.'" From The Dictionary of Cliches by James Rogers (Ballantine Books, New York, 1985).

"part and parcel, a necessary part: 'It is part and parcel of their whole tradition of duplicity, sham, and subversion.' (Wall Street Journal)." From the World Book Dictionary, World Book, Chicago, Il., 1991.