A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

URSA

Wed, 21 Aug '24
Bear of constellations
Mon, 29 Apr '24
Bear in constellation names
Sun, 21 Apr '24
___ Major
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