7. For this teaches but the signification of words.
Before a man makes any proposition, he is supposed to
understand the terms he uses in it, or else he talks like a parrot, only making a noise by imitation, and framing
certain sounds, which he has learnt of others; but not as a rational creature, using them for signs of ideas which he
has in his mind. The hearer also is supposed to understand the terms as the speaker uses them, or else he talks
jargon, and makes an unintelligible noise. And therefore he trifles with words who makes such a proposition,
which, when it is made, contains no more than one of the terms does, and which a man was supposed to know
before: v.g. a triangle hath three sides, or saffron is yellow. And this is no further tolerable than where a man goes
to explain his terms to one who is supposed or declares himself not to understand him; and then it teaches only the
signification of that word, and the use of that sign.
