The spelling of "doeth business" may seem strange to some, but it is actually an archaic form of the phrase "does business." The pronunciation is also slightly different, with the "th" in "doeth" pronounced as a voiced dental fricative, represented in the IPA as /ð/. This sound is similar to the "th" in "this" or "feather." While the spelling and pronunciation may no longer be commonly used, it is still interesting to see how the English language has evolved over time.
The phrase "doeth business" is derived from Middle English and Old English. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
- "Doeth" comes from Middle English "doth" and Old English "doþ" which is the third person singular form of the verb "do". It is used in the present tense to indicate an action or performance by a subject.
- "Business" has its roots in Middle English "bisynesse" which came from Old English "bisignes", "busynges", or "bisigennysse". It refers to an occupation, trade, or commercial activity.
Together, "doeth business" means the action of engaging in commercial or professional activities, implying work or transactions related to one's occupation.