Definition of NATHAN HALE (Meaning of NATHAN HALE) in the Online Dictionary



WordNet Dictionary

	Definition:	[n] American Revolutionary soldier hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been"I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country" (1755-1776)

	Synonyms:	Hale

	See Also:	American Revolutionary leader

Computing Dictionary

	Definition:	An asterisk ("*", see also splat, ascii). Notionally, from "I regret that I have only one asterisk for my country!" ("life to give" -> "ass to risk" -> "asterisk"), a misquote of the famous remark uttered by Nathan Hale just before he was hanged. Hale was a (failed) spy for the rebels in the American War of Independence. [jargon file]