Chapter: lexicology and its object subject matter of Lexicology

2. The result of semantic change
The result of semantic change can be observed in: 1) restriction (or narrowing) of meaning. Restriction of meaning is the capacity of a word to narrow its meaning in the course of historical development; 2) extention (or widening) of meaning. It is the expantion of polysemy in the course of its historical development, i.e. it is the widening of meaning. For example. The word «fowl» meant in old English «any bird» but in modern English it denotes a domestic hen or cock, — old meaning of «qffection» was —any feeling, new meaning is a feeling of love. The word «junk» originally meant sailor's word meaning «old ropey>. Now it means «nibbish», useless stuff. This is an example of extention of meaning. The word «meat» originally meant «food» now it .means one special type of food. This is an example of narrowing of meaning. As a result of change of meaning a word may get a new meaning which will be broader or more generalized than the old one. For example. «season». The old meaning of the word «sea$oirt> was «spring». The new meaning is any part o the year. Here is another example. The old meaning of «to bootleg» was to sell alcocholic drinks illegally New meaning is «to sell anything illegally)).
The meaning of a word may become ameliorated as a result of semantic change. For example, the old meaning of the word «nice» was «foolish», now it means «good», «fme».
The old meaning of «marshal» was a servant who looked after horses. New meaning is a high military rank ( маршал ).
The meaning of a word may become deteriorated as a result of semantic change. For example. The old meaning of «villain)) was «farm labourers, new meaning is ярамас ( злодей ). The old meaning of «knave» was— бола new meaning is « каллоб »( мошенник ).