The name ‘Gerund’ was borrowed from Latin grammar, and has for a long time been in use in English, though with varying application according as it covers more or less ground. It is found in grammars of the last century and of this, where it is often confused with the ‘verbal noun.’ This name is employed here because it is the most convenient that has been suggested; ‘infinitive in ing,' used by Whitney and others, while suggestive of its relationship and real function, is too unwieldly for practical grammar. A far more objectionable name, because the objection is based upon a radical difference in functions, is ‘participle,’ which is given to the verb-adjective also, thereby causing confusion. Etymologically, ‘gerund’ is just as misleading as the majority of its fellows. Participles, for instance, would by this test include infinitives, for infinitives partake of two natures; and infinitives would include participles, which are just as unlimited as infinitives. The origin of words, however, does not confine their use with unyielding bonds, and their use defines them.