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Thanks, ChrisE. I'd have been quite happy to correct Chambers if I'd thought it was necessary - but 'marinade' as a verb has been used since the late 17th century! That's from the Oxford Dictionary of English. The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary has 'marinade' as a verb first used 1700-1729.

Thanks for the reiminder, ChrisE, but I've just read 'marinade, verb late 17th century' in one dictionary and 'marinade, verb E18' - with E18 being 1700-1729 in another. The first is Oxford Dictionary of English, the second the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary.

Very politely, malone, but I don't see how 18th century usage is relevant to the correct usage in the 21st century. The verb is marinate.

Thanks again, ChrisE. I took it that the dictionaries record the first usage of a word (including its meaning) so I feel that if it has been used - in that sense, with no dictionary mentioning 'erroneously' - for hundreds of years, I'll use it in that sense if I ever wanted to. (PS I always 'marinate', never 'marinade' my chicken.)

We agree on that, at least, malone! I'm pleased that I haven't (I think) offended you.

I’ve mentioned this before, but if chrise ever uses cherry or pea, he needs to brush up on his etymology. Several hundred years of error, but error nevertheless. Where do you draw the line?

https://theweek.com/articles/467454/7-words-that-came-about-from-people-getting-wrong

ChrisE, it would take an awful lot more than that to offend me! And I liked dreaming up a little mental picture of a ChrisE in 1725 being appalled by the use of the word - and 300 years later, another ChrisE is saying 'And they're still getting it wrong'.

Quisling, that was interesting. I'd seen the pea, pease stuff before, but not the change in 'cherry'. A quick look online added 'caper/capers' to my little list.