"Archaisms" by benchen71

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? A weekly meta crossword constructed by forum member Ben (aka benchen71). These metas range from relatively easy to more challenging, depending on how many Australianisms he puts in them! Puzzles are posted in a new thread every Tuesday, with nudges appearing on Saturdays, and the solution coming out on Mondays. (At least, that's the plan. Given he lives in Australia, and they are so far ahead of the US time-zone-wise, things may get posted early!)
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benchen71
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"Archaisms" by benchen71

#1

Post by benchen71 »

Welcome to...

benchen71's Metas on a Tuesday (MOAT)

Can you storm the castle by getting across the MOAT? Not your typical "week 2" here! This one has a tricky grid (but I'm hoping there are enough footholds; if not, there's always Google) and a meta that might take a little thought. And the silly season is almost upon us, so you should have plenty of spare time, right? Good luck, as you seek the answer to the meta which is a verb in the past tense that can be used as an adjective to describe something that has undergone 30 across.

The easiest way to submit is on Crosshare (and you get instant feedback and unlimited attempts!) But you can also PM me with your submission. Either way, I'll compile a list of those who successfully solve the meta.

Archaisms - Online Form
Archaisms - PUZ
Archaisms - PDF
Archaisms - spreadsheet

Nudges are here.
The solution is here.

havefun.gif
Last edited by benchen71 on Sun Dec 18, 2022 5:09 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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woozy
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#2

Post by woozy »

Across the moat.

I put on a blind-fold, walked forward and there I was.

After the MMM, it seems this week will be my time to make educated guesses.
Latest meta: Never forget... and never mind (A WSJ retaliation)
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benchen71
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#3

Post by benchen71 »

woozy wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 12:32 am Across the moat.

I put on a blind-fold, walked forward and there I was.

After the MMM, it seems this week will be my time to make educated guesses.
And yet, there is a meta mechanism in there, somewhere! :D
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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woozy
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#4

Post by woozy »

benchen71 wrote: Tue Dec 13, 2022 12:51 am

And yet, there is a meta mechanism in there, somewhere! :D
Yeah... and I almost know what it is but I can't quite get it to work.
Latest meta: Never forget... and never mind (A WSJ retaliation)
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Meg
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Joined: Tue Apr 09, 2019 1:41 pm
Location: St. Petersburg, FL

#5

Post by Meg »

I’ve hopped across the moat. Feel a bit lucky to have solved this one.
Check out and support http://CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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lbray53
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Location: Elkhorn, WI

#6

Post by lbray53 »

I have crossed the MOAT. Interesting and somewhat difficult grid, as advertised. I had to do a bit of winnowing and backsolving once I saw what was going on.
My avatar proves that it is sometimes better to be lucky than good!
Ergcat
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Joined: Mon Jun 22, 2020 8:12 pm
Location: Seneca SC

#7

Post by Ergcat »

I’ve crossed the moat!! Very enjoyable !
MatthewL
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Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2020 11:57 am
Location: Atlanta, GA

#8

Post by MatthewL »

Crossed the moat. Tough grid, but fun meta.
Matthew
Dave C
Posts: 293
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2019 2:30 pm
Location: Round Rock, TX

#9

Post by Dave C »

Crossed the moat with the help of Mr. Google.
Dplass
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Joined: Sat Dec 28, 2019 10:09 am

#10

Post by Dplass »

Oof needed lots and lots of "reveal word". This one's gonna hurt.
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ChrisKochmanski
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Location: Saline, Michigan

#11

Post by ChrisKochmanski »

Crossed! Stormed!

Very much enjoyed. Though, yes, I needed Mr. G’s generous help, especially at upper right. And I may not have solved in exactly the intended way.

Thanks, Ben!
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rjy
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Location: Gaithersburg, MD

#12

Post by rjy »

Backed my way into the castle, making no small use of the inter webs this time... Thanks, Ben!
Ray
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whimsy
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Location: Hopkinton MA

#13

Post by whimsy »

Capturecastle.JPG
Made it across.
Thanks for an interesting and fun puzzle, Ben!
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CPJohnson
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Location: Kingsport, TN

#14

Post by CPJohnson »

Crossed the moat, but my boat is leaking.....it's missing some pieces.
Cynthia
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benchen71
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#15

Post by benchen71 »

We're almost at the 24 hour mark. Here's the first group of successful solvers:

woozy
SeamusOL
Hector
Laura M
Darrell
Cindy Weatherman
Cindy Heisler
Meg
LindaPRmaven
lbray53
boharr
Ergcat
MatthewL
DIS
markhr
DebbieC
DrTom
jbird
Dave C
ChrisKochmanski
rjy
whimsy
CPJohnson
Jaclyn
Tom Wilson
Mr Tex

That's 26 to get us started!
Last edited by benchen71 on Wed Dec 14, 2022 12:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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sharkicicles
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Joined: Fri May 10, 2019 12:03 pm
Location: Chicago

#16

Post by sharkicicles »

Ben’s seen my actual name now… I wonder if he’ll put it together with my name here..,
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dsbened
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Location: Seattle, WA, USA

#17

Post by dsbened »

Tough puzzle. I got 3/4 done in 45 minutes and then hit a wall so I put the puzzle down because I had errands to run (feed my goldfish, check my mail box, clip my toenails, etc.)
Seattle DB
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Darth
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Location: Champaign, IL

#18

Post by Darth »

Hark, methinks peradventure I reaved the fasthold. :o
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KayW
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#19

Post by KayW »

:crossed_swords: :rabbit: :tornado: :european_castle:
Image

Moat crossed. Thanks Ben!
Contest Crosswords Combating Cancer (CCCC) is a bundle of 16 metapuzzles created to help raise money for cancer-related charities. It is available at CrosswordsForCancer.com.
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benchen71
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#20

Post by benchen71 »

I missed a day, but it's time for the nudges. Before that, a solver update:

Jim Dean
Carolyn
Spid456
Darth
KayW

That's 31 so far.
Check out "The MOAT MEOW Mashup Pack" here. US$10 for 14 metas that don't always abide by the "rules" of the game: asymmetry, 2-letter words, uncrossed letters, who knows. And this time there's a mega-meta! :shock:
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