Definitions

(Class learning about Lincoln's first inaugural address)

Me (reading a passage of the speech):  "'A husband and wife may be divorced, and go out of the presence, and beyond the reach of each other; but the different parts of our country cannot do this.  They cannot but remain face to face; and intercourse, either amicable or hostile, must continue between them.'  What does Lincoln mean by 'intercourse'?"
Student #1:  "Sex."
Me:  "No."
Student #2:  "Well, 'inter' makes me think of interpersonal relationships.  'Course' makes me think of golf course.  So, he means, interpersonal relations on a golf course."
(silence)
Me:  "Relations on a golf course?  Lincoln is worried about the south seceding and he addresses that fact using the analogy of relations on a golf course."
Student #2:  "Well, when you say it that way, it sounds bad."