A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

URSA

Thu, 14 Mar '24
___ Major
Fri, 17 Nov '23
Major opening?
Sun, 12 Nov '23
Major part of astronomy?
Sun, 3 Sep '23
Major in astronomy?
Sat, 5 Aug '23
Major bear?
Wed, 21 Jun '23
___ Major
Thu, 26 May '22
___ Major
Tue, 29 Mar '22
Major or Minor in astronomy?
Thu, 24 Mar '22
___ Minor
Fri, 21 Jan '22
___ Minor
Sun, 5 Dec '21
___ Minor
Mon, 25 Oct '21
___ Major (the Big Dipper)
Sun, 9 May '21
Major part of the night sky?
Wed, 24 Feb '21
___ Major