Definition of the word moon about

The expression "moon about" has its roots in old English literature and conversation. In the Middle English period (1100-1500 AD), the phrase was used to describe the appearance of the moon, specifically when it seemed large and full in the sky. The word "moon" itself has an intriguing history, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon word "mōn," which translates to "month." This is because the moon completes its full cycle in roughly the same amount of time as a calendar month. The phrase "about" in this context is used to indicate that the moon is close to a particular position in the sky, such as being near the horizon or seemingly overhead. It's a descriptive term that captures the moon's majestic presence in the night sky when it casts a vivid light over the land. Interestingly, the term "moon about" gained popularity during the Elizabethan era (1558-1603 AD), when Shakespeare frequently employed it in his plays. Its usage then declined until the 19th century, when writers like Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy brought it back into fashion, cementing its place in modern British English lexicon. Today, it remains a poetic way to describe the moon's mesmerizing presence in the night sky.