epigenetics n. the study of how environmental factors can change gene function without altering DNA. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
bleeding deacon n.— «When the term was first applied it was intended for those people who have a set of cries such as “it will never work” or “if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it.” The actual term used was “bleating beacon” [sic] (as in sheep)...
bleeding deacon n.— «The term Bleeding Deacon is a corruption of an old New England term from the 18th or 19th century. The original term was Bleating Deacon, evoking a farmer’s image of an old goat in the pulpit.» —“Re: Former RC/Padre_Andre vs...
bleeding deacon n.— «There is also no professional clergy, but true-believing Program oldtimers are often referred to, more or less affectionately, as “bleeding deacons.”» —“A.A.: America’s Stealth Religion” by Gregg Easterbrook Beliefnet , 2004...
bleeding deacon n.— «Our town is going nuts with gambling. I don’t have a conversation with my friends when we’re not talking about off-track betting, the Meadows, the Lotto or poker machines. I am not a Bible-thumper or bleeding deacon, but I’m...
bleeding deacon n.— «Even in aftercare or AA, if this quality of rigidity continues, it can reach a point where patients are no longer viewed by their peers in recovery as a zealot for the program but as “bleeding deacons” who insist loudly that...