2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: How to shut up a gun nut about his Second Amendment rights. [View all]jimmy the one
(2,708 posts)hack: "well regulated" in the context of the 2A has nothing to to do with rules and regulations. That is a modern definition of regulated that did not come in to common usages until the industrial revolution. In 1781 regulated in the context of the 2A meant well trained and equipped.
Scalia used the word 'disciplined' iirc; Websters 1828 defines discipline thusly:
DISCIPLINE, n. [L., to learn.]
4. Subjection to laws, rules, order, precepts or regulations; as, the troops are under excellent discipline; the passions should be kept under strict discipline.
1. Education; instruction; cultivation and improvement, comprehending instruction in arts, sciences, correct sentiments, morals and manners, and due subordination to authority.
2. Instruction and government, comprehending the communication of knowledge and the regulation of practice; as military discipline, which includes instruction in manual exercise, evolutions and subordination.
3. Rule of government; method of regulating principles and practice; as the discipline prescribed for the church.
5. Correction; chastisement; punishment intended to correct crimes or errors; as the discipline of the strap.
1. To instruct or educate; to inform the mind; to prepare by instructing in correct principles and habits; as, to discipline youth for a profession, or for future usefulness.
2. To instruct and govern; to teach rules and practice, and accustom to order and subordination; as, to discipline troops or an army.
Sam Johnson in 1755 had no listing for 'discipline' that I could find.
Scalia used strained reasoning & retrofabrication, to impose his very own interpretation of what 'well regulated' meant.