3 ms·

Very much so - many of these words attributed to 1522 must have something to do with some publication they can attribute these words to, but surely they were in

• Tagbert 4y ago
  This is a common problem in etymology and related reference works. Publications cite the earliest written reference that they are aware of. All any reference like this can state is that N is the first publication date for a term in the sources in which they have looked. No one has time, resources, or access to verify all sources. Most reference publishers welcome it if you notify them of additional occurrences. It is also widely acknowledged that verbal usages of new words almost always precedes written references so there is a natural lag in that regard, as well.
• wolverine876 4y ago
  > surely they were in print usage before Why is that sure? Remember that the printing press came to the British Isles only in ~1475. Regardless, they need evidence. How else can they determine earliest usage?