Some months ago, an Emdashes reader in Grand Rapids, Mich., named Michael Zalewski (who isn’t related to editor Daniel, as far as he knows) wrote me this fascinating letter. I know at least one person who will find this very relevant indeed!
While on Cape Cod recently, I bought 1934 edition (second printing) of Alexander Woollcott’s While Rome Burns. Upon opening the book there were several New Yorker cartoons of Woollcott pasted to the inside of the book.
In addition, I found an envelope postmarked 4:30 p.m. 1933 Grand Cent. Annex N.Y. 14, addressed to John Stewart Mosher, Esq. of Philadelphia, Pa.
Inside the envelope was a letter on Alexander Woollcott stationery (more like memo pad—with address Four Hundred and Fifty East Fifty Second Street).
The letter is dated Oct. 3, 1933.
In type is following:
My dear Mr. Mosher:
I remember our meeting in the Cour Joffre.
I have just looked up “aestivating”. Thanks so much.
And it is signed in ink: A. Woollcott.

I am intrigued. Does this have any significance?
Sincere thanks.
Note: While the OED has no entry for “aestivating,” there is this definition for “æstivate, v.“: 1626 COCKERAM, Aestiuate, to summer in a place. 1742 BAILEY, Æstivate, to sojourn or lodge in a Place in Summertime. 1854 WOODWARD Mollusca (1856) 49 The mollusca..æ stivate, or fall into a summer sleep, when the heat is great. 1882 Pall Mall G. 1 Feb. 5 The snails of the equatorial region, though they do not hibernate, yet æstivate (if we may coin a word).” Update: I shared Zalewski’s letter with OED editor Jesse Sheidlower, who replied: “Oh, thanks for calling my attention to this. We do have evidence for (a)estivating now, and will likely add this when we revise the entry. What a great find, the letter!” I agree.