dictionary advice

     An unabridged dictionary supposedly contains all of the words in the English language--although sometimes a few are missing. All of the words means just that--everything, even if it is obscene, offensive, or merely incorrect. The lexicographers who decide what belongs in the dictionary use standard print media as a guide--so even common misspellings are included. While you should use the dictionary for spelling and definitions, do not suppose that because a word is in the dictionary, it is acceptable to use. If you use the dictionary, learn what the abbreviations you will find after some words mean--a key to the abbreviations should be in the front of the dictionary.  Here are some commonly used abbreviations--
arch.  stands for archaic, meaning no longer in use because it is old-fashioned
inc. stands for incorrect
obs. stands for obscene
off.  stands for offensive