'On The Threshold'

Posted by Bruce Kahl on March 15, 2000

In Reply to: 'On The Threshold' posted by David on March 15, 2000

: Can anyone tell me the origin and meaning of this phrase? In the context of 'On the threshold of disaster' etc, etc]

Main Entry: thresh·old
Pronunciation: 'thresh-"hOld, 'thre-"shOld
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English thresshold, from Old English threscwald; akin to Old Norse threskjoldr threshold, Old English threscan to thresh
Date: before 12th century
1 : the plank, stone, or piece of timber that lies under a door : SILL
2 a : GATE, DOOR b : END, BOUNDARY; specifically : the end of a runway : the place or point of entering or beginning : OUTSET
3 a : the point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins to be produced b : a level, point, or value above which something is true or will take place and below which it is not or will not.