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S«- •' A '

-J-

■r\

THE

ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM

OR,

PORTFOLIO

OF. ORIGINS AND INVENTIONS:

COMPRISING

LANGUAGE, LITERATORB, AND GOVERN-
MENT.
ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE.
MUSIC, PAINTING, AND ENORAYING.-
DISCOYERISS AND INVENTIONS.
RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE DRAMA.
COMMERCE AND THE USB OF MONET.
ARTICLES OF DRESS AND LUXURIES.
NAMES, TRADES, AND PROFESSIONS.

TITLES, DIGNITIES, AND INSIGNIA.
PARLIAMENT, LAWS, AND PLOTS.
UNIVERSITIES AND RELIGIOUS SECTS,
EPITHETS AND PHRASES.
REMARKABLE CUSTOMS, &C. &C.
GAMES, FIELD SPORTS, &C.
SEASONS, MONTHS, AND DATS OF TH

WEEK.
ETYMONS OF WORDS AND TERMS, &C.

SEAS, ISLANDS, CITIES, TOWNS, COLLEGES,
CORPORATIONS, BOROUGHS, ETC.

CONTAINING A PARTICDLAR

ACCOUNT OF LONDON AND ITS PUBLIC BUILDINGS ;

ITS WARDS AND COMPANIES ; INNS OF COURT AND CHURCHES ;
STREETS AND LOCALITIES ; PUBLIC HOUSE SIGNS AND
COFFEE HOUSE APPELLATIONS. f

» » J ■ ,

i .

BY WILLIAM PU.LLEXN.

THE SECOND EDITION, CONSIDERAl^lT ^L^JIp^r..

#• • •* ' •

" With every sort of origin this work is graced,
Vast store of modern anecdote yoaMl find.
With good old story qoaintly interlaced ;
The theme as various as the reader's m:

:^>\i j.u^/^j

1 r ;^VA^> v'-

LONDON :
PRINTED FOR THOMAS TEGG, 73, CHEAPSIDE:

R. GRIFFIN AND CO., GLASGOW ; AND J. GUMMING, DUBLIN,

1830.

• •

• *

• . *

► >

»• ••

• »

• •• •

• *♦ • • ••

»« • • »

• i

• • . • • *

INTRODUCTION.

To collect into a focus, a series of Origins and
Etymologies, that lay scattered through various Pub-
lications, ancient and modem ;— to place within the
reach of all^ what hitherto could only be procured by
the /etc;;—- to instruct the rising generation, — to amuse
the curious of all ages, and to save trouble to the an-
tiquary, a mass of interesting and instructive matter,
has been concentrated within the small compass of
this volume, and which, the Compiler unhesitatingly
submits to the Public, with the conviction, that should
it be found below their praise, it will, nevertheless,
remain undeserving of their censure.

CONTENTS.

Aclon, maklu- a Trade of
tkeir Pr..fe«i«i

Aannatioii ofthe Qnaken

Archa Court - -
American War - -
Admiral {The Tille) -

AmlE m/jH., . -
AI^EnnaiKTho Tille) -
AlKrncBmeNBn.e).
Al^"" St. (FamUy) -
Amu or the tobblera of FLu-

Astlej's Priic W
April . .

ApotheCHrv -
AMeate Ward -
Aiaerairale Ward

All Haiio», BMklnff

Amirenlice't Pillar

J«,S.!i""'"'

APL'etnoiow

IIN

Ajioiflndf«rat.aiTmI

■OS

1I»

A> drunk u DaTid'i Sdv

ADalonleal Wix Fipim

IJS

AuRean Stable

All'i^il' -

lee

Alllgaldr -

Anj-l • -

IBS

Alkali -

Barleiiiue (Origin at) .

BoardWacH
BanU^ Byit m -

bunJt « Uji^land -

COHTBIfTS.

Bo<r Laoe

BsAul CulteEe

BDurboDg u Klngi of Spain
Ball! au<l Weill (BliliDp of]
li.,urUDii (Itojal FflinUj)

Bnrber'i Pole

Bear niid Raned Staff

Brace, King'i Beiu

B»Bo(Naili-

BeQ SaTuxe - -

Black Doll at Rw

BtackveU-hiU

BisliopwBtB Do.
BtDBilBtrcelBoi
Brldccajid Toner Ward!

Biirhl.:i.n -
BoudSlnet -
Bucklenburjr

areeyarA, Bocklcnbury

ird Cage Walk -

le Bridge

BesniDdB

Bnggabol

CoHpthten Order ol

Chandof Portrail of Bbakv
Cainmerce,iuidVte oTHoney 1

CoDErere Rockali

PrlntiDf -

i« aniT Chiiniiey

TBI DP Da. in London) i

on LIbnry

I Cllffam'i Inn

■ -oU(*inle c

Katbvtint ■

jf Chancery

lUor (The Title)
te CDufce oft

t Charini; C

rat Tabic by Ladi

njofHohNslU -
tg In €alhedra1a
ri>Drt, in Klsuden
sUafiFeei - -
i«onSi>tunlaTNlEht> I

in (The)
"lanOpe'rallor

I Cygnet
I Coldslrea

■ \ t

■ it

•i

ruij

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lot

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•

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<-.*•

Ha|r.baab Lane -

•

<-.^

Herae*t Oak

Havtin^

Hohrblawl -

i:»

Cudldate

Dryilrn'a
DnlBich (

toBookiCOrlsiuDf)

Danpblii of France
OUKlng

Doe Day.

'Ei|'^ ^as^'ES (OiielnoO

GarlheaWiiraud.

Eui Jndla Companr

KdBoToob

GaBtwurd Hoe '.

Euber Weak

Exeter Chanca
Borland - - _

£diii£aisti - ■

Bs^aiid and SL GeoTKe

£pochi and Eru

Fint Bwk {OrisiD aT)

Fleur de Ui, ea ll<

FandanjEO CThe Uaaic
fUb an<l the Kii^— Steimey

rUantl SUrta -

nniik (Tke)
RylivHoiM
FnudllBr Hmpltkl
FuiincdonWiurda
FuniTalB IBD
nmbary Square -
Plidrer Street -
Foaler Lane
Fore Slreet
Fbb Street I
Fleet Street

HUl

Uirrick'iFirMPIiiTl
God Sate IbeKliw
Gunpoq^er not

E on Hkhaelmu Day

Aet and CemiMu
eoT'iHead -

at Wardrobe Street

IrejrHi

;:.«„■

Midlar •

liaberdaihc/

Hummumi (The
Hat and Tim

tTlSand

lAdr in tbe Straw

MaciuCl

Men CbriMum I

Mourniiw

Mouta (f be Word)

Ma;

Itaj Day
HJcbaelmu Day ■

Manotey Tbanday

diiint TalErt'n

Nempajien «>rtgla of)

NHilEatioD CIntenial) In

NeJSe. . - ■_

Nlcaue Cned . .

Noblp Familie. lOrlsiBOC -
Kiebtiy WntcU . '
IJailve Pniiu of EoeUiid

Ne».le tilreft
Horvamberlaad

Mann of a tew PUcei I
Me ™ddLeil vrhilo'Eon
Mhie I'Bilan nuke u M.

Xe Snior Dim Cr^idi

0,Y«! O, Ywl O.Yei!

PunpUeti lOrlfhi of)
Poem In OcBOr«l
PanAie um ■ ■
Pope't BnU

Frfcting ■ - ■

Farapei W«lli to Houm
FortliuidViue
PalnUnf - ■

FBvnbroker'i DaUa

Pablic Tbwlnrei la R«iie
nay Hoiuei (In txndoiU

PBBchUBUee) - -

^uilnlDon

Proteiiaiit*
P^'iK«me<CliaB£liiearit) M

rMtOtteei

FuDT, now Two Penny PnM

Poiii'linin

nopertj T»i

■cliw HaaeviaMoa

o Monej
loineHell! (ThF|r<i

Peckluai Fnlr
noDgh UondaT

TomarCDTmtrrl
Igwon" — -■

mCThe]

CONTEBTI.

«||aln (Oami

L«.. of Richmond UIU
~i"l Order of)

KjidcUre Ubnu?

KeitgratloDDux
Xitnton Fippln

Jloyal Acadenf
ItOfaC Sociely

RlCTBuJi Abbey

Sculplnra (Orlrin of)
ScboDlB for PBuiine

Suliuuir Jennji

I lit. George, u Pal

ikijif vlth TipM ^oA

irli^k^lriibBwIceof

i sJlqueLairliiFnuKe'
) BelkirkArmi . -

I Stourbriilce Fair

i ShroTe.or PuuikeTBenU; 1

L HIgnpi and BooU -

I Seij»ut'i (.Mr -

Stty,"". ' -
SedBD Chain

r S|.ren4EBg1e . •

■ Slatiwi, Hovnl Eirliiii«8

Saller'i Hull . -

i Bt-Paul'iCaUiednil .

THE

ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM

OR,

PORTFOLIO

OF. ORIGINS AND INVENTIONS

COMPRISING

LANGUAGE, LITERATURE, AMD GOVERN-
MENT.
ARCBITBCTORB AND SCULPTURE.
MUSIC, FAINTING, AND ENGRAVING.
DISCOVERIES AND INVENTIONS.
RISB AND PROGRESS OF THE DRAMA.
COMMERCE AND THE USB OF MONET.
ARTICLES OF DRESS AND LUXURIES.
NAMES, TRADES, AND PROFESSIONS.

TITLES, DIGNITIES, AND INSIGN'IA.
PARLIAMENT, LAWS, AND PLOTS.
UNIVERSITIES AND RELIGIOUS SECTS.
EPITHETS AND PHRASES.
REMARKABLE CUSTOMS, &C. &C.
GAMES, FIELD SPORTS, &C.
SEASONS, MONTHS, AND DATS OF TH!

WEEK.
ETTMONS OF WORDS AND TERMS, &C.

SEAS, ISLANDS, CITIES, TOWNS, COLLEGES,
CORPORATIONS, BOROUGHS, ETC.

CONTAINING A PARTICULAR

ACCOUNT OF LONDON AND ITS PUBLIC BUILDINGS ,

ITS WARDS AND COMPANIES ; INNS OF COURT AND CHURCHES ;
STREETS AND LOCALITIES ; PUBLIC HOUSE SIGNS AND
COFFEE HOUSE APPELLATIONS. ^

• ^ » »

• » • » • «

BY WILLIAM PU.LLEXN. . .

THE SECOND EDITION, CONSIDERAtfLV Sjct^Jt^JSl:. .

' • • . -

" With every sort of origin this work is graced.
Vast store of modern anecdote yoa'll find.
With good old story qaaintly interlaced ;
The theme as varioas as the reader's

^>\^^J:L!l'^l

1 f< \ v'otm'^ v^

LONDON :
PRINTED FOR THOMAS TEGG, 73, CHEAPSIDE :

R. GRIFFIN AND CO., GLASGOW ; AND J. GUMMING, DUBLIN,

1830.

ti ■
» •

• .« *
• • ••

> »■

» ♦ c

« •
» « •

» ♦ « • •

• >

•
» ♦

4 *

« • •

'*•

INTRODUCTION.

To collect into a focus, a series of Origins and
Etymologies, that lay scattered through various Pub-
lications, ancient and modern ;— to place within the
reach of ally what hitherto could only be procured by
the few; — to instruct the rising generation, — to amuse
the curious of all ages, and to save trouble to the an-
tiquary, a mass of interesting and instructive matter,
has been concentrated within the small compass of
this volume, and which, the Compiler unhesitatingly
submits to the Public, with the conviction, that should
it be found below their praise, it will, nevertheless,
remain undeserving of their censure.

CONTENTS.

AtPBABBT

Authors

Architecture

Almanacks

Algrebra

Anchors

Air Balloons -

Alum . . -

Actors, making a Trade of

their Profession
Auld Robin Gray (Ballad)
Arundeiran Tables
Atheism in France
Acts of Parliament
Ale-House Licences
Affirmation of the Quakers
Auctions - - -
Arches Court
American War
Admiral (The Title) -
Ambassador - - -
Ai^yle Motto
Alderman (The Title) -
Alg-ernon (The Name) -
Albfln*« St. (Family) -
Archery - - -
Arms of the Cobblers of Flan

ders! - - - -
Ablutions of the Romans
Astley's Prize Wherry
April - - -
August - - .
All Saint's Day -
All Souls

Ash Wednesday -
A^culture -
Acanlha ('J he)
Arrow Root -
Ale - - -
Attorney
Apothecary -
Aldgate Ward
Aldersgate Ward
All Hallows Barking
All Hallows Staining
Addle Street
Aldersgate Street
Aldermanbury -
Ab-church Lane -
Adelphi • - •

Page
6

13
44

36
30
46
48
55

101

1U9

108

111

115

1S4

195

lj»

164
166
169
177
179
184
184
198
193
197
SOS
904
S16
915
236
236
941
941
244
944
944
944
946

Amen Comer

Atlantic Ocean

Azores, or Western Islands

Athens . - - •

America . - -

Arundel - - -

Apprentice's Pillar, Rodyn

Chapel - - -
All the Russias
Abyssinia - - -

Assassin ...

Anthony Pig- ! - -
April Fool ! - - -
Admirable Crichton
As Stupid as a Goose ! -
Another for Hector! -
A Pep too low !
A Roland for an Oliver!
A Bird in the Hand's wortii

two in the Bush
As merry as a Grreek ! -
As drunk as David's Sow !
Apparition! - - -
Anatomical Wax Figures
Augean Stable
Adore -
Allodial
Amaxon
Anacr<*on Moore
Adieu ! -
Alligator
Angel -
Arab
Artichoke
AlkaU -

Page
94ft
968
96S
968
969
968

970
970
999
999
SOI
305
810
314
316
316
319

324

325
396
330
336
338
339
339
389
389
340
840
340
840
340
340

Burlesque (Origin of) -
Books, &c. -

Bibles

Bible History

Building with Stone in Eng-
land - - - . .
Board Wages
Bankij^Systm -
bank oi England - • <
Baskets . - . .

IS
89
41
49
M

BgurboniiiuKliigioCSpBln -

BbiLi Hud M'ella (Bliliop of)

bnurDuu (RoyHl Pamily)
DHcliEUimiiiui [OunBDn

i BrictatDn

i B«rVLCk upon Tweed -

> Bam«»bary Park

i Bun and B
I llilgg«lH> !

itDolfwaagShi

I BeueToleiKe and Beni

Boimer^-fleJd* -
Bancrofl') Alms-hdiui
BUIiDSBgate Wam
BiibDMgaie Do. -
BreaJsireetDo. ■

B^wiahawlio."' -

Bridge iu>d Tower Ward! -

BlBckman Stteet. B

Barbiua -

i Compoahe Do.Do.

> Cliristi ColL^e

oe (Dude oft -
ill (Dnke of) -
ofSS ■ -

I— Origin a Hlitorr ot I

iilma Symbol -

s::"-." :

le at Table by Ladlei

le AUey

«larE Murk.

Cntkspur Sli^i -
Carlton Pb1si:c -
CripplegalP ■

Cannon Street

Curtain Rosd
Cnckold'i Point

Cllnrily-Wldowi

Conal

.tinople

TUl

CONTBMTB.

Page

Pair

CoiutellDliun - -

BartheoW^eaDdPoReUiB W

CandidBie • - -

«M

Btr^jcan Vaie» - ■

<:orpt ....

BogmvlDg . - . Sd

Clock, or BeU . -

Eleclrlclty . . . SS

Ea.t.vdHoe! ' ■ li
E.,MerColleBB - - 18

Oedlution loBooki (OrigiB

Irf) «

Edict of Nutl - ' fij

BuuVrifrauaerviDEoa

SoirinantmHuoc ■

Juriei ' - - - m

EiciseSchenic - - M

Dionm.,Pi.i.oniM.*c.

Jfaima'k WcariKR

..f l-a. aod l^klative

AnmoinJ^-ielKid

Praceedino - - ■ m

E«l„.quer Bill. . - B

Srydi^d-i Celebrated Ode

n-l'Ub College

Enrl TShe'TlUe) - • llf

loa

E«|ulre - . - B»

Snicbyof^cflsler -

J>uke iThe Tllli:)

BierereeiM and Miulelo at

nirii Pt Moo Droit

Brii-nvur Fi.lii

BJcclion K.ibbands - ' lU

DwipblnorFrince -

Bailer II,u,l»tEi,pmc - li

SuSnr - - .

Dopi . - .

K«Me°r °° . . '. : |«

SilkiiiidDnket

B«herw«k . . . lOT

EunChra^i . . - mi

IHtali"tJorM^tl,i '.

E^terChaiW. - - SH

)>nwi.«fnrKlo)rudQ«w.

EogUnd . - . - S7t

Utomr. (Original] -

Ed"r h " ' ' ' V-

D^tt-^.Coal^ondB.d^

Bdinundi' Bnry ' - - all

EKurialof ijpain • »m

Eptlliew V^ . - - »S

Day. of Week . .

EoElaod ud St. Ceorge ■ Ml

A;tii„- ■ :

1«

Bpocbl uul Eraa - - aM
Echo! .... Mi

DunMk ROM (Tie) .

Peniutt (Vehicle)

»'0»lej. - - .

iten-J-l - . .

Dof and Duf V T«TefU

FinrtB«>k(Orl(inBO . •

Jlowitnte lA nrd

Five Orden of .\rcbileclure 1*

ttr

Fret Work in trckileolure - 18

JhikfiS Placi- . -

FicnmiiiATittametk: . - S

D«"hC1liS,aiHlTo™

nSJde"l,liIo.ileriMrV

Dud Se„ . .

Co=.pn«r . - - - W>

Dowu (Tbe) . .

Fi.HloK »llll I<et. iu EoclBlld Ml

STI

FiralEnrftahActf*., - - n

Dm : A ■ . .

Fendal I^ws ... go

Df-nkoiaLord!

Poreatand Gams Law - 90

DlniiwiriU>D.keHum]AKi

Frantin^ .etitn . - IM

DlkifiondcHtOlaiu.iiidl

Flurry [Tl.^Name) - . I<<

DMtta Walcb - ■

IllMectio,, . .

[Mf, or Delft ■ .

FootflaU .... 14,

pwdand

FUhandtheltlnii-Btepiiey

Dnld

Ml*

Cboreh . - . .117
Freedom of Alawlck . . IM
Foa«ofA«e.: - - . m

FalnCOrlcioot) ... lea

>EBcUih UneuBge (OiIeIii bI

-) *

FeDrmry • . . -114

ifTfcc)

Uliir Hnpltal
ngion Wards

llTMt Hill .

ofUquoI

jpirii) -

nr Slreet
CkHill •

and Iiectnm «XI

(iolJenAKe -

Oordinn Knot

Gini (Trapw
Gsntleman ■

Honc'aPaiirertOrlginuClcTiD) I

Uenld't College

Hu*p,lV

jvling at Iriih FHoenli

lollymrk <The)

Hick I' Hall -

Highbury Bam

Heme's Osk
Haitjan
UolyUwiil -

IMUbii Helh<i4 at B
Interest of Mmaey

«• In dnrcl. Yud(

Jabu O'Grwil'i Houi

Kairet (Origin of)
KLnE'i Speech (Pint)

Keeping loiter »fterlloi

DBge (Origin of)

Lund Tax in Bnglsi

Hubaniv. u
MenfiUUnei

Hempaiien (Origin pf)
NotMlToK In Mule
Navigation (loteroM) In

Mcene Cresd . .

MiiTBl Salute lo the EngUib

(Orisiodf) .

tltiys.

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HolyroDd House •

Hellespont -

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Hobson's Choice!

Hector^s Cloak

Hang on Jerry ! -

He is quite the Tiddy Doll!

He may pay too dear for his

Wlustle -
He is gone to Pot !
House Leek (.The)
Hocus Pocus
Hurly Burly
Host rf - -
Haggis
Honour
Honesty
Hnsting -

Hermaphrodite -
Haversack -
Hamm«<5k - *

Ionic Order of Architecture

Italian Opera

Italian Method of Book-
keeping - - - .

Interest of Money

Insurance . . • .

Inquisition . > - •

Ich Dien - - - .

Interments in Clmrch Yards

Innocent's Day

Invention of the Cross -

Inns^of Court - - .

Isliugton . . • •

Isle of Dogs - - - -

Irish Society of tUe Corpo-
ration of Loudon

We of Man - ' -

I Pledge You! - . -

It'fl a Dirty Bird that Be-
fouls, &c. - - «

If it Kaiiis on St. Swithin's

DaV &C. a a V

It's au 111 Wind that Blows
no, Ac. - . •

111 set You down in my
Black Book !

Page
t79
979
979
9?9
980
819
816
816
817

818
8^6
839
847
' 847
847
847
947
847
847
848
848
848

15
89

Jesuits

Julian the Apostate

John of Gaunt

Jndge's Bouquets

January

June - - •

July -

John O'Groat's House

Jewin Street

- 817

816

• 399

898

78
117
196
lib

176

178
178

Page

Jack Ketch! ... aos

John Doe and Richard Roe 1 800

John Audley ! . - • 80O

Jack of Newberry - - 819

Justice . . • . 848

Jannissary - - - - 348

Knives (Origin of)
Kaleidoscope
King's Speech (First)
King's Bench (Court of)
King (The Titie) -
King of the Romans
King's Cock Crower ! •
Knight^s Templars
Knight's Hospitallers -
Kissixig the Pope's Foot
Keeping Easter after Roman

manner « . -
Kni«^ht Rider Street -
Kingston ...
Kent ....
Keel . . « .

49
86
100
107
111
117
117
118
145

169
965
980
9S0
349

88 Lianguage (Origin of)
88 Letters in Music -
9b Labour and Money in early
84 times ...

116 Lac of Rupees
174 Lauthorns - - - >
187 Lion's Head Fountains
190 Lawns, Cambrics, and Starch
988 tng ....
966 Lamp, or Lamb Black
966 Light Houses

Lincoln College -
966 Lollard ...

980 Lancasterian System of Edu
815 cation ...

Land Tax in England
Lotteries - . .
Lord Mayor (The Title)
Leeds (Duke oO -
Lord Mayor's Shpw
Lord Mayor's Day
London Cries
Ladies ap]^earii«g at Court
Law of Shipwreck *
Lion Sermon - •
London Arms
Lady HoUand's Mob -
Lady Day ...
Laitimas Day
Low Sunday • •

Lily (The) ...
Liveries - * •
Loriner * . .

Larkhall Tavem
London * * .

965 I London Bridge • •

38
39
48
59

66
61
69

83
94
103
116
196
160
150
161

lae

168
ISO
166
167
184
187
180
199
910
991

996
999

rencoPoulIieylj

nalc lOripn of)

Mairiaff* by Proxj

KUIUry VUUiitiiu
Hen HU^'™ T

l..nt TuifiJv

M«ryA»e(Bt.)
Mury-le-bone
Mint (BoroT

Ne-.piipen{Ori,l.oO
Nuutlon hi MihIc
Nailcatlnn (Inunul} In

Nl^bica

Newinffton Bi
Morttunbeili

et WbUi la Hoian

tUj HmuM (la Londoii)
raacM (Btage) • -
Ptuitomimtf

Pc^'s Name (Cbugtsg otii)

nee ofWuld (Tke 1
pe . . .

nlnBen" (The N«B"

■ou (Droi)

Hnnse Blr>»

Peeping Tom otCwfeotTT
Put ft Beggar on Honabu

PronieUiean Fire

QBatter Day

Pn^able in Honey

KadcUffe litMu*

Kooie

KonudheQ

Rihald

Scolptara (Origin of)
SchoolH for Pn&LEDf
Slrn PaiDlinr
Start Ins

SnUi'ng oitl
Bleam Knulii
Spinning Jen

[^, HI Pall

Semu^rE

i^ k ' ' ■

Ung wltk npei uid

rine by BkU, Dook, nnd
LvLav in Frnnce
Iriil^eFnlr

St. Mini It's
Si. John the

COKTBHTS.

St. NicoUi Uore^bhy

St. Peter le
St. Ijepulchi

I Spituniri

1 SmaU Pgi

iTlBird)

St. Bei.e<U<.'i,vu1earlyce

Bt. aeanefa'liT^i
M. Brnnet sherd

St.D)"br,BKk(
at. KaUeHac In

St. Michael'
St. Aadiew

Bhoreditch
Sohc Gquart
Bt. Jsmei'i

SniitbAeld
St. Jolia'i G.
Steel Yard

i Trpnbadoiin
I Tourniquet
I Telegrajihi

1 Plaie IMmu&ci
Mirlcal Stage!

dl. Cloud
Scotcb Hirhlaade

IT (Trade)
,e Legi (Bign)

'^sx;^'"

Vk^DDDt'TheTlUe)

Weleb Leek u > Badge of
WliippiBB of Apple Traei:

WarUiUnd Keclpetbr Ueir

Wife

YardHea9sre(Orifflaor) -

YoTliihln) Bite :

THE

ETYMOLOGICAL

** To be ia the daily habit of speaking of matters, ofwhich weknow
90t th^ derivalion, or origin, is to be in a state of ignorance.'*— XocAe.

«< The pictures drawn in our minds, are laid in fading colours; and
if not sometimes refreshed, vanish and disappear.** — Jbid,

SECTION I.

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF LANGUAGE, LITERA-

TURE, ARCHITECTURE, PAINTING, SCULPTURE,

JMUSIC, JINGRAVING, GOVERNMENT, &c.

ORIGIN OF LANGUAGE.

If we suppose, toys Bla.ir, a period before any words were in-
vented^ or known, it is clear that men could have no other method
of commanicating to others vrhat they felt, than by the cries of pas-
don ; accompaLied with such motions and gestures as were further
expressive of passion ; for these are the only signs which Nature
teaches to all men, and which are understood by all.

One who saw another going into a place where he himself had
l>een frightened, or exposed to danger, and who sought to warn his
neighbour of that danger, could contrive no other way of doing so,
than by uttering those cries, and making those gestures, which are
the ffigns of fear ; just as two men at tliis day, would endeavour to
make themselves understood by each other, who should be thrown
together on a desolate island, ignorant of each others language.
Those exclamations, therefore, which by grammarians, are called
interjections, uttered in a strong and impassioned manner, were be-
yond doubt the first elements or beginning of speech.

Inteijections, would be followed by names of objects, or nouns,
these by names of actions, or verbs; these by qualities of nouns and
actions, as adjectives and adverbs ; and these would be successively
followed by prepositions, pronouns, articles, and conjunctions.

When more enlarged communication became necessary, and
names began to be assigned to objects, in what manner can we sup-
pose men to have proceeded in this assignation of names, or inven-
tion of words? Undoubtedly, by imitating as much as they could
tLe nature of the object which they named, by the sound of the name
which they gave to it. Whenever objects were to be named, in which
sound, noise, or motion, were concerned, the imitation by words was
abundantly obvious. Nothing was more natural than to imitate by

2 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

the sound of the yoice, the qoah'ty of the sound or noise, which any
external object made, and to form its name accordingly. Thus in ali
language we find a multitude of words that are evidently constructed
upon this principle. A certain bird is termed a cuckoo, from the
sound which it emits ; when one sort of wind is said to whistle, and
another to roar ; when a serpent is said to hiss, a fly to buzz, and
falling timber to crask ; when a stream is said to flow, and hail to
rattle ; the analogy between the word, and the thing signified, is
plainly discemable.

EN6USH LANGUAGE.

The English language, or rather, the ancient language of Britain,
says the Encyclopedist, or Circle of the Sciences, is generally allowed
to have been the same with the Gaulic, or French, (this island in all
probability, ha\ing been first peopled from Gallia), as both Csesar
and Tacitus affirm, and prove by many strong and conclusive argu-
ments, as by their religion, manners, customs, and the nearness of
their situation. But now we have very small remains of the ancient
British tongue, except in Wales, Cornwall, the Islands and High-
lands of Scotland, part of Ireland, and some provinces of France ;
which will not appear strange, when the following historical events,
elucidating the rise and progress of the English language, are taken
into consideration.

Julius Csesar, some time before the birth of our Saviour, made a
descent upon Britain, though be may be said rather to have disco-
vered than conquered it ;* but about the year of Christ forty-five, in
the time of Claudius, Aulus Plantias was sent over with some Roman
forces, by whom two kings of the Britons, Codigunus and Caractacus,
were both overcome in battle; whereupon a Roman colony was
planted at Maiden, in Essex, and the southern parts of the island
were reduced to tiie form of a Roman province ; after that, the
island was conquered as far North as the Firths of Dumbarton and
Edinburgh, by Agricola, in the time of Domitian ; whereupon, a great
number of the Britons, in the conquered part of the islana, retired to
the West part, called Wales, carrying their language with them.

The greatest part of Britain being thus become a Roman province,
the Roman legions, who resided in Britain for above 200 years, un-
doubtedly disseminated the Latin tongue ; and the people being
aftervtrards governed by laws written in Latin, must necessarily make
a mixture of languages. This seems to have been the first mutation
the language of Britain suffered.

Thus the British tongue continued, for some time, mixed with the
provincial Latin, till the Roman legions being called home, the Soots
and Picts took the opportunity to attack and harass England ; upon
which, king Vortigem, about the year 440, called the Saxons to his
assistance, who came over with several of their neighbours, and
having repulsed the Scots and Picts, were rewarded for their ser-
vices with the Isle ofThanet, and the whole county of Kent: but
growing too powerful, and not bein«^ contented vrith their allotment,
dispossessed the inhabitants of all the country on this side of the
Severn ; thus the British tongue was in a great measure destroyed,

* It has been lately proved by nstronomical demonstration, that
Caesar arrived for the first time in front of the cliffs of Pover, on the
23d of Aug^ust, B. C. iA, at ten in the rooming, and finally effected his
landing- at 8 o'clock of the same day in the Downs, 8 miles from Dover^
between the South Foreland and Deal.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 3

and the Saxon intrpdaced io its stead. What the Saxon tongne was,
loDg before the conqnesl, aboat the year 700, we may observe in the
most ancient manuscripts of that language, which is a gloss on the
Evangelists, by Bishop Edfrid, in which the three first articles on
the Lord's Prayer run thus : —

" Uren Fader thic arth in heofnas, sic gehalgud thin noma, so
cymeth thin ric. Sic thin willa sue is heoraas, and in eortho,'' &c.

In the beginning of the ninth century, the Danes invaded England,
and getting a footing in the eastern and northern parts of the country,
their power gradually increased, and they became sole masters of it
in 200 years. By this means, the ancient British gained a tincture
of the Danish language ; but their government being of no long con-
tinuance, did not make so great an alteration in the Anglo-Saxon, as
the next revolution, when the whole land, A. D. 1067, was subdued
by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, in France ; for the
Nohnans, as a monument of their conquest, endeavoured to make
their language as generally received as their commands, and thereby
rendered the British language an entire medley.

About the year 900, the Lord's Prayer in the ancient Anglo-Saxon
ran thus : —

*' Thu ure Fader the eart on heofenum, si thin nama gehalgod ;
cnme thin rice si thin willa on eortbon swa, swa on heofenum," &c.

It will now clearly be seen, that the English Language had its
origin in a compound of others.

" Great, verily*" says Camden, " was the glory of our tongue, be-
fore the Norman Conauest, in this, that the old English could ex-
press, most aptly, all tne conceptions of the mind in their own tongue,
without borrowing from any."

That the English language, although of an heterogenous origin,
possesses more poetical ca{)abilitie8, than any other, at the present
day, there can be no question. Dr. Johnson says, in speaking of
languages, ^ the Spanish for love, the French for gallantry, the
Italian for music, and the English for poetry.*^

BURLESQUE.

F. Yavassor mentions, in his book De Ludicra Dictione, that
burlesque was altogether unknown to the ancients ; but otiiers are of
a different opinion. We even find that one Raintovtous, in the time
of Ptolemy Lagus, turned the serious subject of tragedy into ridicule,
which is, perhaps, a better plea for the antiquity of farce than of bur-
lesque. The Italians seetii to have the jnstest claim to the invention
of burlesque ; the first of this kind was Bernio, who was followed
by Lalli, Caporali, &c. From Italy it passed into France, and be-
came there so much the mode, that in 1649, there appeared a book
under the title of "The Passion of our Saviour," in burlesque verse.
From thence it passed into England, where some have excelled
therein.

ON THE ORIGIN OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY.

The distinction between the origin of Government and the origin
of Political Society, is thus defined in Cooper's Letters on the Irish
Nation, 1799 :—

Firom the writings of Aristotle, we are taught to consider the ori-
gin of Oovemment not as a work of art, or of intellect, much less as
the result of contract ; but as the consequence of a natural instinctive
impulse towards comfort, convenience, and security. Government
was not made^ created, or covenanted ; bat arose out oi human

B 2

wMs^Ekisti:!!'

- -L- a. 1,>CI. =:: D«! K J=a I«ion» Sei:

»«jb«.bir Pi-n»-ti.

-.1

■:•'-

::fr,

■ hat

iilso

■.re in

■ to be

• in the

•lenfcd to

!«' making

iiy the um-

•Ad) to take

.iU of the wn-

and adorned

; tiie title was

■ xtended, might

■triu, or interual

.aiieties; at first

Meparate words,

iito periods, para-

ruuntries, as among

.<id ran leftward; in

III left to right ; others,

■ itely going in the one,

■ lion ; in must countries

siome, particularly the

>i'.' the page is entire and

in others, distinguished

t!ie bottom; usually it is

Is ; sometimes also with a

:s complete. To these are

■ embellishments, as in old

•iiy had likewise, as with the

-{, elfigies, schemes, maps, and

iiiiulas at the beginnings and

nr* reader to be courageous, and

others were conclusions, often

iich as should ialsify them. Of

iiat is clear on that subject The

Wdest books now extant ; but there

■<, since he cites several. Scipio

of books before the deluge, written

i!ie Latin volvo^ to roll up, the ancient
- we fiud in Cicero's time the lil-ranc!)

D 3

4 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

nature. Laws, indeed, which were afterwards added, are arti-
ficial aids and contrivances to prop and support Government. They
thwart, control, and subject the passions of individuals, in order to.
prevent their injuring society. But the origin of political society is
totally distinct. It was dictated by nature, and cherished by a con-
viction and sensation of its utility. The same principle of general
convenience, which for the well-being of mankind, necessarily gave
rise to government, still holds it together, and must ever continue to
do so. Utility is thus the moral principle upon which the obedience
of citizens and the protection of magistrates rests. It was Nature
which established the subordination of servant and roaster, of family
to father, and of wife to husband. These three branches of domes-
tic economy are the germ of all government. Principium Urbis
et quasi Seminarium Reipublicae, " The British Government,"
says Montesquieu, ^ is one of the wisest in Europe, because there
is a body which examines it perpetually, and which is perpetually
examining itself; and its errors are of such a nature, as never to be
lasting, and are frequently useful, by rousing the attention. In a
word {he adds) a free government, that is to say, one for ever in mo-
tion, cannot support itself, unless its own laws are capable of cor-
recting the abuses of if The benevolent Hanway says, *' Go-
vernment originates from the love of order. Watered by police it
grows up to maturity, and, in the course of time, spreads a luxuriant
comfort and security. Cut off its branches, and the mere trunk,
however strong it may appear, can afford no shelter.'^ P«lice being
one of the means by whicn an improved state of society is produced
and preserved, is defined by Mr, Colquhoun to be, ** a new science :
the properties of which, consist not in the judicial powers which lead
to punishment, and which belong to magistrates alone ; but in the
prevention and detection of crimes, and in those other functions
which relate to internal regulations for the well ordering and com-
fort of civil society." *' Again," says he, "to effect this purpose,
inestimable in a national point of view, and benevolent and humane
to all whose vices and enormities it tends to restrain ; a police must
be resorted to upon the broad scale of general prevention, mild in its
operations, eflective in its results ; having justice and humanity for
its basis, and the general security of the state and individuals for its
ultimate object"

ORIGIN OF BOOKS, AND VARIOUS OTHER MATTERS
CONNECTED WITH THEM.

Several sorts of materials were used formerly in making records ;
plates of lead and copper, the barks of trees, bricks, stone, and wood,
were the first materials employed to engrave such things upon, as
men were willing to have transmitted to posterity. Josephns speaks
of two columns, the one of stone, the other of brick, on which the
children of Seth wrote their inventions and astronomical discove-
ries. Perphyrius makes mention of some pillars, preserved in
Crete, on which the ceremonies, practised by the Corybantes in their
sacrifices, were recorded. Hetiod^s Works were originally written
upon tables of lead, and deposited in the temple of the muses, in
Boetia.

The Ten Commandments delivered to Moses were vwitten upon
stone ; and Solonjs Laws upon wooden planks. Tables of wood,
box, and ivory, were common among the ancients ; when of wood,
they were frequently covered with wax, that people might write up*

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 5

pn tiiem with more ease, or blot out what they had written. The
leaves of the palm tree were afterwards used instead of wooden

Slanks, and the finest and thinnest part of the bark of soch trees as
le lime, the ash, the maple, and the elm ; from hence comes the
word W)er, which signifies the inner bark of the trees ; and as these
barks were rolled np, in order to be removed with greater ease,
these rdlls were called volumen, a volume ; a name aflterwards given
to the like rolls of paper or parchment*

Thus we find books were first wjritten on stones, witness the De-
calqgne given to Moses ; then on the parts of plants, as leaves chiefly
of the palm tree ; the rind and barks, especially the tilia, or phyl-
leria, and the Egyptian papyrus. By dfegrees wax, then leather,
were introduced, espetially tne skins of goats and sheep, of which at
length parcfunent was prepared : then lead came into use ; also
linen, silk, horn, and lastly, paper itself. The first books were in
the form of blocks and tables; but as flexible matter came to be
wrote on, they found it more convenient to make their books in the
form of rolls ; these were composed of several sheets^ fastened to
each other, and rolled upon a stick, or umbiUcus, the whole making
a kind of column or cylinder, which was to be managed by the um-
biUcus as a handle, it being reputed a crime (as we are told) to take
bold of the roll itself.

The outside of the yolome was called /ron^; the ends of the tim-
bUicus^ C9mua (horns), which were usually carved, and adorned
with diver, ivory, or even gold and precious stones ; the title was
struck on the outside, and the whole volume, when extended, might
make a yard and a half wide, and fifty long. The form, or internal
■arrangement of books, has also undergone many varieties; at first
the letters were only divided into lines, then into separate words,
which, by degrees; were noted with accents, into periods, para-
^graphs, chapters, and other divisions. In some countries, as among
the Orientals, the lines began from the right and ran leftward ; in
others, as the northern and western nations, from left to right ; others,
as the Greeks, followed both directions, alternately going in the one,
and returning in the other, called CoU8tro]^hedon ; in most countries
the hues run from one side to the other ; m some, particularly the
Chinese, from top to bottom. Again, in some the page is entire and
nniform ; in others divided into columns ; in others, distinguished
into texts and notes, either marginal or at the bottom ; usually it is
furnished with signatures and catch words ; sometimes also with a
r^^ter, to discover whether the book is complete. To these are
aaded summaries, or side-notes, and the embellishments, as in old
itooks, of red, gold, or initial letters ; they had likewise, as with the
modems, their headpieces, tail-pieces, effigies, schemes, maps, and
the like. There were also certain formulas at the beginnings and
endings of books ; the one to exhort the reader to be courageous, and
proceed to the following books ; the others were conclusions, often
gnarded with imprecations against such as should falsify them. Of
the earlier books we have nothing that is clear on that subject The
Books of Moses are doubtless the oldest books now extant ; but there
were books before those of Moses, since he cites several. Scipio
^gambati, and others, even talk of books before the deluge, written

- * The name is derived from the Latin volvo^ to roll up, the ancient
manner of inakiug^ up books, as we find in Cicero's time the libraries
consisted wholly of such rolls.

B 3

Q THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

by the Patriarchs Adam^ Setb^ Enos, Cainan, Eooch^ Methasalem,
Lamech, Noah and his wife ; also by Ham^ Japhet and his nvife ;
besides others by daemons or angels ; of all which some modems
have found enongh to fill an antedeluvian library : but they appear
all either the dreams of idle writers, or the impostnres of frauaalent
ones- A Book of Enoch is even cited in the Epistle of Jade, ver. 10
amd 15, from which some endeavonr to prove the reality of the ante-
dilavian writings ; but the book cited by that apostle is generally
allowed, both by ancient and modem writers, to be spurious. Oi
profane books, me oldest extant are Homer's^ Poems, which were
so even in the time of Sextns Empiricus; though we find mention in
Greek writers of seventy others prior to Homer, as Hermes, Or-
pheus, Daphne, Horns, Linus, Mnsaeus, Palamedes, Zoroaster, &c.,
but of the greater part of these, there is not the least fragment re-
maining ; and of others, the pieces which go under their names are
generally held by the leamed to be suppositious. Hardouin goes
farther, chargii^ all the ancient books, both Greek and Latin, ex-
cept Cicero, Pliny, VirgiPs Georgics, Horace's Satires and Epis-
tles, Herodotus, and Homer, to be spurious, and forged in the I3Ui
century, by a club of persons, under the direction of one Sevems
Archontins. Among the Greeks it is to be observed, th» oldest
books were in verse, which was prior to prose. Herodotus's His-
tory is the oldest book extant of the prosaic kind.

To books we are indebted, as one of the chief instraments of ac-
quiring knowledge; they are the repositories of the law. and
vehicles of learning of every kind ; our religion itself is founaed in
books, and without them, says Bartholin, ^ God is silent. Justice
dormant. Physic at a stand. Philosophy lame, letters dumb, and
all things involved in Cimmerian darkness."

The eulogia which have been bestowed upon books are infinite ;
they are represented as the refuge of trath, which is banished out of
conversation ; as standing counsellors or preachers, always at hand,
and always disinterested : having this advantage over all instruc-
tions, that they are ready to repeat their lesson as often as we
please. Books supply the want of masters, and even, in some mea-
sure, the want of genius and invention, and can raise the dullest
persons who have memory, above the level of the greatest geniuses,
if destitute of their help. Perhaps their highest glory is the afiection
borne them by the greatest men of all ages. Cato, the elder Pliny,
the Emperor Julian, and others, are on record for their great devo-
tion to books ; the last has perpetuated his passion bysome Greek
Epigrams in tiieir praise. Richard Bury, Bishop of Durham, and
Lord Chancellor of England, has an express treatise on the love of
books.

THE ALPHABET.

The Greek Alphabet consisted of sixteen letters till 399 B.C.,
when the Ionic ox twenty-four characters was introduced.

DEDICATIONS TO BOOKS.

Dedications to Books were first introduced in the ti'me of Mec»-
nas, A. D. 17 ; practised for the purpose of obtaining money in IGOOt.

* See Origin of ** Book Printing in England.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 7

ON THE ORIGIN OF PAMPHLETS.
«• Words, words, words." Hamlet,

How m^y snbjects owe their birth to a Pamphlet, which, bnt for
liie temptation it affords to the expression of temporary feelings, and
trivial discussion, (to which local or personal prejudices may have
given importance), would have died a natural death, or have been
smothered in the attempt to perpetuate them, under the more repul-
sive garb of even the most tiny volume ? Pamphlets are like es-
sences, combining in a narrow compass all the pungency of the sub-
ject, of which they treat; where the declamation and violence of the
writer are admired while sparingly used, but would be tedious, if not
disa^preeable, if spread over a wiaer field. They may be called a
species of missile weapons, easily discharged against an adversary ;
not the less dangerous because they are light, and generally bearing
a portion of that fire and spirit to which they owed their existence.
£very ccmtroversy is preceded by them ; like the skirmishers of mo-
dem warfare, they are the irregular auxiliaries of literature, which,
though not formerly enlisted in its service, may, like wandering
gaeiulai, yet do fearful execution. " From pamphlets," says the
/con lAbeUorum, ** may be learned the genius of the age, the de-
bates of the learned, the follies of the ignorant, the views of go-
yernment, the oversights of the statesman. They furnish beaux
with their airs, coquets with their charms ; pamphlets are as modish
ornaments to a gentleman's toilet, or to gentlemen's pockets ; they
are chat to the talkative, stories for nurses, toys for children, fans
for misses, poverty to tbelr authors, gain to the lucky, fatal to the
unlucky."

The term Pamphlet^ however, does not appear to be of older
origin than the time of Elizabeth, though that form of writing to which
we apply the term, is of great antiquity, if we can trust the Jewish
Rabbinical writers. Most of all books were originally published in
the pamphlet form. The Scriptures were supposed to have been
written m this manner at first, in distinct sheets, or rolls, as they
were afiixed by the command of Heaven to the doors of the Temple,
or Tabernacle. The same may probably be asserted of the mode
of divulging the warnings of the minor prophets, from the different
occasions which were the snbjects of their predictions, and the
smallness of their contents. The Heathen writings were generally
published the same way, and for that reason were called CetUores,
and were frequently recited separately. Amongst all fabulous
writers the Jewish Rabbins occupy the first place ; and the pam-
phlets, or small treatises, preserving their traditions, collected in
their Talmud, and originally published at Venice, amounted to no
less than fourteen volumes m folio. Next to them in the rank of
fiction, and of magnitude, may be classed the " Legends of the
iSaints," published by the Jesuits in 1673, and amounting, in the be-
ginning of the last century, to 50 folio volumes, all of which were
(Originally of pamphlet sizes. If we listen to the Jewish writers, they
tell us that the pamphlet, or Synagogue roll of their law, was the
work of Heaven itself, and finished about 2000 years before the
creation of the world ! since which time the seme authentic chroni-
clers have imputed a pamphlet to Adam, and one also to each of
the Patriarchs.

In the very curious introductory preface of the Bishop of Win-
chester, to King James's (Ist) Works, he labours hard to relieve

8 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

his Majesty from the disgrace of having been an author, (forgetting,
it is presamed^ that Henry Vlllth had been one before him*), by
citing some curioas instances, abundantly venerable in point of an-
tiquity. He contends that Enoch had erected two pillars, the one
of stone, the other of brick, on which he wrote of the two*fold de-
struction of the world, by water and by fire.

With equal felicity of illostration, he adduces the Supreme Being
as an author, from the tables given to Moses ; and Christ is assert-
ed, on the authority of St, Ambrose, to have written that sentence
on the pavement oi the Temple of Jerusalem, ^ Festucam in oculo
fratris cemis, trabem in tuo non vides,*^ To such shifts for an ar-
gument will flattery and pedantry carry some of those who wish to
please a Monarch.

Almost the whole of the early pamphlets, may be considered to
be spurious, and are known to the learned to be the prodoclioii of
the Greek Monks.

The first Christian pamphlets now remaining, are in Latiu, yiz.
** TertuUian's Apollogeticus," and the dialogue styled " Octavins,"
by Minntius Felix, a Roman lawyer.

Political pamphlets were little known in England till the retgn of
Philip and Mary.-t* Caxton having, in the reign of Henry Vltk, in-
troduced the " Mysterie of Prynting." In 1649, it was ordained,
'^ That the author of every seditious pamphlet, or libel, shall be
fined Ten Pounds, or suffer forty days imprisonment. The printer
Five Pounds, and his printing press broken," as being the head and
front of his offending. ** No printing presses to be allowed except
in Lsndon, or the two Universities ; no books to be landed in any
other port than London ; and to be viewed by the Master and War-
den of the Company of Stationers !" — and such was the origin of the
incalculably prolific case of Pamphlets.

Some have derived the term pamphlet from Pamphilus, a Presby-
ter of Caesaria ; but this is a mistake. Caxton spells the word
paunflet, and it means a small book^ stitched par un filet, i. e. with
a single thread.

CIRCULATING LIBRARIES.

These valuable repositories of literature are not of modern invev-
tion. The first collections consbted of religious works alone, and
were lent out gratuitously.

Pamphilus was a Presbyter of Caesaria, and lived A. D. 394. In
this distinguished person were united the philosopher and the chris>
tian. Bom of a verv eminent family, and large fortune, he might
have aspired to the highest honours of this world ; but, on the con-
trary, he withdrew himself from those flatteringprospects, and spent
his whole life in acts of the most disinterested benevolence.

His unfeigned regard and veneration for the Scriptures were as
remarkable as his unwearied application in whatever he undertook.
Being a great encourager of learning and piety, he not only lent
books to read (especially copies of the Scriptures'), but when he
found persons well disposed, made them presents of nis manuscripts,
some of which were transcribed with the greatest accuracy by his
own hand. He founded a library at Caesaria, which, according to

♦ See «* Defensor fiidii."
t The term Pamphlet was, however, not used commonlyt tiU aftexv
wards.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 9

HMwe of Seville, contained 30.000 volnmes. This collection seems
to have been formed merely for the good and ase of the church.
Another author also authenticates the existence of tliis library ; and
St Jerome puticnlarly mentions his collecting books for the purpose
of lending them to read ; and Dr. A. Clarke remarks, '' this is, if I
mistake not, the first notice vie have of a circalatiog library." The
benefits to be derived from a good circulating library, are too nume>
roaa, as well as obvious, to need any comment

ORIGIN OF POETRY IN GENERAL.

History informs us Poetry began with shepherds, whose god mm
Pan J having from their many leisure and abstracted hours (while
tending their flocks), a fit opportunity for such a pursuit Hence,
they firat composed couplets, next verses, and these they perfected
themselves in, and sung, while following their daily occupations.
Thence came the Bacchanalian rites, and their sacrifice to their gods
of a He €^at, which took their rise, we are told, from Bacchus,
who, one day, whilst entering his vineyard, discovered an animal of
that species in the act of destroying a favorite vine, which in his rage
be instantly killed. In these ceremonies, the hinds of that day
Moearedtheirfaceswith the lees of wine, and acted and sung va-
rioQs verses expressly composed for the occasion*

These were the first actors and song- smiths, and their successors
have done honour and credit to the invention.

" JEachyluB and Thespis taught the age
What good, vhat profit, did commend the stage.*'

PARADISE LOST.

Milton possessed a fine fignre, and, when a young man, was ex-
tremely handsome. In one of his wanderings when in Italy, being
of a very pensive cast, be sat himself down under a tree, and com-
menced reading, but soon fell asleep. During his slumber two fe-
males, who were observed at a distance by two of his companions,
stopped on coming near to him ; and one of them wrote on a slip of
paper the following lines, which she laid on his breast, and with ner
companicm immediately disappeared : —

** Occhi, Stelle mortal!,
Ministri de mici mali
Se chlusi m*uccedite,
Apperti che farete i**

which amy be translated — " Beautifal eyes, mortal stars, authors of
my misfortunes ! if yon wonnd me being closed, what would ye do if
open V* It is said, that Milton uma so sensitive on the subject, that
he rofuned over half of Europe in search of the fair charmer, but in
vain ; and which induced him to write that sublime poem, and from
the circorastance that had occnrred to him, entitled it '' Paradise
Lost" Milton was bom in the city of London, was Latin Secre-
tary to Cromwell^ and was buried in Cripplegate Church.

THE FIRST BOOK.

According to chronologists, the First Book is supposed to have
been written in Job's time. Thirty thousand books were burnt by
order of Leo, in 761. A very large estate was given for one book
on Cosmography, by king Alfred. Books were sold firom £10 to £30
^ach in 1400. The first printed book was the vnlgate edition of the
Bible, in 1463; the seoood was Cicero de Officiis, 1406 -, Cornelias

2 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

the sound of the ▼oice> the quality of the sound or noise^ which any
external object made, and to form \t9 name accordingly. Thus in aii
language we find a multitude of words that are evidently constructed
upon this principle. A certain bird is termed a ctukoo, from the
sound which it emits ; when one sort of wind is said to whistle, and
another to roar ; when a serpent is said to hiss, a fly to buzz, and
falling timber to crash ; when a stream is said to flow, and haii to
rattle ; the analogy between the word, and the thing signified^ is
plainly discemable.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

The English language, or rather, the ancient language of Britain,
says the Encyclopedist, or Circle of the Sciences, is generally allowed
to have been the same with the Gaulic, or French, (this island in all
probability, having been first peopled from Gallia), as both Csesar
and Tacitus affirm, and prove by many strong and conclusive argu-
ments, as by their religion, manners, customs, and the nearness of
their situation. But now we have very small remains of the ancient
British tongue, except in Wales, Cornwall, the Islands and High-
lands of Scotland, part of Ireland, and some provinces of France ;
which will not appear strange, when the following historical events,
elucidating the rise and progress of the English language, are taken
into consideration.

Julius Caesar, some time before the birth of our Saviour, made a
descent upon Britain, though he may be said rather to have disco-
vered than conquered it ;* but about the year of Christ forty-five, in
the time of Claudius^ Aulus Plautins was sent over with some Roman
forces, by whom two kings of the Britons, Codiganus and Caractacus,
were both overcome in battle; whereupon a Roman colony was
planted at Maiden, in Essex, and the southern parts of the island
were reduced to tiie form of a Roman province ; after that, the
island was conquered as far North as the Firths of Dumbarton and
Edinburgh, by Agricola, in the time of Domitian ; whereupon, a great
number of the Britons, in the conquered part of the island, retired to
the West part, called Wales, carrying their language with them.

The greatest part of Britain being thus become a Roman province^
the Roman legions, who resided in Britain for above 200 years, un-
doubtedly disseminated the Latin tongue ; and the people being
afterwards governed by laws written in Latin, must necessarily make
a mixture of languages. This seems to have been the first mutation
the language of Britain suffered.

Thus the British tongue continued, for some time, mixed wifli the
provincial Latin, till the Roman legions being called home, the Soots
and Picts took the opportunity to attack and harass England ; upon
which, king Vortigem, about the year 440, called the Saxons to his
assistance, who came over with several of their neighbours, and
having repulsed the Scots and Picts, were rewarded for their ser-
vices with the Isle of Thanet, and the whole county of Kent: bat
growing too powerfnl, and not bein<^ contented with their allotment,
dispossessed the inhabitants of all the country on this side of the
Severn ; thus the British tongue was in a great measure destroyed,

* It bas been lately proved by nstronomical demonstration, that
CcBsar arrived for the first time in front of the cliffs of Pover, on the
23d of August, B. C. 65, at ten in the morning, and finally effected his
landing at S o'clock of the same day in the Downs, 8 miles from Dover,
between the South Foreland and Deal.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 3

and the Saxon intrpdnced in its stead. What the Saxon tongae was^
long before the conquest, about the year 700, we may observe in the
most ancient manuscripts of that language, which is a gloss on the
Evangelists, by Bishop Edfrid, in which the three first articles on
the Lord's Prayer run thus : —

" Uren Fader thic arth in heofnas, sic gehalgnd thin noma, so
cymeth thin ric. Sic thin willa sue is heofnas, and in eortho,'' &c.

In the beginning of the ninth century, the Danes invaded England,
and getting a footing in the eastern and northern parts of the country,
their power gradually increased, and they beci^me sole masters of it
in 200 yeara. By this means, the ancient British gained a tincture
of the Danish language ; but their government being of no long con-
tinuance, did not make so great an alteration in the Anglo-Saxon, as
the next revolution, when the whole land, A. D. 1067, was subdued
by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, in France ; for the
Normans, as a monument of their conquest, endeavoured to make
tiieir language as generally received as their commands^ and thereby
rendered the British language an entire medley.

About the year 900, the lord's Prayer in the ancient Anglo-Saxon
ran thus : —

*' Thu nre Fader the eart on heofenum, si thin nama gehalgod ;
cnme thin rice si thin willa on eorthon swa, swa on heofenum," &c.

It will now clearly be seen, that the English Language had its
origin in a compound of others.

" Great, verily*" says Camden, " was the glory of our tongue, be-
fore the Norman Conanest, in this, that the old English could ex-
press, most aptly, all tlie conceptions of the mind in their own tongue,
without borrowing from any."

That the English language, although of an heterogenous origin,
possesses more poetical ca^bilities, than any other, at the present
day, there can be no question. Dr. Johnson says, in speaking of
languages, ^ the Spanish for love, the French for gallantry, the
Italian for music, and the English for poetry,*^

BURLESQUE.

F. Vavassor mentions, in his book De Ludicra Dictione, that
burlesque was altogether unknown to the ancients ; but otiiers are of
a different opinion. We even find that one Raintovious, in the time
of Ptolemy Lagus, turned the serious subject of tragedy into ridicule,
which is, perhaps, a better plea for the antiquity of farce than of bur-
lesque. The Italians seeui to have the justest claim to the invention
of burlesque; the first of this kind was Bernio, who was followed
by Lalli, Caporali, &c. From Italy it passed into France, and be-
came there so much the mode, that in 1649, there appeared a book
under the title of ** The Passion of our Saviour," in burlesque verse.
From thence it passed into England, where some have excelled
therein.

ON THE ORIGIN OF GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY.

The distinction between the origin of Government and the origin
of Political Society, is thus defined in Cooper's Letters on the Irish
JVa<«m, 1799:—

From the writings of Aristotle, we are taught to consider the ori-
pn of Gk>vemment not as a work of art, or of intellect, much less as
the result of contract ; but as the consequence of a natural instinctive
impulse towards comfort, convenience, and security. Government
was not made, created, or covenanted ; but arose out oi human

B 2

4 THE ETYMOLOGICAL C0MPENDIC7M.

nature. Laws, indeed, which were afterwards added, are arfi'
iicial aids and contrivances to prop and support Oovemment. They
thwart, control, and sabject the passions of individuals, in order to.
prevent their injuring society. Bat the origin of political society is
totally distinct. It was dictated by natare, and cherished b;' a con-
viction and sensation of its utility. The same principle of general
convenience, which for the well-being of mankind, necessarily gave
rise to government, still holds it together, and must ever continue to
do so. Utility is i^ns the moral principle upon which the obedience
of citizens and the protection of magistrates rests. It was Nature
which established tne subordination of servant and roaster, of family
to father, and of vrife to husband. These three branches of domes-
tic economy are the germ of all government. Principium Urbis
et quasi Seminarium Reipublicae. " The British Government,"
says Montes^uieUf " is one of the wisest in Europe, because there
is a body which examines it perpetually, and which is perpetually
examining itself; and its errors are of such a nature, as never to be
lasting, and are frequently useful, by rousing the attention. In a
word -(he adds) a free government, that is to say, one for ever in mo-
tion, cannot support itself, unless its own laws are capable of cor-
recting the abuses of it." The benevolent Hanway says, " Oo-
vemment originates from the love of order. Watered by police it
grows up to maturity, and, in the course of time, spreads a luxuriant
comfort and security. Cut ofif its branches, and the mere trunk,
however strong it may appear, can afiford no shelter." Ptlice beina
one of the means by which an improved state of society is producea
and preserved, is defined by Mr. Colquhoun to be, "a new science :
the properties of which, consist not in the judicial powers which lead
to punishment, and which belong to magistrates alone ; but in the
prevention and detection of crimes, and in those other functions
which relate to internal regulations for the well ordering and com-
fort of civil society." " Again," says he, " to effect this purpose,
inestimable in a national point of view, and benevolent and humane
to all whose vices and enormities it tends to restrain ; a police must
be resorted to upon the broad scale of general prevention, mild in its
operations, eflective in its results ; having justice and humanity for
its basis, and the general security of the state and individuals for its
ultimate object"

ORIGIN OF BOOKS, AND VARIOUS OTHER MATTERS
CONNECTED WITH THEM.

Several sorts of materials were used formerly in making records ;
plates of lead and copper, the barks of trees, bricks, stone, and wood,
were the first materials employed to engrave such things upon, as
men were willing to have transmitted to posterity. Josephns speaks
of two columns, the one of stone, the other of brick, on which the
children of Seth wrote their inventions and astronomical discove-
ries. Perphyritis makes mention of some pillars, preserved in
Crete, on which the ceremonies, practised by the Corybantes in their
sacrifices, were recorded. HetiocTs Works were onginally writtert
upon tables of lead, and deposited in the temple of the muses, in
Boetia.

The Ten Commandments delivered to Moses were written upon
stone ; and Solon's Laws upon wooden planks. Tables of wood,
box, and ivory, v^ere common among the ancients ; when of wood,
they were frequently covered with wax, that people might write up-

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 5

fytk Hiern with more ease, or blot out what they had written. The
leaves of the palm tree were afterwards ased instead of wooden

Slanks, and the finest and thinnest part of the bark of soch trees as
le lime, the ash, the maple, and the elm ; from hence comes the
word Uber, which signifies the inner bark of the trees ; and as these
barks were rolled up, in order to be removed with greater ease,
these r»lls were called volumen, a volume ; a name afterwards given
to the like rolls of paper or parchment*

Thus we find books were first written on stones, witness the De-
calogue given to Moses ; then on the parts of plants, as leaves chiefly
of the palm tree ; the rind and barks, especially the tilia, or phyl-
leria, and the Egyptian papyrus. By degrees wax, then leather,
were introduced, espesially tbe skins of goats and sheep, of which at
length parcfunent was prepared : then lead came into ase ; also
linen, silk, horn, and lastly, paper itself The first books were in
the form of blocks and tables ; but as flexible matter came to be
wrote on, they found it more convenient to make their books in the
form of rolls ; these were composed of several sheets^ fastened to
each other, and rolled upon a stick, or umbilicus, the whole making
a kind of column or cylinder, which was to be managed by the urn-
MUcus as a handle, it being reputed a crime (as we are told) to take
hold of the roll itself.

The outside of the volume was called frons; the ends of the unh-
bilicus^ C9mua (hcnns), which were usually carved, and adorned
with rilver, ivory, or even gold and precious stones ; the title was
stoick on the outside, and the whole volume, when extended, might
make a yard and a half wide, and fifty long. The form, or internal
arrangement of books, has also undergone many varieties; at first
the letters were only divided into lines, then into separate words^
nvhich, by degreeS; were noted with accents, into periods, para-
graph^ chapters, and other divisions. In some countries, as among
the Orientals, the lines began from the right and ran leftward ; in
others, as the northern and western nations, from left to right ; others,
as the Greeks, followed both directions, alternately going in the one,
and returning in the other, called Coustrophedon ; in most countries
the Imes run from one side to the other ; in some, particularly the
Chinese, from top to bottom. Again, in some the page is entire and
uniform; in others divided into columns; in others, distinguished
into texts and notes, either marginal or at the bottom ; usually it is
furnished with signatures and catch words ; sometimes also with a
register, to discover whether the book is complete. To these are
added summaries, or side-notes, and the embellishments, as in old
i>ooks, of red^ gold, or initial letters ; they had likewise, as with the
modems, their headpieces, tail-pieces, effigies, schemes, maps, and
the like* There were also certain formulas at the beginnings and
endings of books ; the one to exhort the reader to be courageous, and
proceeil to the following books ; the others were conclusions, often
guarded with imprecations against such as should falsify them. Of
uie earlier books we have nothing that is clear on that subject The
Books of Moses are doubtless the oldest books now extant ; but there
were books before those of Moses, since he cites several. Scipio
■Sgambati, and others, even talk of books before the deluge, written

- * The name is derived from the Latin volvo, to roll up, the ancient
manner of making up books, as we find in Cicero's time the libraries
consisted wliolly of such rolls.

g THfi ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

by the Patriarchs Adam, Setb^ Enos^ Cainan, Enochs Methasalem,
Lamech^ Noah and his wife ; also by Ham, Japhet and his wife ;
besides others by deemons or angels ; of all which some modems
have found enough to fill an antedeluvian library : but they appear
all either the dreams of idle writers, or the impostures of fraudment
ones. A Book of Enoch is even cited in the Epistle of Jude, ver. 10
and 15, from which some endeavour to prove the reality of the ante-
diluvian writings ; but the book cited by thai apostle is generally
allowed, both by ancient and modem writers, to be spurious. Ot
profane books, Uie oldest extant are Homer's^ Poems, which were
80 even in the time of Sextus Empiricus; though we find mention in
Greek writers of seventy others prior to Homer, as Hermes, Or-
pheus, Daphne, Horns, Linus, Musaens, Palaniedes, Zoroaster, &c.,
out of the greater part of these, there is not the least fragment re-
maining ; and of others, the pieces which go under their names are
generally held by the learned to be suppositious. Hardonin goes
farther, chargii^ all the ancient books, both Greek and Latin, ex-
cept Cicero, Pliny, Virgil's Georgics, Horace's Satires and Epis-
tles, Herodotus, and Homer, to be spurious, and forged in the l3th
century, by a club of persons, under the direction of one Severos
Archontius. Among the Greeks it is to be observed, th« oldest
books were in verse, which was prior to prose. Herodotns's His-
tory is the oldest book extant of the prosaic kind.

To books we are indebted, as one of the chief instraments of ac-
quiring knowledge; they are the repositories of the law, and
vehicles of learning of every kind ; our religion itself is founded in
books, and without them, says Bartholin, ^ God is silent. Justice
dormant. Physic at a stand. Philosophy lame, letters dumb, and
all things involved in Cimmerian darkness."

The eulogia which have been bestowed upon books are infinite ;
they are represented as the refuge of truth, which is banished out of
conversation ; as standing counsellors or preachers, always at hand,
and always disinterested ; having this aavantage over all instruc-
tions, that they are ready to repeat their lesson as often as we
please. Books supply the want of masters, and even, in some mea-
sure, the want of genius and invention, and can raise the dullest
persons who have memory, above the level of the greatest geniuses,
if destitute of their help. Perhaps their highest glory is the afiection
borne them by the greatest men of all ages. Cato, the elder Pliny,
the Emperor Julian, and others, are on record for their great devo-
tion to books ; the last has perpetuated his passion by some Greek
Epigrams in their praise. Richard Bary, Bishop of Burham, and
Lord Chancellor of England, has an express treatise on the love of
books.

THE ALPHABET.

The Greek Alphabet consisted of sixteen letters till 399 B.C.,
when the Ionic of twenty-four characters was introduced.

DEDICATIONS TO BOOKS.

Dedications to Books were first introduced in the time of Mec»-
nas, A. D. 17 ; practised for the purpose of obtaining money in 1600t.

* See Origin of *' Book Printing in £lngkind.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 7

ON THE ORIGIN OF PAMPHLETS.

«« Words, words, words." Hamlet,

How many snbjects owe their birth to a Pamphlet, which, bnt for
liie temptation it affords to the expression of temporary feelings, and
trivial discassion, (to which local or personal prejadices may have
given importance), would have died a natural death, or have been
smothered in the attempt to perpetuate them, under the more repul-
sive garb of even the most tiny volume ? Pamphlets are like es-
sencei, combining in a narrow compass all the pungency of the snb«
ject, of which they treat; where the declamation and violence of the
writer are admired while sparingly used, but would be tedious, if not
disa^preeaUe, if spread over a wiaer field. They may be called a
species of misnle weapons, easily discharged against an adversary ;
not the less dangerous because they are light, and generally bearing
a portion of that fire and spirit to which they owed their existence.
£very ccmtroversy is preceded by them ; like the skirmishers of mo-
dem warfare, they are the irregular auxiliaries of literature, which,
though not formerly enlisted in its service, may, like virandering

faemlai, yet do fearful execution. " From pamphlets," says the
con lAbeUortan, " may be learned the genius of the age, the de-
bates of the learned, the follies of the ignorant, the views of go-
yernment, the oversights of the statesman. They furnish beaux
with their airs, coquets with their charms ; pamphlets are as modish
omameDts to a gentleman's toilet, or to gentlemen's pockets ; they
are chat to the talkative, stories for nurses, toys for children, fans
for misses, poverty to their authors, gain to the lucky, fatal to the
unlucky.**

The term Pamphlet^ however, does not appear to be of older
origin than the time of Elizabeth, though that form of writing to which
we apply the term, is of great antiquity, if we can trust the Jewish
Rabbinical writers. Most of all books were originally published in
the pamphlet form. The Scriptures were supposed to have been
written in this manner at first, in distinct sheets, or rolls, as they
were affixed by the command of Heaven to the doors of the Temple,
or Tabernacle. The same may probably be asserted of the mode
of divul^ng the warnings of the minor prophets, firom the different
occasions which were the snbjects of their predictions, and the
SHiallness of their contents. The Heathen writings were generally
published the same way, and for that reason were called Centores,
and were frequently recited separately. Amongst all fabulous
writers the Jewish Rabbins occupy the first place ; and the pam-
phlets, or small treatises, preserving their traditions, collected in
their Talmud, and originally published at Venice, amounted to no
less than fourteen volumes m folio. Next to them in the rank of
fiction, and of magnitude, may be classed the ** Legends of the
Saints," published by the Jesuits in 1673, and amounting, in the be-
ginning of the last century, to 50 folio volumes, all of which were
originally of pamphlet sizes. If we listen to the Jewish writers, they
tell us that the pamphlet, or Synagogue roll of their law, was the
work of Heaven itself, and finished about 2000 years before the
creation of the world ! since which time the seme authentic chroni-
clers have imputed a pamphlet to Adam, and one also to each of
the Patriarchs.

In the very curious introductory preface of the Bishop of Win-
chester, to King James's (Ist) Works, he labours hard to relieve

8 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

his Msgesty from the disgrace of having been ao author, (forgetfing,
it is presumed^ that Henry Vlllth had been one before him*), by
citing some curioas instances, abundantly venerable in point of an-
tiquity. He contends that Enoch had erected two pillars, the one
of stone, the other of brick, on which he wrote of the two*fold de-
struction of the world, by water and by fire.

With equal felicity of illustration, he adduces the Supreme Being
as an author, from the tables given to Moses ; and Christ is assert-
ed, on the authority of St Ambrose, to have written that sentence
on the pavement oi the Tsmple of Jerusalem, ^ Festucam in oculo
fratris cernis, trabem in tuo non vides,*^ To such shifts for an ar-
gument will flattery and pedantry carry some of those who wiA to
please a Monarch.

Almost the whole of the early pamphlets, may be considered to
be spurious, and are known to the learned to be the prodoclion of
the Greek Monks.

The first Christian pamphlets now remaining, are in Latin, viz.
** Tertullian's ApoUogeticus," and tiie dialogue styled " Octavins,"
by Minutins Felix, a Roman lawyer.

Political pamphlets were little known in England till the reign of
Philip and Mary,+ Caxton having, in the reign of Henry Vltk, in-
troduced the " Mysterie of Prynting." In 1649, it was ordained,
'^ That the author of every seditions pamphlet, or libel, shall be
fined Ten Ponnds, or suffer forty days imprisonment. The printer
Five Pounds, and his printing press broken," as being the head and
front of his offending. " No printing presses to be allowed except
in Lendon, or the two Universities ; no books to be landed in any
other port than London ; and to be viewed by the Master and War-
den of the Company of Stationers!" — and such was the origin otihe
incalculably prolific case of Pamphlets.

Some have derived the term pamphlet from Pamphilus, a Presby-
ter of Caesaria ; but this is a mistake. Caxton spells the word
paunflett and it means a small book, stitched par un filet, i. e. with
a single thread.

CIRCULATING LIBRARIES.

^ These valuable repositories of literature are not of modern invev-
tion. The first collections consisted of religious works alone, and
were lent out gratuitously.

Pamphilus was a Presbyter of Caesaria, and lived A. D. 394. In
this distinguished person were united the philosopher and the chris>
tian. Bom of a verv eminent family, and large fortune, he might
have aspired to the highest honours of this world ; but, on the con-
trary, he withdrew himself from those flattering prospects, and spent
his whole life in acts of the most disinterested benevolence.

♦ See «* Defensor fiidii."
t The term Pamphlet was, however, not used commonlyt till after^
wards.

THE ETYMOLOOICAL COMPENDIUM. 9

Ifekiore of Seville, contained 30.000 volames. This collection seems
to have been formed merely for the good and nse of the charcb.
Another anthor also authenticates the existence of tliis library ; and
St Jerome puticalarly mentions his collecting books for the purpose
of lending them to read ; and Dr. A. Clarke remarks, " this is, if I
niislake not, the first notice we have of a circulating library." The
benefits to be derived from a good circulating library, are too nnme>
roaa, as well as obvious, to need any comment

ORIGIN OF POETRY IN GENERAL.

History informs us Poetry began with shepherds, whose god \vas
Pan J having from their many leisure and abstracted hours (while
tending their flocks), a fit opportunity for such a pursuit Hence,
they first composed couplets, next verses, and these they perfected
themselves in, and sung, while following their daily occupations.
Thence came the Bacchanalian rites, and their sacrifice to their gods
of a He €^at, which took their rise, we are told, from Bacchus,
who, one day, whilst entering his vineyard, discovered an animal of
that species in the act of destroying a iavorite vine, which in his rage
be instantly killed. In these ceremonies, the hinds of that day
Moeared their faces with the lees of wine, and acted and snug va-
rioQs verses expressly composed for the occasion.

These were the first actors and song*smiths, and their successors
have done honour and credit to the invention.

" .£schyliu and Thespis taught the age
What good, vhat profit, did commend the stage.*'

PARADISE LOST.

** Occhi, Stelle mortal!,
Ministri de mici mail
Be chiusi m*uccedite,
Apperti che &rete i**

which OMiy be translated — " Beantifal eyes, mortal stars, authors of
my misfi>rtunes ! if you wound me being closed, what would ye do if
open V* It is said, that Milton vi^as so sensitive on the subject, that
he rofuned over half of Europe in search of the fair charmer, but in
vain ; and which induced him to write that sublime poem, and from
the circumstance that had occurred to him, entitled it '' Paradise
Lost" Milton was bom in the city of London, was Latin Secre-
tary to Cromwell, and was buried in Cripplegate Church.

THE FIRST BOOK.

According to chronologists, the First Book is supposed to have
been written in Job's time. Thirty thousand books were burnt by
order of Leo, in 76L A very large estate was given for one book
on Cosmography, by king Alfred. Books were sold firom £10 to £30
^ach in 1400. The first printed book was the vulgate edition of the
fiiUe, in 1463; the seoood was Cicero de Officiis, 1406 ; Cornelias

10 THE EtYMOLOOICAL COMraNDIUlT.

Nepos/pnblished at Moscow, was the first classical book printed lii
Rassia, April 29, 1760. In the year 1471, when Louis XI. bor-
rowed the works of Rasis, the Arabian physician, from the Faculty
of Medicine, in Paris, he n<^ only deposited in pledge, a quantity of
plate, bat was obliged to give the snrety of a nobleman for their re*
storation. When any person made a present of a book to a chnrcfa»
or monastery, the onlv libraries darit^ several ages, it was deemed
a donative of snch value, that he offered it at the altar, pro remedia
animae sttae, in order to obtain forgiveness of sins.

NEWSPAPERS.

Before Newspapers were introduced, such as were desirous of pnv
curing information on political subjects, engaged writers of News Let^
ters, who forwarded the occurrences of the day to their employers.

Periodical Newspapers .first came into general use in jSngland,
during the wars of the usurper Cromwell ; they were used to disse-
minate among the people sentiments of loyalty or rebellion, accord^
ing as their authors were disposed. We seem to have been obliged
to the Italians for the idea ; and perhaps it was their gazette, from
ffazerra, a magpie, or chatterer, whicn have given a name to Uiese
papers. Honest Peter Heylin, in the preface to his Cosmograpky,
mentions, that "the affairs of each tovm, or war, were better pre-
sented to the reader in the Weekly News Soohs" The fiirst News-
paper, however, was in the reign of Elizabeth, and was called the
" English Mercury," one of wUch may be seen in the British Mu-
seum, dated July 28th, 1588.

In a Leicester journal for 1750, about which time the paper was
established, so great was the dearth of News Matter, at that period,
that the editor was compelled to have recourse to the Bible to *' help
him out ;" and actaally extracted the First Chapter of G^enesis, and
so continued the extracts in the succeeding numbers, as far as the
Tenth Chapter of Exodus !

The journal above alluded to was then printed in London, and sent
down to Leicester for publication !

Newspapers were first stamped in 1713.

THE POPE'S BULL.

This name, which is now applied exclusively to instruments issuing
out of the Roman Chancery, is derived from the seals which were
appended to them being formeriy of gold BuUion, Bulls were
not originally confined to the popes alone, but were also issued bv
emperors, princes, bishops, and great men, who, till the thiittentn
century, sometimes affixed seals of metal, as well as of wax» toedicts,
charters, and other instruments, though they were equally called
Bulls, whether they were sealed vrith one or the other. The pones
continue to the present day to affix metal or lead seals to their bulls,
and only when tney wish to bestow any peculiar marks of grace and
favoar on sovereigns or princes, are seals of BuUion or gold affixed.
The bull of pope Clement VII. conferring the title of D^ender of the
Faith on Henry the Eighth, had a Beal of gold affixed to it Bulls
containing matter of grace and favour, were suspended by strings of
red and yellow silk ; but denunciatcury and puidtive bulls were hung
by hempen cords.

BIBLES.

In the reign of Edward the First, the price of a fairly written
Bible was twenty-seven poiiiuls»^_ The hire of a labourer was bat

In the New.

Total.

260

1,189

7,959

31,173

18i,2&3

773746

838,3S0

3,566^0

TBE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. H

tkree iiaUpence a day. The pnrchaae of a copy would, of coar»e,
faave taken such a person the earning of 6neen years and three
months of constant laooor. It will be seen from a preceding article,
that the first printed book was a vnlgate edition of the Bible, in 1462.

MAPS.

George Lilly, the son of the famous grammarian, who lived some
time at Rome with cardinal Pole, published the first map that ever
was drawn of this island. It was published, 1539, twenty years be-
fore his death.

COMMENCEMENT OF THE BIBLE HISTORY.

The Bible history commenced 430 years B. C. The Septnagint
version was made in 284 ; first divided into chapters, 1253. The
first English edition, was in 1536; the first authorized edition in
England was in 1539 ; the second translation was ordered to be read
in chnrches, 1549; the present translation finished, September, 1611 ;
permitted by the pope to be translated into all the languages of the
Catholic states, February 28th, 1759; the following is a dissection
of the Old and New Testament :

In the Old Testament.
Books ... 39

Chapters - . . 929

Verees - . - 23,214
Words ... 592,493
Letters - - - 2,r28,100

The Apoervpha has 183 chapters, 6,081 verses, and 125,185 words.
The middle chapter, and the least in the Bible, is the 117th Psalm;
the middle verse is the 8th of 118th Psalm ; the middle line is the
2d Book of the Chronicles, 4th chapter, and 16th verse ; the word
and occurs in the Old Testament 35,535 times ; the same word in
the New Testament occurs 10,684 times ; the word Jehovah occors
6,866 times.

Old Testament. The middle book is Proverbs; the middle
chapter, the 29th of Job ; the middle verse is the 2d Book of Chro*
nicies, 20th chapter, and 18th verse ; the least verse is the 1st Book
of Chronicles, 1st chapter, and 1st verse.

New Testament, The middle is the Thessaloniahs, 2d ; the mid>
die chapter is between the 13th and 14th of the Romans; the middle
verse is the 17th of the 17th chapter of the Acts; the least verse is
the 35th of the 11th chapter of the Gospel by Saint John.

The 21si verse of the 7th chapter of Ezra has all the letters of the
alphabet in it

The I9th chapter of the 2d Book of Kings, and the 37th chapter
of Isaiah, are anke.

The Book of Esther has 10 chapters, but neither the words Lord
oor God m it

The 96th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, is generally consi-
dered as the finest piece of reading extant. — Chronology, or Hit'-
torian^s Companion,

ORIGIN OF THE TRANSLATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

INTO ENGLISH.

Wycliffe, who exercised the right of private judgment in England,
a ceniory and a half before Luther taught it as a principle in Oer*
many, may be said to have been the fiirst dissenter fircoi the church
ofBoiie*

12 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Afler a life wonderfnlly preserred from the nnRparinf^ ernelty df
eccleBiastical power, by ute protection of Edward IIF. bis raemorr
was affectionately revered, and, as printing had not been discovereci,.
his writings were scarce, and earnestly soa^ht. He was the first
who translated the New Testament into Enghsh, and which fearfully
alarmed the establishment, as well as the people who were attached
to the "good old castoms*' of the chnrch.

DOOMSDAY BOOK.
" It was not for an age, but for all time.*'

How many read of Doomsday Book, without knowing what it is,
or enquiring into what it means ; let as then inform them, that it is a
valuable record of antiquity, in which the estates of this kingdom are
registered, begun in ](^, by order of William the Conqneror, and
compiled in less than six jears, written on 380 double pages of vellan»,
in one hand ; and it is, without doubt, the most important and interest-
ing document possessed bjr any nation in Europe ; it is also remark-
able, that on searching this book, we find such a similarity in the or-
thography of names of towns upwards of seven centuries ago» and
the present period : for instance, the following towns in Sussex.

Bristelmetune .... Brighthelmstone
Wordinges ... - Worthing
Prestetune - - - - Preston.

It was called Doomsday Book, because it was intended to carry
down to the latest posterity, circumstances and events of former
times That it has thus far given an earnest of its deserving the title,
all historians agree. Such, reader, is the celebrated Doomsday
Book, one of those records so peculiar to the land of the venerable
Bede, and the immortal Newton.

CAXTON PRESS.

The Caxton Press, derives its name from William Caxton, a mer-
cer of London, who hitrodnced the art of printiig into Englaad,
A. D. 1471.

PRINTING.

" The storied pyramid, the laurerd boat.
The trophied arch had crumbled into dust;
The sacred symbol, and the epic song,
(Unknown the character, forgot the tongue,)
Till to astonish'd realms Payyru taught
To paint in mystic colours sound and thought,
V'ith wisdom's voice to print the page sublime.
And mark in adamant the steps of lime.*'

In " The Doome, warning all Men to the Jud^ent, by Stephen
Batman, 1581," a black letter quarto volume, it is set down among
'' the straunge prodigies happened in the worlde, with divers figures
of revelations, tending to mannes stayed conversion towardes God,
whereof the work is composed, that in 1450, "The noble science of
printing was aboote thys tyme fonnde in Germany, at Magunce, (a
famous citie in Oermanie, called Mentz), by Cuthembereers, a kni^t,
or rather John Faustus, as sayeth Doctor Cooper, in nis chronicle ;
one Conradns, an almaine, bronp^hte it into Rome ; William Caxton,
of London, mercer, bronghte it into England, about 1471 ] in Henrie
the Sixth, the seaven and thirtith of his raign, in Westminster, was
the first printing.''

John Outtemberg, sen. is aflirmed to have produced the first printed

THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 15

book) in 1443, althoogh John Gattemberg, jan. is the commonly re*
pated iDventor of the art John Faost^ or Fast^ was its promoter^
and Peter Schoeffer its improver.

AUTHORS.

** Hard is the task a lettered fame to raise.
And poor, alas ! the recompeuce it pays/*

La Brayere, many years ago, obserred, that " 'tis as mnch atrade
to make a book as a clock ;" cest un metier que de fair un litre,
comme defaire une pendiUe. Bat, since his day, man^ vast improve-
ments have been made. Solomon said, that " of making many oooks
there is no end ;" and Seneca complained, that *' as the Romaos
had more than enough of other things, so they had also of books and
book-making. Bat Solomon and Seneca lived in an age when boc^s
were considered as a laxary, and not a necessary of lue. The ease
is now altered ; and though, perhaps, as Doctor Johnson observed,
''no man gets a belly-fuU of knowledge," every one has a moathiul.
What would Solomon say now, could he see our monthly catal<^ae8,
or be told that upwards of a dozen critical machines were kept con-
stantly at work, merely to weigh and stamp publications.

This necessarily leads us to that class of industrious, and very
oilen lettered men, denominated authors, and to the origin of au-
thorism. As we are indebted to the Egyptians for almost every art
and science, so are we for authorism.

The bark of trees, prepared in sheets, was the first material on
which their characters, or hierogliphics were made. This was
called liber; the papirus, or paper, was not discovered till ages after.
After they had made their cnaracters which were to hand down to
after-time the subject they were interested in, the liber, or prepared
bark, was folded up into rolls, these had a label to each, with cha-
racters likewise thereon, explanatory of the subject within ; these
were the first books, consequently, we may suppose authorism to de-
rive its origin from the oeriod (an uncertain one in data) when this
system was first adoptea. As the progress of this art is, however,
more fully noticed in another article, we will come at once to
modem authorism, leaving the Solomons, the Ciceros, and the Plo-
tarchs to others, more capable of discussing their merits.

In the days of Cicero, a book was the joint production of only two
artizans ; to wit, the author and scribe. In the present day, an author
famishes only the raw material, which being worked up by an ama-
nuensis^ into the form of a manuscript, is put into the hands of an
editor, who removes superfluities, supplies deficiencies,^ and illus-
trates obscurities. From him it goes durectly to the publisher, who
delivers it to the printer, who gives it to the compositor, who hands
it over to the pressman, who by the assistance of machinery, pro-
doces it in print

The printer's devil then carries it in sheets to the publisher, who
sends it to the book-binder, firom whom it finally returns a finished
manufacture.

The poor author of modem times, is of all lieges the most pitiable ;
his very bread is as bitter herbs to him, and his merit, if h« nas any,
is enjoyed by his mercenary publisher.

** Hard is his case who writes for daily bread,
And pillows ou a couch of care, a restless head."

■ _ __ _ __^____

* Poor authors are obliged to be fheir own amanuensis t^iSif.

14 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

ARCHITECTURE.

** But what are the pi^my efforts of man, compared with the Great
Architect of the Universe.*'

When mfiDkind had no odier shelter from the dews of night, or
the burning son of noon-day, but what cooid be derived from the
trees of the forest, how anxious mast they have been to improve their
condition, and how solicitous to discover some mode ol fortifyii^
their miserable huts against the vicissitudes of the season ! it is
therefore, not unlikely, that baked clay, in the form of bricks, was
made use of for this imf»ortant purpose, in an early state of society.
This application of clay is^ indeed. Known to have been very ancient

The Tower of Babel, 3,247 years before Christ, was built with
bricks ; and when the Children of Israel sojourned iu Egypt, 600
years aiterwards, their task masters employed them chiefly in this
kind of manufactory.^

Architecture may be said, however, to be in a measure co-eval
with the Creation, that is, in its rude state. In the Sacred Scrip*
tures, we are told, that Cain, the second man, and the first bom of
human beiiu^s, " bnilded a city, and called the name of the city, afibec
the name of his son, — ^Enoch." Whether this city consisted of a
series ofiiuts, constructed of branches and twigs of trees, like tiie
wigwams of the American Indians, or of tents made by covering a
pole with the skins of animals, we know not. Yitruvius, a celer
brated architect in the age of Augustus, who wrote mcnre than eighteen
centuries ago, considered that men took their idea of huts from bird^
nests, and constructed them of a conic figure ; but finding this fcnrm
inconvenient, on account of its inclined eides, gave them afterwards
a cubical form. Four large upright beams, on which were placed
four horizontally, he considers the ground-work of the building* the
intervals being filled with branches interwoven, and covered wUh
clav. The Egyptians, who, according to Scripture, were the first
makers of bricks, gave an impetus to the improvement of architec*
tore; next the Romans, and then the Greeks; then

** Palaces and lofty domes arose.
These for devotion, and for pleasure those.'*

In the Grecian style, less wealth, but more taste prevailed, and
where, indeed, architecture may be said to have been cradled, since
it is to the Greeks that we owe its true proportions, as exemplified
in the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders, which we derive from
them.

FIVE ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE.

The Greeks are entitled to the honour of having first combined
elegance and symmetry, with utility and convenience, in building ;
and by them and the Romans were the Five Orders, into which
architecture is generally divided, carried to perfection. These
orders, as Mr. Alison, in his ''Principles of Tastes," well observes,
" have different characters from several causes, and chiefly from the
different quantity of matter in their entablatures. The Tuscan is
distingnished by its severity; the Doric by its simplicity ; the Ionic

* ** And the Egyptians made the Children of Israel to serve with
rigonr. And they made tiieir lives bitter with hard bondai^e in mor-
tar and bricks.**— ExodnsJ. 13» lA. See also. Chap, Y. verses 6,49.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL C01fPE3n)IUM. 15

by its elegance ; the Corinthian and Componte by their li^tneM
and gaiety. To these characters their several ornaments are soiled
with c<MDSiiinmate taste. Change these onuunents, give to the Tuscan
the Corinthian Capital, or to the Corinthian the Tuscan, and every
person woald feel not only a disapj^intment from this oneipected
composition, bot a sentiment also ot impropriety from the appropria-
tion (d a grave or sober ornament to a sulgeot of splendour, and oi
a rich or gaudy ornament to a subject of severity."

Tuscan,

^ The Tuscan Order had its name and origin in Tuscany, first inha-
bited by a colony from Lydia, whence it is likely the order is iMitthe
simplified Doric. On account of its strong and massive proporticms,
it is called the Rustic Order, and is chiefly used in edifices of that
character, composed of few parts, devoid of ornament, and cajpable
o^" supporting the heaviest weights. The Tuscan Order will always
live wnere strength and solidity are required. The Etmscan archi-
tecture is nearly allied to the Grecian, but possesses an inferior de-
gree of elegance. The Trajan Colfimn at Rome, of this order, is less
remarkable for the beauty of its proportions, than the admirable pil-
lar with which it is decorated.

Ihric.

The Doric Order, so called from Dorus, who built a magnificent
temple in the city of Argos, and dedicated it to Juno, is grave, ro-
bust, and of masculine appearance, whence it is figuratively termed
the Herculean Order. The Doric possesses nearly the same cha-
racter for strength as the Tuscan, but is enlivened with ornaments in
the frize and capital. In various ancient remains of this order, the
proportions of the columns are dijOferent.

Ion, who built a temple to Apollo, in Asia, taking his idea firom the
structure of man, gave six times the diameter of the base for the
height of the column. Of this order, is the Temple of Theseus, at
Athens, built ten years ailer the battle of Marathon, and at this day
almost entire.

Jonic.

The Ionic Order derived its origin from the people of Ionia. The
cchuan is more slender than the Doric, bot more graceful. Its orna-
ments are elegant, and in a stvie between the richness of the Corin-
thian, and the plainness of the 1 uscan, simple, graceful, and migestic ;
whence it has been compared to a female, rather decently than
richly decorated. When Hermogenes built the Temple of Bacchus,
at Teos, he rejected the Doric after the marbles had been prepared,
and in its stead adopted the Ionic. The Temples of Diana, at
Ephesos, of Apollo, at Miletus, and of the Delphic Oracle, were of
this order.

Corinthian,

This is the finest of all the orders, and was first adopted at Co-
rinth, firom whence it derives its name. Scamozzi calls it the Vir-
gined Order, expressive of the delicacy, tenderness, and beantjr of
the whole composition. The most perfect model of the Corinthian
Order, is generally allowed to be in the three columns in the Campo
Vaccino at Rome, the remains of the Temple of Jupitor Stator.

The leaves of a species of Acanthus, (says an ingenious caterer
of the litenury world}, accidently groiiniig round a basket covered

1 4 TBB BTYMOLOGICAI* COMPENDIUM*

ARCHITECTURE.

** Mmt wkat are the pt^my efftMtts of mao, compared with tbe Great
Arckiteci of the UnWerw.**

When mankiDd had no other shelter from the dews of night, or
the bomiiig taa of nooo-day, bat what could be derived from the
tree* <>f the forett, how anxious most tiiey haye been to improve tiieir
conditioo, and how sdicitoiu to discover scMoe mode ol fortiArii^
their rai«erable hota against the vicissitudes of the season ! It is
therefore, not unlikely, that baked clay, in the form of bricks, was
made use of for this imfwrtant purpose, in an early state of society.
This apj^ication of clay is^ indeed. Known to have been very ancieni.

The Tower of Babel, 3;247 years before Christ, was boilt with
bricks; and when the Children of Israel sojoomed in EgTpt, 600
TMurs afterwards, their task masters employed them chiefly in this
kind of manofiictnry.^

Afchitectore may be said, however, to be in a measore oo-eval
with the Creation, that is, in its rude state. In the Sacred Sorip-
tves, we are told, that Cain, the second man, and the first 6oni of
homan beinn, " bailded a city, and called the name of the city, aflec
the name of his son, — Enoch." Whether this city cmisisted of a
series of hnts, constnisted of branches and twigs of trees, like die
wwwams of the American Indians, or of tents made by coverioff a
pole with the skins of animals, we know not. Yitmvias, a ceier
orated architect in the age of Augastus, who wrote more than eighteen
centuries ago, considered that men took their idea of hnts from bii^
ticsfs, and constrocted them of a conic figure ; but finding this form
inconvenient, on accocmt i^its inclined eides, gave them aflerwaids
a cubical form. Four kurge upright beams, on which were p^oed
foor horisonially, he considers the ground-work of the buildii^, the
intervals beii^ filled with branches interwoven, and covered wtth
clav* The B^ptians, who, according to Scripture, were the first
makers of bricks, gave an impetus to the improvement of archiiec'
tore; next the Romans, and then the Greeks; then

** Palaces and lofty domes arose.
These for devotion, and for pleasure those.'*

In the Orecian style, less wealth, but more taste prevailed, and
where, indeed, architecture may be said to have been cradled, since
it is to the Greeks that we owe its true proportions, as exemplified
in the D<Hic, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders, which we derive from
them.

FIVE ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE.

The Greeks are entitled to tiie honour of having first combined
elegance and S3rmmetry, with utility and convenience, in building ;
and by them and the Romans were the Five Orders, into which
architecture is generally divided, carried to perfection. These
orders, as Mr. Alison, in his ''Principles of Tastes," well observes,
" have different characters from several causes, and chiefly frmn the
different quantity of matter in their entablatures. The Tuscan is
distingnished by its severity; the Doric by its simplicity ; the Ionic

* " And the Egyptians made the Children of Israel to serve with
rlgonr. And they made their lives bitter with hard bondaf^e hi mor-
tar and brick8."~£zod«s !• 13» lA. See also. Chap. ¥• v«n«sf|4ii

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COBfPEXDIUlf. 15

by its elegance ; the Corinthian and Compoute by their UghtiieM
and gaiety. To these characters their several onaments are suited
with consummate taste. Change these onuunents, give to the Toscan
the Corinthian Capital, or to the Corinthian the Tuscan, and every
person would feel not only a disappointment from this mieipectea
composition, bat a sentiment also ot improj^ety from the appropria-
tion of a grave or sober ornament to a salyeot oi splendour, and oi
a rich or gaudy ornament to a subject of severity.''

TWcait.

^ The Tuscan Order had its name and origm in Tuscmty, first inha-
bited by a colony from Lydia, whence it is likely the order is iMit the
simplified Doric. On account of its strong and massive proportions,
it is called the Rustic Order, and is chiefly used in edifices of that
character, composed of few parts, devoid of ornament, and capable
o^" supporting the heaviest weights. The Tuscan Order will tiwmjs
live wnere strength and solidity are required. The Etrucan archi-
tecture is nearly allied to the Grecian, but possesses an inferior de-
gree of elegance. The Trajan Colfimn at Rome, of this order, is less
remarkable for the beauty of its proportions, than the admirable pi^
lar with which it is decorated.

Ihric.

The Doric Order, so called from Dants, who bnUt a magnificent
temple in the city of Argos, and dedicated it to Juno, is grave, ro-
bust, and of masculine appearance, whence it is figuratively tenned
the Herculean Order. The Doric possesses nearly the same cha-
racter for strength as the Tuscan, but is enlivened wUh ornaments in
the frize and capital. In various ancient remains of &is order, the
proportions of the colnmns are different

Ion, who built a temple to Apollo, in Asia, takiitf his idea firora flie
stmcture of man, gave six times the diameter of the base for the
height of the column. Of this order, is the Temple of Theseoa, at
Athens, built ten years aAer the battle of Blaratiion, and at this day
almost entire.

JEmIc.

The Ionic Order derived its origin firom the people of Ionia. Tlie
column is more slender than the Doric, bat more gracefoL Its orna-
ments are elegant, and in a style between the richness of the Corin-
thian, and the plainness of the Tuscan, simple, graceful, and nuyestic ;
whence it has been compared to aTeinale, rather decently than
richly decorated. When Hermogenes built the Temple of Bacchus,
at Teos, he rejected the Doric after the marbles had been prepared,
and in its stead adopted the Ionic. The Temples of Diana, at
Ephesos, of Apollo, at Mfletos, and of the Delphic Oracle, were of
this order.

This is the finest of all the orders, and was first adopted at Co-
rinth, firom whence it derives its name. Scamozzi calls it the Vir-
ginal Order, expressife of tiie delicacy, tenderness, and beantjr of
the whole composition. The most perfect model of the Corinthian
Order, is generally allowed to be in the three columns in the Campo
Vaccino at Rome, the remains of the Temple of Juiator Stator.

The leaves o f a sj^ cies of Acanllkas, (says an itujenioos caterer
of tiMt Ji|fMHflHfllB^<Sideiikly pOfT^ round a basket covered

14 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

ARCHITECTURE.

** But what are thepi^my efforts of man, compared with the Great
Architect of the Universe.*'

When mfiokind had no odier shelter from the dews of night, or
the barniDg suo of noon-day, but what could be derived from the
trees of the forest, how anxious mast they have been to improve their
condition, and how solicitous to discover some mode ol fortiMufs
their miserable hats against the vicissitudes of the season ! It is
therefore, not unlikely, that baked clay, in the form of bricks, was
made use of for this important purpose, in an early state of society*
This application of clay is^ indeed, known to have been very ancient.

The Tower of Babel, 3,247 years before Christ, was built with
bricks ; and when the Children of Israel sojourned in Egy]^ 600
years afterwards, their task masters employed them chiefly in this
kind of manufactory.^

Architecture may be said, however, to be in a measure oo>eval
with the Creation, that is, in its rude state. In the Sacred Scrip-
tures, we are told, that Cain, the 8ec<md man, and the first bom ni
human beings, " bnilded a city, and called the name of the city, afibec
the name of his son, — ^Enoch.'' Whether this city consisted of a
series ofiiuts, constructed of branches and twigs of trees, like the
wigwams of ihe American Indians, or of tents made by covering a
pole with the skins of animals, we know not. Yitruvius, a celer
brated architect in the age of Augustus, who wrote more than eighteen
centuries ago, considered that men took their idea of huts from hitd^
nests, and constructed them of a conic figure ; but finding this form
inconvenient, on account of its inclined «ides, gave them aflerwawls
a cubical form. Four larse upright beams, on which were placed
four horizontally, he considers the ground-work of the building, the
intervals being filled with branches interwoven, and covered with
clav. The EgvptiaDS, who, according to Scripture, were the firrt
makers of bricks, gave an impetus to the improvement of architec*
tare; next the Romans, and then the Greeks; then

** Palaces and lofty domes arose.
These for devotion, and for pleasure those.'*

FIVE ORDERS OF ARCHITECTURE.

The Greeks are entitled to the honour of having first combined
elegance and symmetry, with utility and convenience, in building ;
and by them and the Romans were the Five Orders, into which
architecture is generally divided, carried to perfection. These
wden, as Mr. Alison, in his ''Principles of Tastes,*' well observe*,
" have different characters from several causes, and chiefly from the
diflTerent quantity of matter in their entablatures. The Tuscan is
distinguished by its severity ; the Doric by its simplicity ; the Ionic

* *' And the Egjrptians made the Children of Israel to serve with
rigour. And they made tiieir lives bitter with hard bondag'e in mor-
tar and bricks.**— ExodusJ. l^ U* See also. Chap, Y. verses 6,49.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL C0BIPB3n)IUlf. 15

by its elegance ; the Corinthian and Componte by their ligfatneM
and gaiety. To these characters their several ornaments are soiled
with c<MDSummate taste. Change these onuunents, give to the Tnscan
the Corinthian Capital, or to the Corinthian the Tuscan, and every
person would feel not only a disapi^ntment from this oneipectea
composition, bat a sentiment also ot improjpriety from the appropria-
tion oi a grave or sober <Mikament to a snlyeot oi splendour, and oi
a rich or gaudy ornament to a subject of severity."

TWcait.

The Tuscan Order had its name and origin in Ttuctmy, first inha-
bited by a colony from Lydia, whence it is likely the order is but the
simplified Doric. On account of its strong and massive proporticms,
it is called the Rustic Order, and is chiefly used in edifices of that
character, composed of few parts, devoid of ornament, and capable
o^" supporting the heaviest weights. The Tuscan Order will always
live wnere strength and solidity are required. The Etruscan archi-
tecture is nearly allied to the Grecian, but possesses an inferior de-
gree of elegance. The Tn^an Colfimn at Rome, of this order, is less
remarkable for the beauty of its proportions, than the admirable pil-
lar with which it is decorated.

Ihric.

The Doric Order, so called from Dorus, who built a magnificent
temple in the city of Argos, and dedicated it to Juno, is grave, ro-
bust, and of masculine appearance, whence it is figuratively termed
the Herculean Order. The Doric possesses nearly the same cha-
racter for strength as the Tuscan, but is enlivened with ornaments m
the frize and capital. In various ancient remains of this order, the
proportions of the coluums are dijOfereDt

Ion, who built a temple to Apollo, in Asia, takinp^ his idea firom flie
structure of man, gave six times the diameter ol the base for the
height of the column. Of this order, is the Temple of Theseus, at
Athens, built ten years ailer the battle of Marathon, and at this day
almost entire.

Jmac.

The Ionic Order derived its origin firom the people of Ionia, The
column is more slender than the Doric, but more graceful. Its orna-
ments are elegant, and in a style between the richness of the Corin-
thian, and the plainness of the Tuscan, simple, graceful, and nuyestic ;
whence it has been compared to a; female, rather decently than
richly decorated. When Hermogenes built the Temple of Bacchus,
at Teos, he rejected the Doric after the marbles had been prepared,
and in its stead adopted the Ionic. The Temples of Diana, at
Ephesus, of Apollo, at Miletus, and of the Delphic Oracle, were of
this wder.

Corinthian,

This is the finest of all the orders, and was first adopted at Co-
rinth, from whence it derives its name. Scamozzi calls it the Vir-
ginal Order, expressive of the delicacy, tenderness, and beautjr of
the whole composition. The most peri'ect model of the Corinthian
Order, is generally allowed to be in the three columns in the Campo
Vaccino at Rome, the remains of the Temple of Jupitor Stator.

The leaves of a soecies of Acanthus, (says an ingenious caterer
of the litenury worla}, accidently groiiniig round a basket covered

16 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

with a tile, gave occasion to the capital of this beaatiful order in
Bfcfaitectnre : ao Athenian old woman happened to place a basket*
Mfith a tile laid over it, which covered the root of an Acanthus ; that
plant shooting ap the followin|f spring, encompassed tiie basket all
aroand, till meeting with the tile, it curled bacV in a kind of scrolL
-Callimachus, an ina^nions scnlptor, passing by, took the hint, and
instantly executed a capital on this plan, representing the tile by the
Abacus, the leaves by the Volutes, and the basket by the vaae or
bod^r of the capital. Abacus is the uppermost member of a column,
serving as a kmd of crowning both to the capital and the whole co-
lumn. Vitruvius, and others after him, who gave the history of the
orders, tells us, the Abacus was originally intended to represent a
aqnare tile over an urn, or rather, over a basket

Composite.

The Composite Order was invented by the Romans, and partakes
of the Ionic and Corinthian Orders, but principally of the latter,
particularly in the leaves of the capitals. This oraer shows, that
the Greeks had in the four original orders, exhausted all the priu'-
ciples of grandeur, and that, to frame a fifth, they must necessarily
oombine &e former.

CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE OF ANCIENT AND MODERN

STRUCTURES.

B. Cliritt.

^47. The Tower of Babel built by Noah's Posterity, in the Plains
of Shin ah.

ins. Sparta built.

1675. Pyramids of Egypt built

1566. Cecrops founds Athens. Vide Athens.

1546. Scamander, from Crete, founds Troy, which was bnmed by
the Greeks, on the Ilth of June, 1184.

1«52. The cily of Tyre built,

1833. Carthage founded by a Colony of Tyrians.

1176. Salamis, in Cyprus, built by Teucer.

1 152. Ascanius builds the City of Alba Longa.

1141. The Temple of Ephesus destroyed by the Amazons.

1124. Thebes built by the Boetians.

1012. Solomon be^ns the Temple of Jerusalem ; 974, plundered by
Sesac, kmg of Egypt ; 586, destroyed b^ fire ; 515, rebuilt ;
170, plundered by Antiochus ; 19, rebuilt by Herod. A.D.
70, Jerusalem destroyed ; 130, rebuilt, and a temple dedi-
cated to Jupiter ; 1023, the temple plundered by the CaKfA
of Egypt; 1031, began to be rebuilt by Romanus; 1187,
Jerusalem finally destroyed by Saladin.
992. Solomon's Palace finished.
986. Samas and Utica built.
974. Jerusalem taken, and the temple plundered by Sesac, king of

869. The City of Carthage supposed to be built by Dido ; destroyed
by P. Scipio, 146 ; rebuilt by order of the Roman senate, 123.
] 801. Capua, in Campania, built.
753. Rome built; plundered by Alaric, a. d. 410.
732. « Syracuse supposed to be built about this time by a Colony of

Corinthians, under Archias.
708. Ecbatana built by Degoces.
707, The Parthians, on being expelled firom Sparta, boildTarentnm.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 17

B. Christ. ^
703. Corcyra baill by the Corinthians.
658. Byzantium built about this time by a Colony of Argivefl.
630. Cyrene built by Battus, ^ho begins that kingdom.
549. The Temple ot Apollo, at Delphos, destroyed by Piaistratide.
539. Marseilles built by the Phocaeans.
493. The Athenians built the Port of Piraeos*
450, Temple of Minerva, at Athens, built.
434. Apollo's Temple at Delphos built : burnt down 363.
351 . The Sidonians, being besieged by the Persian army, boTD their

city. The monument of Mausolus erected.
315. Cassander rebuilds Thebes, and foands Cassandria.
312. Appian way to Rome made.
304. Antioch, Edessa, Laodicea, &c. founded by Seleocus. An-

tioch destroyed by the king of Persia, a. d. 540 ; rebuilt, 642.

The City of Antioch destroyed by an earthquake, 580.
291. Seleucus builds and peoples about forty new cities in Asia.
283. The college and library of Alexandria founded.
267. A canal made by Ptolemy from the Nile to the Red Sea.
t 83. Sylla destroys the Roman capitol; 69 B.C. rebuilt; a.d. 80,

destroyed by fire ; it was again rebuilt, and destroyed by

lightning, A. D. 188.

55. Pompey builds a stone theatre for public amusements ; de-

stroyed by fire, a. d. 2J.

50. Dover Castle built.

S!7. The Pantheon at Rome built ; destroyed by fire, a. D. 80.

19. The aqueducts at Rome constructed by Agrippa.

10. The city of Caesarea built by Herod; destroyed by an earth-
quake, A. D. 128.

A.D.

18. Tiberius built by Herod.

50. London built about this time by the Romans.

56. Rotterdam built about this time.
70. Jerusalem destroyed by Titns.

79. Herculaneum and Pompeii destroyed by an eruption of Mount

Vesuvius.

80. 'Htus builds the hot baths and amphitheatre at Rome.
114. Trsgan erects his column at Rome.

121. A wall built by Adrian between Carlisle and Newcastle.

130. Adrian rebuilds Jerusalem, and erects a temple to Jumter.

134. Urbicus's wall built between Edinburgh and the Firth of
Clyde.

209. Severus builds his wall across Britain.

260. The Temple of Diana burnt.

5274. The Temple of the Sun built at Rome.

806. London Wall built.

452. The city of Venice founded about this time.

575. The first monastery founded in Bavaiia.

604. St Paul's church founded by Ethelbert, king of Kent

611. Westminster Abbey founded by Sibert, king of the East
Saxons. Henry the Seventh's Chapel built in 1504 ; com-
plete repair of, begun 1818.
■ 644. Cambridge University, or ratl\er an academic institution,
founded by Sigebert, king of East Anglia ; the present Vm-
versity apptars to have been founded in 915.

692. Carisbrook Castle built; rebuilt, 1610.

744. Monastery of Fulda, in Germany, founded.

18 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

A. D.

762. Bagdad bnilt by Almansor.

8*29. St Mark's, at Venice, built

886. Alfred fouDds the University of Oxford.

895. The monastery of Clune founded.

950. Edinburgh Castle built.
1078. Tower of London built.
1120. Kenilworth Castle built.
1132. Fountains Abbey bnilt.
1156. TheCity of Moscow founded.
1176. London Bridge begun; finished 1209.
1369. Bastile at Paris begun: finished 1383; destroyed July 14.

1780.
1588. The Rialto at Venice begun ; finished 1591.
1662. The Royal Society established.
1675. St Paul's Cathedral begun; finished 1710.
1732. Bank of England built ; enlarged 1771^ 1783, 1789; part of

the front rebuilt 1824-5.
1738—9. Westminster Bridge begun ; finished 1746.
1760. Blackfriar's Bridge begun ; finished 1770.
1811. Waterloo Bridge begun ; finished and opened June 18, 1817.
1814. Southwark (iron) Bridge begun ; finishea 1819.
1824. New London Bridge begun.

PARAPET WALLS TO HOUSES.

Parapet walls, it would appear, have a scriptural origin. In sup*
port of which, the following text in Deuteronomy may be quoted.

** When thou buildest a new house, then shall thou make a battle-
ment for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thy house, if any
man fall firom thence."

ORIGIN OP BUILDING WITH STONE IN ENGLAND.

Building with stone was first introduced by one Bennet, a monk,
in 670 ; building with brick was first introduced by the Romans into
their provinces ; and introduced by the Earl of Arundel, in 1600, at
which time the houses of London were chiefly built of wood.

DERIVATION OF THE TERM FRET-WORK IN
ARCHITECTURE.

The compound word fret- work, as applied to architecture, is de>
rivied from the Saxon vrordfr^Bttan, signifying fishes teeth. Bat its
most distinguishing characteristics are small clustered pillars and
pointed arcnes, formed by the segments of two intersecting circles.
This style was of Arabian origin, introduced into Europe by the
Crusaders, or those who made pilgrimages to the Holy Land. In
the reign of Henry III. man^ of the old buildings were pulled down
to give place to new ones of this model.

The Cathedral of Salisburj vras begun Varly in this reign, and
finished in 1258. It is one of the finest productions of ancient archi-
tecture in this island, and is completely and truly Gothic. Gothic
is a general term for that kind of architecture formerly used in Eng-
land, and on the Continent, but the ancient buildings in this country
Are divided into Saxon, Norman, and Saracenic.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPEMBItfM. 19

ORIGIN OF EARTHENWARE AND PORCELAIN.

" And he shall come upon Princes ai upon Mortar, and as tlie Potter
treadeth clay.** Isaiah xli. 25.

The origin of Earthenware and Porcelain may probably be aa-
scribed to accident. It is very possible that the peculiar chuisea
which clay experiences on being barnt in ^e fire, nay baveai^sraed
to some ol' the early inhabitants of the worid, the frrst lunta for ap-
plying this earth to a variety of nsefnl pnrposei. The aiakii^ of
bricks was one, as noticed in a preceding article. It was probably
not long after the employment of clay in making bricks, that man-
kind learnt the art of using it in various other ways, and acqidivd
methods of moulding it into vessels of capacity, and utensils tor cu-
linary purposes. Accordingly, the most ancient writers we have,
mention earthen vessels,* and they speak of them, as if they luid
been in use from time immemorial. It appears also, that consider*
able pains were taken in tempering the clay for these purposes, for
we read that this process was performed by treading it with the
naked feetf \

From a passage in Juvenal, who wrote in the first century of the
Christian sera, it seems, that earthenware was then made in great
plenty in Egypt

** Hac ssevit rabie imbelle et inutile vulgns,
Parvula^c^f^frw^ solitum dare vela phaselis^
Et brevibus plots remis incumbere testo."^

In China and Japan common earthenware, and porcelain of eTcel-
lent quality, was made long before the commencement of the Chris-
tian wn.

•* First China's Sons with early art elate.
Formed the gay Tea Pot, and the pictured Plate,
Saw with illumin'd brow and dazzled eyes
In the red stove vitrescent colours rise ;^
SpeckM her tall beakers with enamelled stars.
Her monster-josses and gigantic jars ;
SmearM her huge dragons with utetallic hues,
With golden purples, and cohaltic blues ;
Bade on wide hiUs her Porcelain castles glare.
And glazed pagodas tremble in the air." '

That Earthenware and Porcelain was not uncommon in Europe,
during the first century of the Christian aera, is evident from the cus-
coveries that were made in the excavations of those cities which

« ** But the emrthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken."
LewU. vi. 2S. ** And the Priest shall take water in an earthen vessel."
Numb, V. 17. '* Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, thou shalt
dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. " — Psahn ii. 9.

-f And be shall come upon princes as upon Mortar, and as a Potter
treaOeth clap. — Isaiah xli. 25.

X Juven. Sat. zv. ver. 126—198.

-■■ ■■- " who drive with little sail
Their earthen boat before the summer gale.
Or through the tranquil water's easy swell
Work the short paddles of their painted shell."

Hooson's Juv. 4to. Iiondon, 180T, p. 388.

% <'No colour is distinguishable in the red-hot kiln of the patter,
but the red itself, till the workman iutroduces a small piece of dry
wood ; which, by producing a light flame, renders all the other colourii
visible in a moment." — Darwin.

20 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

w(*re destroyed by the eruption of VesoTius, iq the first year of the
reign of the ei&peror Titus. The Romans introduced it into Britain ;
and in the locality where the Staffordshire Potteries are established,
were found, on sinking pits> verv evident remains of Roman Potte-
ries, and at a considerable depm below the present surface of the
land.

It is supposed also, that one of the principal Roman Potteries was
on a small island (now sunk) at the mouth of the Thame,8, from the
onmerous fragments of Roman earthen utensils which the fishermen
often find entangled in their nets.

Holland has long been famous for the common yellow earthen-
ware, called De^, which name it originally received ironi the place
of its manufacture, viz. the town of Df(/i(. In closing this article, it
may be observed, that Ensland is now pre-eminent in the manufac-^
tore of an article, which doubtless, from the commencement of the
world, most have engaged the attention of its inhabitants, from its
atility for all the general purposes of household economy, as well as
for the medium of ciwveyuig down to posterity the progress of the
arts and sciences.

ORIGIN OF MAKING GLASS.

" As in a Mirror."

Among the varions productions of art, there is, perhaps, none so
truly surprising, when we consider the materials from which it is
ibrmed, as that ofgtass.

It is the only instance, says Parkes, in his Chemical Essays, that
I recollect of a substance perfectly transparent, being produced by
the union of two dissimilar and entirely opake bodies. Many of the
ancients who wrote on glass, seem however, to have known nothing
of its real nature. Agricola, lib. zii. de metallis, calls it a concrete
juice ; Vincent Belluascensis, lib. xi. calls it a stone ; and Fallopins
classes it with the middle minerals.

Diflferent opinions have been held respecting the etymology of the
word glass. Some have derived the word from its resemblance to
ice {guicies), while others suppose it to be derived from glastmn,
the English wood, a vegetable which is employftd in dyeing blue ;
glass having generally a tinge of blue in its appearance.*

The date of this elegant and useful invention, is involved in great
dbscnrity. According to Pliny, the first vessels of rIeiss were made
in the city of Sidon; but Loysel asserts, that the glass- works of the
Phoenicians were in high renown more than 3,000 years ago, and
that they had merely depots for the sale of their glass at Sidon, and
at Tyre. The Egyptians, however, lay claim to having first made
it, and say that they were instructed in the art by the great Hermes.

Pliny attributes the invention of glass entirely to chance, and re-
lates, that it was first made in Syria by some mariners who were
driven on shore on the banks of the river Belos ; and who, havim;
occasion to make large fires on the sands, burnt the kali which
abounded on that shore ; and that the alkali of the plant uniting with
a portion of the sand on which the fire stood, produced tbe first stream
oT melted glass that had ever been observea.-j-

It is said that glass-houses were erected in Britain before it was
visited by the Romans. This may have been the case, as the Phoe-

* " Art of Glass,''* by H. Blancourt.
t Pliuy,lib. V. cap. 19.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 21

nicians had tradetf vfiih the island long before the Romans took poa-
ses5iion of it : it was to the latter, however, we were indebted lor
that progress, which gave the impetus to that superiority in the art,
which we possess above all other nations.

GLASS WINDOWS.

It is very uncertain when glass was first employed for the trans-
mission of light and other optical purposes, or how long any of the
nations of Europe have enjoyed the benefit of glass windows. Parkes
says, the best buildings in Herculaneum bad windows made with a
sort of transparent talc. Our oldest English historian, Bede, says,
that in the seventh century it was not known how to make window
glass in England ; and that in the year 674, the abbot Benedict sent
for artists from abroad to glaze the church and monastery of Were-
mouth, in the county of Durham. These men probably came from
Venice ; for the first glass that was manufactured in Europe was
made there. We learn also from Bede, that the agents of the abbot
brought several glass makers with them when they returned, who
not only performed the work required by Benedict, but instructed
the English in th<> art of making window glass for themselves, also
glass for lamps, and other uses.

THE PORTLAND TASE.

The famed Barbarine, or Portland Vase, which we read of, and
hear spoken of, and which beautiful piece of antiquity was discover-
ed in me tomb of Alexander Sevems, who died so early as the year
235, and which is now deposited in the British Museum, derives its
appellation from the late duchess of Portland, who gave 1000 guineas
for it. It is made of glass.

THE ETRUSCAN VASES.

*' Etmria ! next beneath thy magic hands

Glides the quick wheel, the plastic clay expands;

>«erved with fine touch, thy fingers (as it turns)
. Mark the nice bounds of vases, ewers, and urns ;

Round each fair form in lines immortal trace

Ijncopied beauty, and ideal grace."

The Etruscans, who were probably a colony from Phoenicia, 'are
noted by the early writers for their excellence in the manufacture of
porcelain. The art of painting vases in the manner of the Etrus-
cans has been lost for ages, and this is supposed, by the author of
the Dissertations on Sir William Hamilton's Museum, to have hap-
pened in the time of Pliny. The honour of the recovery of this long
lost art has been giv^n to the late Mr. Wedgwood, and the term
Etruscan Vase has thus been continued to the present day.

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF SCULPTURE.

Sculpture had its origin in Asia and Eg) pt, yet it derived its lustre
and perfection from Greece, where Periclrs and a multitude of other
excellent sculptors laboured in emulation of each other, to render
sculpture honourable, by an infinite number of works, which have
been; and will be, the admiration of ail ages. The most eminent
sculptors were Phidias, Lysippus, Praxiteles, Myron, Seopas, and
Polycletes. The Egyptians were famous for thejr collosal statues,
by whom they iwe generally supposed to have been invented. Their
first monnments recorded of this nature were erected in honoar of

22 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Mosret, king of Egypt, another in honour of his queen, and both
were placed npon two thrones, supported by two pyramids, which
W€re raised 300 feet high, in the middle of the lake Moeres ; so that
notwithstandin<^ the prodigions circumference of this lake, these two
statues were conspicuous from its banks. The most eminent of this
kind was the Colossus of Rhodes, made^ in honour of ^pollo, by
Chares, the disciple of Lysippos, who spent twelve years in making
it ; and after it had stood 1300 years, it was thrown down by an
eiurthonake. The dimensions of this statue are diflferently stated ;
bat all accounts admit of the fact, that one of its feet stood on one
side of the mouth of the harbour, and the other on the opposite side;
80 that ships under sail passed between its legs. Some of the mo>
derns have doubted whether there was such a statue at Rhodes as
the colossus above described, and, indeed, the extravagant dimen-
sions ascribed to it would tempt one to doubt the truth of the rela-
tion ; but being mentioned by so many writers of reputation, it is
most probable that there was at Rhodes an image of a prodigious
siaie, dedicated to the Sun, though tne hyperbolical or figurative ex-
pressions used by some writers concerning it may have given occa-
sion to others to magnify its dimensions considerably beyond the
truth. The Chinese were also famous in this respect The mon-
strous Colossus at Maco is reckoned among the rarities of that
country. It is one of their principal idols or deities, is all of gilt
copper, and is seated in a cnair 70 feet high. No less than fifteen
men, they say, can stand convenientlv on its head ; and its other
parts being proportionable, one may from thence form a judgment of
its enormous bulk. What Diodorus says of the tomb of Osymandes
is remarkable. It was built, says he, of stones, various c(^oared,
and divided into many large apartments ; the greater part filled with
colossal statues of men and beasts. In one part, the history and
exploits of Osymandes was engraved on the walls ; in another part
was seen an infinite number of statues representing an audience at-
tentive to the decisions of a full Senate ; in the midst stood the
Judge ; at his feet was placed the volume containing the laws of
Egypt, and round his neck was suspended, by a string, the Image of
Trum with its eyes shut.

Turning, which is a branch of sculpture^ seems to have been of
very ancient invention. Some, indeed, to do honour to the age, will
have it brought to perfection by the modems ; but, if what Pliny, and
some other ancient authors relate, be true, that the ancients turned
these precious vases, enriched with figures and ornaments in relievo^
which we still see in the cabinets of the curious, it must be owned
'(however great the excellence of our own sculptures) that all that
has been added in these ages makes but poor amends for what we
lost of the manner of turning of the ancients.

Statuary is likewise a branch of sculpture, and is one of those
arts wherein the ancients have surpassed the modems ; insomuch,
that it was much more joopnlar, and more cultivated among the
former than the latter, rhidias, we are told, was the greatest sta-
tuary among the ancients, and Michael Augelo undoubtedly among
the moderns.

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF PAINTING.

The invention of painting is generally attributed to the Egyptians,
at least as far as the four principal colours. The knowledge they
had of Chemistry seems to make this opinion certain ; besides, the

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

paintings still to be seen among the old remains of the Egyptian
boildings, which have so long resisted the iqjaries of time^ and which
still retain a fresh and liyely colouring^ seem to pat the matter be-
yond dispute.

Painting, although the accorate virtuoso cannot trace it so high,
was (according to Andrews) much used in the eleventh and twelfUi
centuries, to decorate churches, bv the Anglo-Normans.

The monk Geryese celebrates me beautiful paintings in the ca-
thedral of Canterbury, built by Archbishop Lanfranc in the eleventh
century ; and Stubbs praises the picturea ornaments in the church
pf St John, at Beverley, which were of a still earlier date. Peter
of Blois satirically lashes the barons of his age (that of Henry I2d)
for causing both their shields and saddles to be painted with bean-
tiful representations of combats, that they might satiate their eyes
with the prospect of what they were too dastardly to engage in. The
illomination of books was a branch of miniature painting much fol-
lowed by the monks, and virith great success. The materials which
these holy artists employed were so durable^ that tiieir missals stiU
dazzle our eyes with the brightness of their colours and the splen-
dour of their gilding. Dr. Heylen says, the art of painting in oil was,
till lately, universally attributed to John Van Eyk, a native of Mae-
seyk, who first mixed colours with linseed and walnut oil, in 1410 ;
but Hessing, a German writer, has found in Theophilus, who lived
in the eleventh century, a passage plainly mentioning the mixture of
all kinds of colours with ou, for the purpose of painting wood* work.
OsM author, however, contends, that Theophilus had no other idea
than that of colouring over in oil, doors, windows, and other objects
exposed to the weather, in order to make the colour durable.

It is certain, says he, that Cimabne, the restorer of painting in
Italy in the thuteenth century, knew notiiing of the art. Apollo-
doms, a native of Athens, carried painting to great perfection, and
discovered the secret of representing to the life, and in their greatest
beauty, the various objects of nature, not only by the correctness of
hia desigp, but principally by the perfection of the colours, and the

Koper distribution of shades and lights. Zeuxis, the pupil of Apol-
loms, carried the art much further than his master. Parrhasius,
a native of Ephesus, was the rival of Zeuxis ; and to them succeed-
ed Apelles, of Cos ; Aristides, the Theban ; and Protogenes, the
Rhoclian ; who carried the art of painting to the greatest perfection
it ever arrived. These, and others, are mentioned by Pbny as the
roost celebrated painters of antiquity. To them succeeded the mo-
dern school, among whom may be named a Guido, a Titian, a Reu-
bens, a Raphael, a Rembrandt, an II Spagnioletti Ribera,^ an Al-
bert Durer, an Holbein, &c., and a long list of others down to the
period of a Reynolds, a David^ a Lawrence, and a West.

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF ENGRAVING.

It was about the year 1460 that engraving and etching on copper
was invented. Sir Robert Strange is so interesting on this most se-
cure depositary for after ages of whatever is truly great, elegant, or
beautifcu, as to deserve ample notice : —

" No sooner had this art appeared,*' observes our author, " than
it attracted general attention. All the great painters adopted it.

• See ^ Orjgiu of Si^n Painting iu England."

24 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

with a view of mnltiplying their works, and of transmitting them
with greater certainty to posterity. A Ibert Darer, and Andrea Man-
tegna, two of the greatest painters of that age, practised the art of
engraving, and have left us a variety of elegant compositions. These
early productions of the art drew, by their novelty and excellence,
the admiration of all Italy. Raphael himself, that prince of paint^
ers, was particularly charmed with the works of Albert Durer, and,
in return for some prints he had received from him, sent him a pre-
ient of his own portrait painted by himself.

" Marc Antonio, who, by studying Albert Durer's works, had im<^
proved the art of engraving, was among the first who carried it to
Rome, when the genius of the divine Raphael presided over the Ro-
man school. Those who are convemant in the finf arts, know how
much this painter encouraged engraving in Marc Antonio, his inge>
nioas pupil ; examine that engraver's works and you will find evi-
dent proofs of it, so much does he breathe, in his finest prints, the
spirit of his sublime author. Other painters of the Roman school,
as well as Parmigiano, Salvator Rosa, &c. have transmitted to as
many fine compositions in this art

*' The Bolognese school furnishes more recent examples. Anm-
bale, and Agastino, although one of the greatest painters Italv ever
produced, exercised the art of engraving in preference to that of
painting, and has thereby established to himself, and secured to
others, a reputation to the latest posterity. Ouido, Guercino, Simon
Cantarini da Pesaro, the Siranis, &;c. have all of them left us many
eleganf prints, which are so many striking proofs of their having
cultivated the art of engraving.

" To see it still in a higher degree of perfection, let us examine it
when the school of Reubens presided in Flanders. Here we shall
find that this great painter was no less intent upon cultivating this
art, than that of painting, conscious that by this means he not only
difiiised his reputation, but secured it to succeeding generations.
Bolswert, Pontius, Vosterman, &c. were the companions of his and
Vandyck's leisure hours. They esteemed one another, they lived
together as friends and equals, and, to use the words of a late inge-
nious writer — Sous lews heureuses mains le cuivre devient or ;-~r

* Under their hands copper became gold.' The works of those en-
gravers, which are now sold at the price of pictures, are evident
proofs of the state of the arts in those days.

•* What numberless exaqiples, too, have not Rembrandt, Ber^ham,
Ostade, and others of the Dutch masters, left us of their desire to
cultivate engravings? Have not the works of the former, which are
now sold at most amazing prices, transmitted a reputation both to
himself and to his country, which time can never obliterate? The
Bloemarts, the Vipchers^ and others, were certainly ornaments to
the age in which they lived.

" During the reign of Lewis the Fourteenth, what a number of
great artists appeared in this profession, and did honour to Fr^inpe.
The names or Gerard, Andran, Edelink, Poilly, &;c. will be lasting
ornaments to that kingdom. That magnificent prince frequently

• amused himself in this way ; and so charmed was he with the works
of the ingenious Gdelink, that he conferred upon him the honour of
knighthood. It has been owing solely to the honourable rank given
to this art bv the Royal Academy of Painting at Paris, that it has
been cherished and cultivated to such a degree of excellence, that
for a eentory past Paris has been the depositary of the finest pro-

THR ETYMOLOGICAL COMPEITDIUM.

doctkMis in this way ; and these hare been the Miirce of incredible
riches to France.

" Let ns^ in the last place, follow this art into Great Britain : —
Qoeen Anne, whose reign has been ffenerally called the Aupuiim

SXe of this conntryt was desirous of transmitting to postenhr the
artoons^ofRapbael, which had been purchased by hergrandnther,
Charles the First With this view she sent for Dori^^y, the engra-
ver, as this art was then bat little cnltivated in Britain*

*' The reception he met with from the qoeen is well known. She
hoDoored him with an aj^rtment in the royal palace of Hampton
Court, visited him from time to time, countenanced him on all occa-
siona, and was tiie patroness of his undertaking. After her death,
king Geoige the First imitated the example of Anne ; and upon Do-
rigojr's having completed his engravings, not only made him a very
comudenible present, but conferred upon him the bonour of knight-
hood. From the departure of this artist, who executed a work which
will reflect lasting honour on Britain, the art of engraving again re-
lapsed into its former obscurity, till towards the middle of this (18th)'
century, when it was revived afresh by the introduction of other fo-
reigners, together with the successful endeavours of several inge-
nious DiUives of these kingdoms."

THE SCHOOLS OF PAINTING.

A SAool, in the fine arts, denominates a certain class of artists,
who have made it their particular study to imitate the productions of
some great master.

The school of Florence is remarkable for greatness, and a gran-
deur of dengn, bordering on the gigantic. The art of painting was
revived in Jnorence about the year ViiXi, by Cimabul, who trans-
planted the few remaining vestiges of the art from a Greek artist to
nis own country. The works of Cimabul, though in the ordinary
style, received the applause of his fello# citizens, and in a sbMt
time the srt of painting became so considerable in Florence, that the
academy of St Luke was founded, in which, however, no painters
were educated until the year 1350. Andrew Castagna was the
first Florentine artist who painted in oil. Michael Angelo, and
lieonardo di Yinci, contemporary painters, were esteemed the glory
of the Florentine school. V. Angelo surpassed Leonardo in gran-
deur^ while Leonardo was superior to him in the finer parts of the
arts. Le<mardo, full of senaioility, was fond of expressug the sweet
affections of the soul; but M. Anp^elo, not bom to experience the
softer passions, sought only to strike tiie imagination with terror, by
the boldness and force of his conceptions. Michael Angelo was

§ laced at the head of the school io wnich he belonged, and died in
beyear 1564, M[ed ninety.

llie school of Rome was formed bv Grecian artists, who came
from their own country to settle with tne Romans. B^ them the art
was handed down to the modems, who derived all their knowledge
from studying the Ghreek models.

This school is celebrated for grandeur of style, exquisite form,
and beautiful expression. In the year 1483, Raphael Sanzio di Ur-
bino, was at the nead of the Roman school. He excelled in reore-
senting philosophers, saints, virgins, and aposties. Although he nad

• See derivation of Cartoon.

2S IBE BTTHOLOGICAIi COMPENDIUM.

•tddied the works of MickaelAogelo, and Leonardo di Vidci, Ii»
avoided servilely imitatiDg them. He adopted a mediam between
the exquisite pathos of Leonardo, and the fire of Angelo, and never
advanced a step bevond the modesty of nature. This painter died
at the early age of thirty-seven years. It is a very remarkable cou>
oidence, that Raphael was bom on a Good Friday and died on a
Good Friday ! The celebrated Cartoons would alone immortalize
him. They will be noticed by and bye.

The Venetian school was loanded by Giorgione and Titian, scho-
lars of Giovanni Bellmoy who had studied ue woiks of Dotnine-
chino. A beautiful mixiture of colours was the grand object of tbe
Venetians in their painting. Titian , or Tixiano Vecelli^ having never
studied the ancients,^ suf^lied the deficiencies in his education by
servilely cc^yiag the objects c£ nature, by which practice he obtaineo
a perfect knowledge of colooring — a knowledge never acquired by
ike artists of the Florentine and Roman schools. This painter was
born in the year 1480,, and died in 1576.

Tbe Lombard school was founded by Antonio Allegri, more ge*
nerally known by the name of Gorregio. The characteristics of uds
aehool are a beautiful combination of colours, an elegant taste for de-
sign, and a charming mellowness of pencil.

The Carracci, Lewis, Aogustin, and Annibal, formed what is
usually termed the second Lombard school. They established an
academy at Bologna, called lAcademiM deglia Desiderosi, in whicU
was taught drawing, perspective, and anatomy« Lectures vrere also
g^ven in the various branches of the art^ which were regularly deliver^
ed, until Annibal received an invitation from Cardinal Fantese t»
paint at Rome. Tlie paintings of the Carracci, from the resemblance
of their manner, are very often confounded together; it ought^ how-
ever, to be mentioned, raat competent judges of painting may easily
discover the difierent styles adopted by the three painters.

The French school has been so fkictoating, that it is almost

cult to ascertain who was its principal founder. Miniature paintiiig
was nourished in France at a very remote period, and the Fren^
artists, in this branch of the art, were held in high estimation by tibe
ftalians. Pointing languished in France after the death of Francis.
]. until the reign of Louisi XIIL at which time it was revived by
Jaqoes BIanci»rd, who had been educated in the Venetian achoA
But Blanchftrd, though a good painter, had no hand in forming tiw
French school. Poussin was a careful and correct imitator ot iia->
ture ; but he educated no pupils, and conseqnentiy did not found tiie
French school. To the abilities of Vouet, perhaps, the French are
indebted for the first formation of their school ; but afterwards were
still more indebted to the brilliant talents of Le Brun, v/ho was ^.
foshionable painter of tiie age in which he lived. Bxcepting I4B
Brnn, Eustach le Sueur, Poussin, and Claude Lorraine, the FVendi
artists possessed littie to recommend their works, in which inele-
gance and a certain stiffness of expression might invariably be lbmid,t
The Count de Gaylns reformed the bad taste of his countrymen^ by
directing their attention to the models of Greece and Rome.

It is needless to inform the intelligent reader, that the French ca-
pital is adorned with those invalimble works of art, which formerly
created so much emulation at Florence, Rome, Turin, and Naples.
A similar collection is now forming in this country. The NtUwwU
Qotter^, whicb.will, we hope, eclipse even that of oar Fjcefifih
neighbours.

TBE BTTMOLOCaClIi COMPEHDIUH-

CSennany has not had tke honour of forming a re|ralar school of
parating. Menga, ]>eitrich, Albert Dorer, and Holl^n^ were Ger-
BUiBS, and the moat celelurated artists that qoontrjr has produced. A
few solitary artists, however, will not form a school.

The Flemish school is remarkable for great brilliancy of oolooring,
a nobleness of conception, and the magic of the claro obicuro* Oil
painting was discovered, or at least practised, first in Flanders, by
John Van Eyck, who died in 1441, aged seventy-one. Peter Paol
Reubens was unquestionably the founder of the Flemish school. This
persoB was not only an admirable painter; he was endowed with
muiy excellent qualities, and esteemed a skilful politician. He was
ambassador bom the Sj^anish king to Charles 1., from whom he re-
ceived the honour of kmghthood. Reubens equally excelled in paint-
ing historical subjects, portraits, fruit, flowers, landscapes, and ani-
mals. The histcHrical pictures of this master do not possess that
sweetness of expression so prevalent in the works of Raphael ; hs
principal merit lay in colouring, though he never equalled the pro-
dnctiona of Titian. Sir P. P. Reubens was bom at Antwerp in the
year 1677, and died in 1640.

Tlia Dutch school may be considered as distinct from all others,
"nie divine eipression of Raphael, and the fire of Michael Angelo,
are entirely disregarded by the Dutch, who have adopted a manner
of painting practised alone within the precincts of their own country.
Their favourite subjects are the vulgar games of the rudest peasantry,
boors drinkii» and smoking, faithful representations of smiths' work-
AopB with all the minutue to be found therein, and the depredations
of banditti« if we view one of these subjects, painted by Teniers,
ffae younger, we may be sure to find it a perfect chtftTcetatre. This
artist possessed very prolific talents, and was, beyond doubt, the
best painter of the manners of the peasantry in the Low Countries,
liucas de Leyden, who lived in the fifteenth century, is generaUy
considered as the patriarch of the Dutch school Van Been, Yander
j^st, Cornelius Folembnrg, Rembrandt, John de Laer,yanOstade,
Ckrard Douw, Metzn, M eris, Cuyp, Wouvermans, Berghem, Yan-
develde, and Yan Hoysnm, were educated in the Dutch school, and
have produced most admirable specimens of the art of painting.

The English school did not exist until the Royal Academy in Lon-
don was established in 1766. We had, however, many excellent
painters long before that period, whose productions rank with those
of the neat Italian masters. Holbein, tnough a German, executed
moat of his celebrated works in this country. He was much encou-
raged by Henrv YIII. and painted 'portraits of most of the English
nobility. He died at his house in Whitehall, in the year 1564, and
was bmried with much solemnity. In the reign of James I. Cornelius
Jansens arrived in England from Holland, and painted the king and
nobility ; but his talents being soon after eclipsed by Vandyke, he
returned to his own country. Sir Anthony Vandyke received the
first rodiments of the art from Vanbalen, of Antwerp; but after-
'wards became the pupil of Reubens, under whose excellent guidance
he made such rapia progress in the art, that a portrait he painted of
his master's wife, even at that period, is ranked among the best of
his poroductions. Leaving Reubens, he made the|tour of Italy, and at
his letom to Antwerp, was invited to England by Charles 1. bv whom
he was knighted. He married the beautiful daughter of lord Rntii-
ven, earl of Oowry. Sir Joshua Reynolds, the great founder of the
Bnglish school, was bom at Plymton, near Plymouth, on the 16th

c 2

THE KTYMOLOOICAIi COMPENDIUM:

'of Jaly, IZSS^ and was the papil of Hndson. In the year 1750, he
went to Rome, where he remained two yean prosecntinghis stndiea.
At his retam to his own ooantry, he receiveo that patronage which
was dne to his extraordinary talents. Sir Joshna died in London, at
the age of sixty-nine, and was buried in St. Paul's cathedral with
great (imeral pomp.

THE CARTOONS.

** As on reality we gaxe."

These celebrated paintings are so called from the Italian word
cartoni, a kind of pasteboard on which they are painted. While
Raphael was in the employ of Leo the Tenth, his holiness employed
this distingnished painter to make designs of the Acts of the Apostles,
lor the purpose of having them copied on tapestry. As soon as these
tapestries were completed, the Cartoons remained neglected at Bras>
seis, till ikey were parchased by Reubens for Charles the First of
England, and in a oilapidated state (for they had been cut to pieces
to Kicilitate the work of the weavers), they were brought to England.
In the reiffn of William the Third, the pieces were put together in a
most careful manner, and a gallery was built, at Hampton Court, for
their reception, where, after one or two removes, they are now
finally deposited.

SIGN PAINTING.

Sign Painting is of very ancient date, and, by some, is supposed
to have its origin prior to anj other painting. Many of the first mas-
ters were sign pamters, for instance Ribera, or U Spagnoleto,^ was
a sign painter, and in Cumberland's life of him we are told, that a
Cardinal, one day passing in his coach, observed a tattered figure
employed in painting a board, affixed to the outside of one of the or-
dinary houses in the streets of Rome. The youth and wretche^ess
of the spectacle engaged, his pity, and the singular attention with
which he pursued ms work attracted his curiosity. It was H Spag-
noleto, in the act of earning his bread, oi which his appearance meak
it evident he was absolutely in want

He then proceeds to state, that the Cardinal, after some prelimi-
nary conversation, took him home in his coach, and (Hrdered him
apajrtments in his palace, where he pursued those studies that ren-
dered him afterwards so eminent

Signs and sign painting were first introduced into England in the
reign of Edward the Thirid, finom France. London afterwards be-
came famous for its signs, every shopkeeper or dealer haviqg one ;
indeed, extravagant sums were laid out on this then requisite deco-
ration. They were not then affixed to the house, but were placed
on posts, or bung thereon on hinges, on the edge of the foot path.

** Old Iiondon*8 signs did creek, creek, creek,
For every gust of wind did make them speake.**

We are told, that in the reign of Richard the Second, a lord mayor
of London imported not " cashmeres and laces," but women, wm.
Flanders, and kept stew-houses where the dainty and squeamish
were to deal in tMs kind of merchandize ; and further, that Henry
tfie Seventh also granted his license to twelve bordillos or stews,
having sigtu painted on their walls, to distinguish them and invite
the passenger.

* The little Spaniard.

THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 29

baiGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE CHANDOS PORTRAIT

OF SHAKSPEARE.

It was first in the possession of Sir William Davenant^ yiho died
HmolTent^ and afterwards of John Owen, his principal creditor. Af-
ter his death, Betterton, the actor, bought it Betterton made no
wiD^ and died very indigent ; he had a large collection of portraits
of act<nr8^ which were bought at the sale of his goods, by BuUfinch
tiie prini^eller^ who sold mem to one Mr. Sykes. The portrait of
ShajLspeare w^ purchased by Mrs. Barry, the actress, wno sold it
aflerviWds, for iwty gnineas, to Mr. R. Kech. Mr. Nicol of Cobey
Hatch, Middlesex, marrying the heiress of the Kech fiimily, this
picture devolved to him. By the marriage of the Dnke of Chandos
with the daughter of Mr. Nicol, it became his Grace's property, and
b]r die marriage of the Duke of Buckingham into the Chandos fa-
mily, it now adorns the collection at Stowe.

BfUSIC.

** All Nature's Aill of thee : the summer bower
Respondeth to the songster's morning lay ;
The bee his concert keeps ftom flower to flower^
As forth he sallies on his honied way :
Brook calls to brook, as down the hills they stray ;
The isles resound with song, firom shore to shore ;
Whilst ' viewless minstrels' on the wings that play.
Consorted strains in liquid measures, pour
To thunder's deep-ton*d voice, or ocean's sullen roar."

7ke Miver Derwent*

Th« origin of music is lost in the mazes of antiquity ; and all hy-
jMllieses on the 8id)ject are very little better than mere conjecture.
The practice of this science bein^ universal in all ages and countries,
k is alraordto attribute its invention to any one man, or any particu-
lar nation ; yet, as no people can carry back their researches into
antiqoity to so etrly a period as the Egjrptians, modem writers sel-
dom attempt to trace the history of music beyond their era.

ApoUodoms gives us an account of the oYigin of music in that
conntiy, which we must, perhaps, only regard as a fanciful idea of
the wnter, thoiigh it is not altogetiier improbable. He ascribes the
origin of the art, and the invention of the lyre, to the Hermes, or
Mercury of the Egyptians, snrnamed Trismegistus, or Thrice Itlus-
trioos ; and who was, according to Newton, the secretarv of Osiris.

The Nile having overflowed its banks at the periodicu period for
tiie rise of that wonderful river, on its subsidence to its usual level,
several dead animals were left on the shores, and among the rest a
tmctoise ; the flesh of which being dried and wasted in me sun, no-
tiiinf^ renoained in the shell, but nerves and cartilages, and their be-
imr tightened and contracted by the dnrin^ heat, became sonorous*
Meroory, walkiiu^ along the banks of the river, happened to strike
his foot against this shell, and was so pleased with the sound pro-
duced, that the idea of the lyre suggested itself to his imagination.
The first instrument he constructed was in the form of a tortoise,
and was strung with the sinews of dried animals.

It is probable that vocal music was practised, or at least that the
ancients were acquainted with the difference in the tones of tiie hu-
man voice, and its capabilities for harmony, before instruments were
thought of; and the latter, without doubt, owed their origin to the
observation of effects flowing from natural causes. Thus Diodorus,

c 3

^ TIB BTTMOLOOICAL COimSNinUK.

Lucretius,, and other authors, attribate the invention of wind ini^-
ments to observations made of the whistling of the wind in reedi^,
and in the pipes of other plants. The different tones of sounding
strings most have been observed very early, and thns have given
birth to stringed instruments : whilst instruments of percussion, sneb*
as tabors or dmms^ probably originated firom the sonorons-ringing dT
hollow bodies when struck.

In the first conception all these instruments were^ rude and im-
perfiBct, and would afford little pleasure to the musician of the pn^
sent day. Indeed, in the first effort, we can fancy the inventoni
themselves amazed at the effect produced, and starting with surprise
or flight,

*' E*en at the sound themselves had made."

The progress of improvement, however, was soon visible: ittd
there cannot be a douot^ but that the music of the ancients was of a
very high order.

NOTATION.

The invention of Notation, and of musical characters, is of ancient
date, being generally ascribed to Teipander, a celebrated poet and
musician of Greece, who flourished about the 27th OlvmpiM, or 671
years before Christ Previously, music being entirely traditional,
must have depended much on the memory andlaste of the peifinrmer.

LETTERS IN MUSIC.

Gregory the Great (as he is commonly called), about ^ year 600,
mbstituted the Roman letters ABC, &c. as the namea of notes^ in
lieu of the more complicated Greek ones ; by which tile stndv of flie
science was greatly simplified. — See Dr. Burney's History oi Mmicw

ORIGIN OF DIVIDING MUSIC INTO BARS.

** Thou, oh Music ! canst assuage the pain.
And heal the wound, which hath defied the skill
Of sager comfbrtera :— thou dost restrain
Each wild emotion at thy wondrous will ;.
Thou dost the ra^e of fiercest passion chul.
Or lightest up the flames of soft desire.
As through the mind thy plaints harmonious thrill^
And thus a magic doth surround the lyre,
A power divine doth dwell amid the sacred quire.'*

The JUtfer Derweni*

In the IGQk centnrv, music began to be considered part of a jMlite
education. In a collection called Queen Elizabeth's Virginal Book,
some very diflScult pieces of tiiat era are preserved, several df wludi
we by Tallis and Bird, two eminent composers of English snored
music. The Englidi musicians of this period were equal to any oi
those on the continent ; and it is difficult to say whether the Itahaa,
German, or French schools, deserve the preference. At the b^^in-
ning of tins century, the mode of dividing music t»ft> bars appeaw
to nave bean first used.

ORIGIN OF THE DOMINANT IN MUSIC.

The I6th century is remarkable for many improvementa in the
theory and practice of munc, which have led to the present high
state of the art In 1590, a schoolmaster of Lombaray (Charies
Monteverde), invented the harmony of the domtiian^ ; he was also
the first who ventured to use the seventh and the nmth of the dooiK

TU STTMOLOGICAL COMPBHDItni. 31

tOkxA, openly and without {nreparation ; he likewise employed the
teioor fifth as a conaonance^ which had always before been used as
•a dissonance. The same professor introduced the double dissonances^
and diminished and altered chords. About the same time L'Viadana
de Lodi conceired the idea of giving to the instrumental bass, a dif-
lerent mdlody from that of the Tccal, to which it had preirioasly
strictly adhefed. He also invented the figured or tborongh basst

CONCERTS.

In 1776, the Concerts of Ancient Music were established in Lon-
don, chiefly at the Suggestion of the Earl of Sandwich. — ^An institu-
tion intended to preserve the solid and valuable productions of the
■old masters from oUivion, and of which Mr. Joah Bates was for
many years the s<^e conductor.

John Bannister, master of Charles the Second's band, was the
first person who commenced public concerts in London, about the
year 1762.

In the year 181.3, the Philharmomc Concerts were established in
London, with a view chiefly to the caltivatioa of instrumental music.
These concerts are still continued, and embrace nearly all the emi-
nent profestors in the metropolis.

TRUMPETS.

The Trumpet is siad, by Vicentio Galileo, to have been invented
lA Nuremberg; and there is extant a memoir, which shows that
trumpets were made- to great perfection by an niist in thatcitv, who
was abo an admirable performer on tiiat instrument : it is as follows :
" Hans Meuschell of Nuremberg was famed for his accuracy in
fluJkhif trumpets, as also for his skill 00 playing on the same arone,
and in the accompaniment vntii the voice, was of so great renown^
that he was firequently sent for to tiie palaces of princes, the distance
of several hundred miles. Pope Leo the Tenth, for whom he had
made several trumpets of silver, sent for him to Rome, and after
having been delighted with his exquisite performance, dismissed him
with a munificent reward.'' The^ were, accordii^ to chronology,
first sounded before the English lungs A. D. 790, which, if true, will
date back their origin some centuries.

ORGANS.

** Tbe hnprison*d winds releasM, with josrfol sound
Prodaim'd their liberty to all around.**

In Madam Oenlis's ** Knights of the Swan" is the following in-
teresting anecdote relative to the origin of organs : — As we could not
enjcyy at Bagdat the firee exercise of our religion, we agreed that on
solemn festivals we should meet in a room, and chaunt the mass.
Our apartment was toward the street ; and the people stopping to
listen to us, soon discovered the motive of these religious exercises.
Mahometan intolerance was alarmed, and an edict was published,
prohibiting the Christians, under jwin of death, from assembling to
celebrate their religious rites. They were allowed, however, the
privUego of performing them individually. Upon this (having a ge-
nins fbr mechanics) I conceived the idea of constructing an instru-
mient, which might imitate all those with which I was acquainted,
and even the human voice. I endeavoured to supply it, at uie same
time, with so prodigious a volume of sound, that it might produce to
the ear the effect of a concert I worked at my invention night and

39 THE BTYM0L06ICAL COliPE!NDI0K.

day ; and in less than six months, produced an instrnmeot, to wfaicb
I gave the name of organ, and which perfectly answered my inten-
tion. It soon^ however, came to the ears of me caliph, that nalgre
his edict, forbidding the Christians assembling to worship, that they
continued to do so. I had been playing on my new invented instro-
ment, when an armed force broke into mv apartment, and were as-
tonished to find me alone. I was taken, nowever, before the caliph,
who with much asperity questioned me j when I confessed to him,
that what appearea as a multitude M* voices, proceeded from my in-
strument It was immediately sent for, when he became not only
satisfied, but delighted.^ I presented it to him, and was myself im-
mediately attached to his court. He soon made a use of my organ,
which was very grateful to me. The ambassadors of Charlemagne
were then at his court, and the caliph added my organ to the nume-
rous presents with which he intrusted them for thcflr master.

Madam Genlis here informs her readers, ib a note, as an histori*
cal fact, that the first organ known in Europe was actually sent ta
Charlemagne by the caliph Haroun.

Augustine, the monk, was the first that brought the use of churck
music into England, which was afterwards greatly improved by
Donstan, who lumished our churches and convents with the organ.

ITALIAN OPERA.

To the close of the 16th, and the beginning of the 17th centuries,
the invention of the recitcUive, or recited music, which gave to the
lyric drama a peculiar language and construction, is ascribed.

Mr. Buii^, in his Anecaotes of Music, gives the following account
of the origin of this species of composition. ""

Persons of taste and letters in Tuscany, being dissatisfied with
every former attempt at perfectiiig dramatic poetry and exhibitions,
determined to unite the best Lyric Poet with the beat Musician oi
their time. Three Florentine noblemen, therefore, Oiovani Bardie
Count of Yernio, Petro Strozzi, and Jacobi Corsi, all enl^htened
lovers of the fioe arts ; selected Ottavio Rinuccini and Jacobo Peri,
their countrymen, to write and set to music the drama of D^/n^,
which was performed in the house of Siguier Corsi, in 1597, with
great applause ; and tiiis seems the true era, whence we may date the
Opera, or Drama, tohoUy set to mtwic, and in which the dialogue
was neither sung in measure, nor declaimed without music, but re*
cited in simple musical notes, which amounted not to singing, and yet
was different firtNn the usual mode of leaking.

After this successful experiment, Rinuccini wrote Eurydice, aqd
Ariana, two other similar dramas.

> In the same year, Emilio del Cavaliere composed the music to an
.. opera called Ariadni, at Rome ; and the friends of this comiwser,
and of Peri, respectively lay claim to the honour of the invention of
recitative, for each of these artistes. The Eurydice, of Peri, was
however tiie first piece of the kind performed in public ; its represen-
tation taking place at the theatre, Florence, in 1600, on the occasion
of the marriage of Henry lY. of France, with Mary de Medecis ; and
Pietro del Velle, a Roman knight, an amateur musician, who, in
1640, published an able histoncal disquisition on the science, ex-
pressly says, the first dramatic action* ever represented at Rome,
was performed at the Carnival of 1606, on his Cart, or moveable

* Of course the secular drama la here meant.

TUB BTTMOLOOICAL COMPENDIUM. 3^

lAace: when five voices, or fire instrnnienbi. the exact nmnbcr an
arabnlent cart would contain, were employed That it seems, the
first secakur drama in modem Rome, like the first tragedy in ancient
Greece* was exhibited in a cart!

The Itahau Opera has nndoabtedly given a great impulse to En-
glish dramatic music. The first of this species of composition which
was performed in England, was Arsinoc, in 1705. An English ver-
sion, set to music by Thomas Clayton, one of the royal band, in the
reijgn of William and Mary, was then presented.

The translation was bad, and the music execrable ; yet this drama
was performed twenty-four times in the first, and eleven in the se-
«ona year.

THE TROUBADOUItSf.

** When the cloth was ta'ea away^
Minstrels straight began to play.
And while Harps and Viols join,
Raptur'd Uards, in strains divine,
Loud the trembling arches rung.
With the noble deeds we sung." *

In the eleventh century, the Troubadours made their appearance
in Provence. Thtj were the founders of modern versification ; fre-
quently singing their own songs to the melody of their own harps ;
and wncn mey were not able to do the latter, minstrels accompa-
nied tiiem, who recited the lays the Troubadour composed. Though
in every country wherever there is a language, there is poetry, and
wherever there is poetry, there is music ; and in our own in ^uticu-
lar, singing to the harp appears to have been early and successfully
cultivated, yet the melodies were purely traditional ; and the most
ancient melodies extant, that have been set to a modem language,
are those which are preserved in the Vatican Librarv, to the songs
of the Troubadours, written in the ancient dialect of Provence.-}- In
the UMi, Idth, and part of the 14th centuries, the minstrels, bards,
orfungUwrs, the descendants of the Troubadours, occupied a con-
spicuous station in society. In our own country, there were king's
minstrels, and queen's minstrels, who enjoyed a high degree of favour
andproleetion.

Yet» hi ■ome of the satires of the times, we find them abused under
the names of ehantiefy fableeiry jangledrs, and menestre ; whilst
their art is called jafig'/€ne, and they are said to be Ante-Christy
perverting the age by their merry Janglee, Piers Ploughman, an
ancient satirist, also accuses the minstrels of debauching the minds
of the people, and of being tutors of idleness, and the devirs dis-
cours ; and that they did imbibe some of the general licentiousness
which, at the era of the conquest, and for some time before, and
some time after, overspread all England, is not unlikely. But, for
several reigns, they were favoured by the noble and the fair, and
protected mr royal authority. In their baronial mansions, on all
occasions of high and solemn feasts, the observances of chivalry, and
the charms of music were united.

** Illumining the vaulted roof,
A thousand torches flam*d aloof;
From many cups, with golden gleam.
Sparkled the red Metheglin's stream s

• See Bumey*s History of Music,
f Burgh's Anecdotes.

34 THE ETYMOLOOICAIk C(MM[PENDIUlf»

To grace the goi^eous festival,
Along the lofty windowM hall
The storied tapestry was hung.
With minstrel^ the rafters rang.
Of liarps, that from reflected light
From the proud gallery glitter*d bright^
To crown the banquet's solemn dose.
Themes of British glory rose ;
And to the strings of various chimes
Attemper'd the heroic rhymes" *

Iiitiie reign of Henry III. we fiad one Henir de AoniDehes, a
Frenchman, dignified with tlie title of Master I^nry, the Teraifier:
which apellation, Mr. Warton obsenres, perliaps implies a charaeter
different firom the royal minstrel, or joculator. In lz49, and in 1251,
we find orders on the treasnrer, to pay this Master Henry one hon-
dred shillinn, probably a year's stipend ; and in the same reign, ibrty
shillings ana a pipe of wine were given to Richard, the king's uirper,
and a pipe of wine to fieatrice, his wife. In time a gross degene-
racy appears to have eharacterised the once-famed order of minstrels :
the sounder part of society pursaed them with prohibitions and in-
vectives, till they were at last driven from the more respectable walks
of life to the lower orders. ^ Their irre^^nlaiities became the more
rade and offensive, till their order expired, amid the general con-
teiont of an improving nation. — Turners History of England, vol i

SECTION 11.

COMMERCE, USE OF MONEY, COINS, BANKING
SYSTEM, INTERNAL NAVIGATION, &c.

ORIGIN OF COMMERCE, AND USE OF MONEY. ^

The few wants of men, in the first state of society, were supplied
by barter in its mdest form. In barter the rational consideration is,
what is wanted by the one, and what can be spared by ihe otiier.
Bat savagfes are not always so clear sighted. A savage who wants
a knife will ^ve for it any thing that is less useful to him at the time,
without considering his future wants. But mankind improve by de-
grees, attending to what is wanted on the one side, and to what can
be spared on the other.

Barter, in its original form, proved miserably deficient when men
and their wants multiplied. That sort of commerce could not be
carried on at a distance ; and even among^ neighbours, it does not
always happen, that the one can spare what the other wants ; it was
necessary, therefore, that some commodity should be found in gene-
ral estimation, that would be gladly accepted m exchange for every
other, and which should be neither bulky, expensive in keeping, nor
consumable by time. Gold and SUver are metals tiiat possess these

• Bumey's History of Music.

TttB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPSMDItJH. 35

propeltiet in an eBunent degree ; and are also divinble into small
parts, conTenient to be given for goods of small value.

Oold and silver, when first introduced into commerce, were bar-
tered like other commoditiet, by balk merely ; bat shortly^ instead
of bein^ given loosely by bulk, every portion was weighed in scales,
bat weight was no secoxity.against mixing base metals with gold and
silver.

To prevent that firaad, jaeces of gold and silver are impressed with
a pobfic stamp, vouching both the parity and the quantity ; and inch
pieces are called Com-

Tliis was an improvement in commerce, and at first, probably
deemed coinplete. It was not foreseen, that these metals wear by
much handling, in the coarse of circolation, and conseqoendy, that
in time the poblic stamp is reduced to be a voucher <» the parity
only^ not of the quantity. This embarrassment was remedied by the
use of paper-money ; and paper-money is attended with another ad-
vantage, that of preventing the loss of much gold and silver by
wearing.

When gold or silver, in bullion, was exchanged with other com-
modities, such commerce passed under the common name of barter,
or permutation : when current coin was exchanged, such commerce
was termed the boving and selling; and the money exchanged was
termed the price of goods.

The Phoenicians were the earliest people who are recorded to have
devoted themselves to commerce. It seems, they performed long
voyages, and established colonies in remote countries, like the
modems.

The Greeks and Romans were not insensible of the value of com-
merce, and they pursued it at different periods with eagerness and
success.

The Venetians, from the year 900 to 1500, enjoyed a monopoly of
the [Nrodace of the East, and thereby became a wealthy and power-
ful people. The Qenoese proved their rivals ; but certain free towns
of Germany, called Hanse Towns, afierwurds disputed with the
Italiims the palm of commerce.

The Portuguese, on discovering a new route to India, by the Cape
of Good Hqpe, became for a time a considerable commercul people ;
but the Dutch drove them from their India possessions, and for a
century carried on half the trade of the worldi

Finally the English,

Supreme in arts, and first in arms,
Tnides, and sciences,

have taken the lead of all other nations ; and by means of their in-
vincible fleets, tiieir firee constitation, their domestic agriculture and
mannfiictures, and their valuable colonies in every sea, they have
nearly ennossed the commerce of the world to themselves.

Chronology informs us, monev as a medium of commerce, is first
mentioned in the d3d Chapter of Genesis, when Abraham purchased
a field as a sepulchre for Sarah, in the year of the world, 2139 :
money was first made at Argos^ 894 years B.C.; has increased
eighteen times in value firom 1290 to 1789 ; and twelve times its value
from 1530 to 1789.

Silver has increased thirty times its value since the Norman Con-
quest'; viz. a pound in that age was three times the quantity it is at
present, and ten times its value in porchasbg any commodity.

30 THE firmOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

ORIGIN OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES IN ENGLAND.

The origiB of all weights and measures id EoglaDd, was derived
from a cornqf wheat, (vide Statutes of 61 Henry III. 31 Edward I.,
12 Henry Yil.) which enacted, that 32 of them well dried and ga-
thered from the middle of the ear, were to make one penny- weight:
but it was sabse^uentl V thoiight better to divide the dwt in 24 equal
parts, called grams. All measures of capacity, both liquid and dry,
were at first taken from Troy-weight, and several laws were passed
in tiie reign of Henrvlll enacting, that 8 lbs. Troy of wheat, taken
from the middle of the ear, and well dried, should make one gallon
of Wine Measure. The standard Wine Gallon, which was ke|^
sealed at Guildhall, was generally reckoned to contain 331 cubic
inches; but Dr. Wybard, in his Tectometr^, having asserted, that
it did not contain more than 224 or 225 cubic inches, an experiment
was made. May 25th, 1688, to ascertain the fact The Commission-
ers of Excise caused a vessel to be made in form of a parallel opipe-
don, each side of its base was 4 inches, and its depth 14 inches, so
that its just content was 224. In presence of the Lord Mayor, the
Commissioners of the Excise, the Rev. Mr. Flamstead, (AstrouoBMr
Royal) Mr.Halley, and several other eminent mathematicians, this
vessel was very exactly filled with water, and being carefully emp-
tied into the Standard Wine Gallon, did so accuratelv fill it, that all
present were fully convinced it contained only 224 cubic inches.
However, it was not thought convenient to alter tiie supposed con-
tent of 231, and accordingly the error continued until the recent in-
troduction of the new Imperial Gallon. The old Beer or Ale Gkillon
of 282 cubic inches, was intended to bear the same proportion to
Avoirdupois Weight as the Wine did to Troy ; for it was founded by
several nice experiments, that the 1 lb. Avoirdupois was equal to
14 oz. lldwts. 15i(!TS.Troy; being very near 14 oz. and six tenths.
Hence 12 : 231 :: 14-6 to 281,05, and by a trial of the Standard Ale
Quart, kept in the Exchequer, (12 Charles 11.) it was found to con-
tain just 70h cubic inches, and consequently the gallon r= 704 X 4
= 282. The old Dry or Com Gallon, was ori|:inaIly meant to bear
a mean, (or nearly so), between the Wine and Beer Gallon ; it was
previous to 1697, computed to hold 272i cubic inches ; but a statute
made in that year enacted, the Winchester Bushel should be round,
with a plain and even bottom, 184 inches throughout, and 8 inches
deep ; consequently, it contained 215,042 cubic inches for tiie old
legal Com Gallon. Weights and measures were invented 869 B. C ;
fixed to a itandard in England, 1257 ; regulated 1492 ; equalized, 1826.

ALMANACKS.

Almanacks are said to have originated with the Germans, who
formerly used to engrave, or cut upon square sticks, about a foot in
breadth, the courses of die moon of the whole year ; whereby they
could tell, wben the new moons and changes should appear, as also
their festival days ; and this they called an Al-mon-aght, that is to
S9y, aU must heed.

They were first published by Martin Ilk us, at Luda, in Poland, in
1470; compiled by Muller, in their presei^t form, 1473; the Sta-
tioner's Company of London, claimed an exclusive right to publish
them, till 1779; and now sell a million annually.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPEVDIUM; 37

COIN.
** Turas nane^ 'tis his, and has been slave to thonsands.**

At the conqnesi, the little coined silrer that we had, bore the same-
conotenaiice with that whicji had been cnrrent in the days of oor
Sucon kings ; for the Conqueror's penny is of the same sise as them,
presenting his head fbll-faced, a cross in his right hand, and a sceptre
m hii left, inscribed WiUem Rex Anglo, On the rererse, an arms
JMrei, with foor sceptres quarterly, the inscription Jesthn on
Hertfor. Stowe says, the coDCjoeror, as he appeared on his coins,
wanted a beard, and qaotes William of Malmesbory to prove, that
tiie Nonnaos never wore any ; he ako mentions, that some of the
conqaeror^s coins had Le Rey WUam inscribed on them, thongh all
that are now attributed to him, have either the simple style of R$x,
or with the addition of An or Angoh. It is presami^d, that the
coina)^ of money in this fashion, was one of the improvements which
the Norman coort received from our Edward the Confessor, who by
their own writers, is acknowledged to have taught them a great many
English customs. AH great sums were paid at this time by weight ;
thus, the monks of Ely, paid the king 700 marks ; and Edgar Athe>
ling's allowance was a pound of silver daily ( 1074). The purvey-
ances were even changed into money, and the sheriffcoUected them
in the following proportions. Instead of

Bread for 100 men, one shilling.
One pasture-fed ox, one shilling.
A ram, or sheep, four pence.
Provender for 20 horses, four pence.

But when these little contributions were thus gathered, the col-
lectors still paid the gross sums into the exchequer by weight

Origin of Gold Coin in England,

The first gold that was coined in England, was in the reign of Ed-
ward IIL, who in the year 1320, caused several pieces to be coined,
oedled Florences, because they were coined by Florentines.

Afterwards he coined Nobles, then Rose Nobles, current at 6s. 8d.,
Half Nobles at 3s. 4d, called Halfpennies of Gold; and Quarter
Nobles at ls.Sd., called Farthings of Oold.

C^uineas were first coined in the reign of Charles II., and were
thus namedp because the gold was brought firom Qoinea.

Shillings were first coined in England, in the reign of Henry VII.
in tiie year 1601. Crowns and Half Crowns in 1652. The first
legal copper coin was made in the reign of James L, in the year 1609,
prior to which, private leaden tokens were in general circulation. ^

Penny Pieces, and Two Penny, of copper, were first coified in
England, 1794.

Coins of Edward VI.

The term sovereign, as applied to a piece of money, is not new in
the history of our coinage ; tor so far back as the reign of Ed ward V I.,
who brought the gold used at flie Mint to its original purity, which
haa been greatly debased by his predecessor, there were both sove-
reigns and half-sovereigns. The following is the description of the
current money of that reign.

King Edward's Silver Crown-piece, coined at York. It had the
king's figure, at fuU-length^ on horseback, in fuU-armour, crewusd.

3g raa vrntotMiKit. comtyotvu.

and holding a drawn sword at his heart The horse is adorned with
large embroidered trappings, witii a pinme of feathers on the head,
and the date under him. The Mint mark is j, and it is circumscrihed
with these words :~Edward yi. d. o. agi*. fra. z. hibr. rbx.
The reverse like that of the shilling.

The Sovereign, stmck in the sixth year of his reign, had the pro-
file figore of his majesty in armour, crowned, holding a drawn sword
in his right hand, and the orb in the left. The Mint- marked a ton
over the royal head, circumscribed with these words : — ^Edward yi*
S. a, AGL. FRAN. Z. HiB. RSX. The reverse had the arms crowned,
and the like supporters as his father, with E. R. on the pede^l, ana
the following motto z-'-ras, aytrm, tRamsienb per, medium, A*

tORY, IBAT.

The base Shilling of Edward VI., coined at York. The Mint
mark y, the head in profile, crowned with the legend, Edward yi.
D. G. AGL. PRiL z. mB. RB^ On the reverse, hmoR, domini, fonb

YITE, M. D. XLIX.

The Half-Sovereign, coined in his third year. It has the king's
bust in armour, bareheaded, circumscribed scutum fidei protboiY
RUM — a rose between each word, and a rose the Mint mark. On
the rererse the arms in a shield, crowned, between the initial letters
B. R. with tiie title circumscribed as above.

The fine Shilling of Edward YI. It bore the kmg's bust, full-
faced, crowned, and in his parliamentary robes, with a chain of ^e
order. On one side of the head is a large double rose, and on the
other ihe figures xii, denoting the value, with the title, as above, in
old English characters. The Mint mark y, n. b. This is Uie first
English coin on which we see the C(dlar of the Order of the Gkirter.

The Sixpence of his third year, of the York Mint The Mint
mark y. On the obverse is the king's bust, in armour, crowned, and
labelled vnth the r^al title. On me reverse aro the royal arms, in
an oval shield, garnished and crowned, with the motto, scutum,

PIDEI, PROTEOIT, BUM.

The Noble was also in use in this reign, as an appropriate attend-
imt on the Sovereign.

ITALIAN METHOD OF BOOK-KEEPINa,
Was first published in England in the year 1566.

YARD MEASURE,
Was first fixed by Henry the First's arm, in the year 1101.

INTEREST OF MONEY,

Was 3d. per week for 208. in 1260 ; 45 per cent 1307 ; the first
law in England for establishing interest of money at 19 per cent* was
in 1546. The pious subjects of Edward VI. repealed this law as
unlawfiil and most impious ;.but it was restored in queen Elizabeth's
lime. In those days the monarchs could not borrow without the
collateral security of the metropolis. Interest was reduced from 10
to 8 per cent, 1624 ; reduced by the rump parliament to 6 per eent.,
and confirmed at the Restoration ; to 5 per cent, 1714 ; from 4 to 3
per cent, 1750. Interest of the National Debt reduced, 1749, 1823.

TALUE OF LABOUR AND MONEY IN EARLY TIMB6.

- In the year 1352, in the 25th of Edward III., wages paid to bay-
makers, was Id. per day; a mower of meadows, dd. or td, an acre ;

THB BTTMOLOGtGAti COMrtNDnnC 39

teupen of corn, first week in Angiut 2d, in the Mcood 3d, per day,
and 80 on tiU the end of Anguit, without meat, drink, or other allow-
Boce, finding their own tooU. For thrashing a quarter oSwheaJt or
lye^ 3i<i. ; a quarter of barley, beans, peas, or oats, l{d. A master
carpenter, 3d. a day ; other masons 3d., and senrants, lid. Tilers
Sd., and their knaves^ lid. Thatchers, 3d. per dar, and their
knaves, lid. Plasterers, and other workers of mud walls, and their
knaves in like manner, without meat or drink, and this fnwi Baslsr
t31 MichaelmaB ; and firom that time le»9, according to the direc-
tion of tibe justices-

About the year 900, king Alfred left to each of his daughters, 1002.
in money. In 1231, Joan, eldest daughter to king John, upon her
marriage with Alexander, king of Scotland, had a dowry of 1000/.
In 1278, Edward I. gave his diuighter Joan, contracted to the son of
the kin^ of the Romans, 10,000 marks sterling, and this to be re-
turned m case the orince died befwe her. In 1314, Elizabeth, wife
of Robert Bruce, king of Scotland, being imprisoned in England,
was allowed far herself and family 20«. per week. In 1330, Joan
of Oxford, nurse to the Black Prince, had a pension of 101. per an-
num ; and Maud Plumpton, a rocker, had 10 marks. In 1403, the
salary of the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, was 402. In
1408, the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, had 56 marks
per annom. In 1545, the former had an addition of 302. to his sa-
lary, and the other justices of 202.

BOARD WAGES.

Board Wages first conmienced in England with king Charles I.,
sen^nts, in 1629.

INSURANCB OF SHIPS, Ac.

Insurance on ships and merchandize, Suetonius conjectures, was
contrived by Claumus in 43. Insurance on shipjjgng began in Eng-
land, in 16o0. Insurance oflSces in London, 1696.

KEIXT

Was first made payable in money, instead of kind, in 1136.

FIGURES IN ARITHMETIC

Were introduced into Europe from Arabia, 991, and into England
10 1253.

ALGEBRA

Was first introduced into Europe, in 1300, and became in general
use in 1590. Numerical algebra was invented in 950, and first
known in Europe, in 1494 ; letters were first usedin algebra, in 1590.

LAC OF RUPEES.

A Rupee is an Indian coin of silirer, of 2s. 3d. and 2s.6d«, and a
lac signifies nothing more than a certain amount, say about 12,5002.
sterling.

DUMONDS.
Diamonds were first cut and polished at Bruges, in 1489. Dia*

* See Epitheti.

40 THfi ETYMOLOGICAL COMPBNDIUlf .

mond minei discovered at Oolconda, 1584; at Conlour, 1640; and
at Brazil in 1730.

The weight of diamonds is estimated in carats, 150 of which are
•qnal to one oance Troy. The average price of rough diamonds is
about 3L per carat-

According to this scale, a wrouf^ht diamond, three carats, is worth
72/., and one of 1 00 carats, 80,000/. The largest diamond probably
ever heard of, is one mentioned by Tavemier, who saw it in the pos-
session of the Great Mogul. It was about as big as a hen's egg, and
weiff hed 900 carats in the rongh. The largest diamond ever broo^^t
to Europe, is one now in the possession of the sovereign of RuHia.
It weigns 105 carats, and was lon^ employed as the eye of a Bra-
minicai idol. A French soldier discovered the value of the gem,
and changed lus religion, worshipping at the altar of the god, that
he might deprive him of his splenmd eye. At length he succeeded
in substituting a piece of glass for the diamond, and again became a
good Christian ! After passing through several hands, the empress
Uatherine at lengtii fixea it in the possession of the Russian crown,

S'ving for it 90,w0l and a perpetual annuity of 1000/. It is cot in
le rose form, and is the size of a pigeon's em* One of the most
beautiful is the Pitt Diamond, which is a brilliant, and weighs ra-
ther more than 136 carats. It was brought from India by a gentle-
man of the name of Pitt, and purchased by the duke of Orleans,
vHbio placed it in the Crown of France, where it still remains. The
celebrated Pigot Diamond is in the possession of Rundell and Co.

STERLING.
Origin of the term as applied to money.

In the time of Richard I. money coined in the East part of Ger-
many, came in special request in England, on account of its purity,
and was called Easterlin^ Money, as all the inhabitants of those
parts were called Easterlings; and soon after some of thene people,
skilled in coining, were sent for to London, to bring the coin toper-
fection, which was soon called Sterline, from Easterling. King
Edward I. established a certain standard for the silver coin of Eng-
land ; but no gold was coined until the r^ign of Edward III., who
in the year 13^, caused several pieces to be coined, called Flo-
rences, because they were coined by Florentines. Afterwards he
coined Nobles, then Rose Nobles, current at 6s. Sd., Half Nobles
at 3s. 4</., called Halfpennies of Gold ; and Quarters at Is. 8tf.,
called Furthings of gold. The succeeding kings coined Rose No-
bles, and Double Rose Nobles, Great Sovereigns, and Half Henry
Nobles, Angels, and Shilling. James I. coined Unites, Double
Crowns, and Brittania Coins, Shillings, and Sixpences. Charles II. <
converted most of the ancient gold coins into guineas.

INTERNAL NAVIGATION IN ENGLAND.

It was^ so late as the year 1720, when inland navigation com-
menced in England, by the deepening of the rivers Mersey and
Irwell. The carrying trade between Manchester and Liverpool,
was then performed principally bv gangs of pack-horses. The
OMmers of these horses, of course, alledsed, that their rights would
be invaded, and their profits diminished, by the new navigation ;
though whether they presented petitions to parliament, complaining
of the infringement, and pra3ring that the proprietors might not be
allowed to proceed (continues iher Leeds Mercury), is more tbm we

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 4|

can say ; bat snpposinj^ this had been done, and that parliament in
its wisdom had determined to protect the vested interests of these
ancient carriers from invasion ; and allowing fnrther, that the inter-,
course between Manchester and LiverpoM had continued to in-
crease, till it had attained its present magnitude of 1000 tons a day,
the conseaoence wonld have been, that the inhabitants of Lanca-
shire, woold have had to maintain upon the road alone. Forty Thou-
sand Pack-horses, which would, when in marching <Hrder, have
fonned a continuous line, in close array, of upwards of Eighty miles.

The above ma^ be taken, as {nretty ^^ood reply to those, who are
continually exclaiming against innovation, ana those every-day im-
provements, which we are told will ultimately deprive the labomrer
of his bread, by siqierceding the necessity of manual employment

Such reasoners ought to remain in a state of mere vegetation, as
being unworthy of the social and political system of the universe.

PAWNBROKERS' BALLS.

Hie three balls, as a Pawnbroker's Sign, dates its origin from the
Lombards, the STcat money-lenders, who came fromLombardy and
settled here. The sign tney made use of, was the Three Golden
Balls, which the pawnbrokers use to this day, and who date their
oricin from the Lombards, or first money-lenders, known in England.

n has been wittily remarked, that the lluree Balls intimate^ that
it i9 two to one against your redeeming what you pledge !

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE BANKING SYSTEM.

The Trapizeta of the Greeks, and Argentarii or Nummularii of
the Romans, were persons who lent money upon usury, kept the
accounts of other usurers, and exchanged worn for new money, ibr
a OTofit, but did not deal in cheques, drafts, &c.

Beckman, however, says, that they did pay money by a bill, which
process was termed yrcBscribere ana reacribere, and the assignment
or draft attrUmtia, and dealt besides in exchanges and discounts.
Philip the Fair, in 1304, ordered a bank to be held upon the great
bridge of Paris ; and they had booths and tables before church aoors,
&c. called menate conUnatorum, (our Scriptural. Tables of the Money
changers) stands at fairs for changing money, &c They were ob-
liged to give security in property, and were formed into guilds,'''
We had a set of them callea Caursinif from the family Caursini, at
Florence, it being agreed, that however divided, they should take
the name of that family, penes ifuam summa mereatura erat» All
the Italian merchants who practised usury, were called Lombards;
hence our Lombard Street^

The draft of one banker upon another, and the cheque, occur in
Rymer. The deposit of money to be let out at interest, is a practice
ot the Roman Argentarii, who exercised their trade in the Forum,
under the inspection of the town magistrate ; and when they ceased
to show themselves, tiieir bankruptcy was declared by these words,
foro cessit, — Foshroke's Encydopasdia.

Such is the ancient history of bankers ; with regard to modern
times. Pennant says, regular banking by private people, resulted in

* See article on Guild.
f See article on Lombard Street*

40 THS ETYMOLOGICAL COMPBNDIUlf .

nKmd mines discovered at Oolconda, 1584; at Coniour^ 1640; and
atBraadlinirSO.

The weight of diamonds is estimated in carats, 150 of which are
•qua! to one oance Troy. The average price of rough diamonds is
about fU. per carat-

Acc<Hrding to this scale, a wrought diamond, three carats, is worth
TitL, and one of 1 00 carats, 80,000/. The largest diamond probably
ever heard of, is one mentioned by Tavemier, who saw it in the pos-
senion of the Great Mogul. It was about as big as a hen's egg, and
weiffhed 900 carats in the rough. The largest diamond ever broa^^t
to Europe, is one now in the possession of the sovereign of RasSia.
It weighs 105 carats, and was lon^ employed as the eye of a Bra-
minicai idol. A French soldier discovered the valne of the gem,
and changed his religion, worshipping at the altar of the god, that
he might deprive him of his splenmd eye. At length he succeeded
in substituting a piece of glass for the diamond, and again became a
good Christian ! After passing through several hands, the empress
Catherine at length fixed it in the possession of the Russian crown,

S'ving for it 90,(MO/ and a perpetual annuity of 1000/. It is cot in
le rose form, and is the size of a^ pigeon's em- One of the most
beautiful is the PUt Diamond, which is a brilliant, and weighs ra-
ther more than 136 carats. It was brought from India by a gentle-
man of the name of Pitt, and purchased by the duke of Orleans,
who placed it in the Crown of France, where it still remains. The
celebrated P^ot Diamond is in the possession of Rundell and Co.

STERLING.
Origin of the term as applied to money.

In the time of Richard I. money coined in the East part of Oer-
many, came in special request in England, on account of its purity,
and was called Easterlin^ Money, as all the inhabitants of those
parts were called £asterlings; and soon after some of thene people,
skilled in coining, were sent for to London, to bring the coin toper-
fection, which was soon called Sterline, from £asterling. King
Edward I. established a certain standard for the silver coin of Eng-
land ; but nogold was coined until the rdgn of Edward III., who
in the year 1320, caused several pieces to be coined, called Flo-
rences, because they were coined by Florentines. Afterwards he
coined Nobler, then Rose Nobles, current at 6s. 8d., Half Nobles
at 3s. 4d', called Halfpennies of Gold ; and Quarters at Is. 8d.,
called Farthings of gold. The succeeding kings coined Rose No-
bles, and Double Rose Nobles, Great Sovereigns, and Half Henry
Nobles, Angels, and Shilling. James I. coined Unites, Double
Crowns, and Brittania Coins, Shillings, and Sixpences. Charles II. *
converted most of the ancient gold coins into guineas.

INTERNAL NAVIGATION IN ENGLAND.

It was^ so late as the year 1720, when inland navigation com-
menced in England, by the deepening of the rivers Mersey and
Irwell. The carrying trade between Manchester and Liverpool,
was then performed principally bv gangs of pack-horses. The
OMmers of these horses, of course, aJledged, that their rights would
be invaded, and their profits diminished, by the new navigation ;
though whether they presented petitions to parliament, complaining
of the infringement, and pra3ring that the proprietors might not be
allowed to proceed (continues Hke'Leeda Mercury), is more than we

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPEHBIUM. 41

can say ; but snpponnj^ this had been done, and that parliament in
its wisdom had determined to protect the Tested interests of these
ancient carriers from invasion ; and allowing farther, that the inter-
coarse between Manchester and Liverpocu had G<mtinoed to in-
crease, till it had attained its present magnitude of 1000 tons a day,
the conseaoence wonld have t>een, that the idbabitants of Lanca-
shire, woold have had to maintain opon the road alone. Forty Thou-
sand Pack-horses, ¥^ch would, when in marchinr iHrder, have
formed a continuous line, in close array, of upwards of Eighty milea.

The above' majr be taken, as pretty ^^ood reply to those, who are
ccmtinually exclaiming against innovation, ana tnose every-day im-
provements, which we are told will ultimately deprive tiie labourer
of his bread, by superceding the necessity of manual employment

Such reasoners ought to remain in a state of mere vegetation, at
being unworthy of the social and political system of the universe.

PAWNBROKERS' BALLS.

Hie ffaree balls, as a Pawnbroker's Sign, dates its origin from the
Lombards, the s^at money-lenders, who came fromLombardy and
settled here. The sign tney made use of, was the Three Golden
Balls, which the pawnbrokers use to this day, and who date tiieir
oriipn from the Lombards, or first money-lenders, known in England.

It has been veittily remarked, that the lluree Balls intimate, that
it 19 two to one against your redeeming what yon pledge !

ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE BANKING SYSTEM.

The TnqsizsBta of the Greeks, and Argentarii or Nummularii of
the Romans, were persons who lent money upon usury, kept the
accounts of other usurers, and exchanged worn for new money, fior
a raofit, but did not deal in cheques, drafits, &c.

Beckman, however, says, that they did pay money by a bill, which
process was termed prascribere ana rescribere, and the assignment
or draft attribtUia, and dealt besides in exchanges and discounts.
Philip the Fair, in 1304, ordered a bank to be held upon the great
bridge of Paris ; and they had booths and tables before church &on,
&c. called menste combiatorum, (our Scriptural Tables of the Money

Florence, it being agreed, that however divided, they should take
the name of that family, penes (fuam summa mercatura erat. All
the Italian merchants who practised usury, were called LombardM;
hence our Lombard Street-\-

The draft of one banker upon another, and the cheque, occur in
Rvmer. The deposit of money to be let out at interest, is a practice
ot the Roman Argentarii, who exercised their trade in the Forum,
under the inspection of the town magistrate ; and when they ceased
to show themselves, their bankruptcy was declared by these words,
foro ceasit, — Fosbroke^s Encyclopwdia.

Such is the ancient history of bankers ; with regard to modem
times. Pennant says, regular banking by private people, resulted in

* See article on auild.
f See article on Lombord Street.

^ HftlK ATTMdLd6t€AXi coM^in>itiit.

i643» from tiie calamity of tiie time, when the Reditions spirit #A^
InGited by the acts of the parliamentary leaders, 'fhe merchants
and tradesmen, who before trnsted their cash to their servants and
iqpprentices, found that no longer safe, neither did they dare to leave
it m the Mints at the Tower, by reftson of the distresses of mmesW'
itself, which before was a place of public deposit In the year i646,
they first placed their cash in the hands of goldsmiths, who began
pnblicly to exercise both professions. Even in my days, continues
I'^ennant, were seyeral eminent bankers who kept the goldsmith's
shop, but they were more frequently separated. The m'st regular
banker was Mr Francis Child, goldsmita, who bfegan business soon
after the Restoration. He was the father of the profession, a per-
son of large fortune, and most respectable character. He married
be^tween tiie years 1665 and 1675, Martha, only daughter of Robert
Kanchard, citisen and goldsnuth, by whom he nad twelve children.
Mr. Child was afterwards knighted. He lived in Fleet Street,
where the shop still continued m a state of the. highest respectabi-
lity. Mr. Granger, in his Biographical History of England, men-
tions Mir. Child as successor to tae shop of alderman^ackwel, a
banker, in the time of Charles II., noted for his integrity, abilities,
and indusi^nr, who was ruined by tiie shutting up of tibie Exchequer,
in 1672. His books were J^ced in the handi of Mr. Child, and
i^tiU remain in tiie family. The next ancient shop was that pos»
tfeflsed by Messrs. Snowe and Benne, a few doors to the west ol
Mr. Child's, who were goldsmiths of conseqtience, in the latter part
of the same reign. Mr. Oay celebrates the {>redecessor of these

Sentlemen, for nis sagacity in escaping the ruins of the fatal year
720, in his Epistle to Bir. Thomas Snow, goldigmith, near Ten^e
Bfyr:

• O ihon, irhose penetrative wisdom found

The 8oath-Sea rocks^ and shelves irhere thousands drown'd/
When Credit sunk, and Commerce grasi^ii^ lay,
Thou stood'st, Bor sent one bill uapaid away .

To the west of Temple Bar, the only one was that of MetBrr.
Blid<fleton and Campbel, goldsmiths, who flourished in 1622, and id
now continued with great credit by Mr. Coutts.

From thence to the extremity of the western end of the town,
tiiere was none till the year 1756, when the respectable name oi
Backwel rose again, conjoined to those of Darel, Hart, and Croft,
'vdio with great reputation, opened their shop in Pall Mall.

BANK OF RNGLAND.

This national bank was first established in 1694, in the re^ of
William and Mary. It was projected by one Patterson, aim its
original capital was 1,200,00(H. The style of the firm b The Go-
vernor and Company of the Bank of England.

BAST INDIA COMPANY.

The East India Company of England, was first established in
1600 ; their stock then consisting of 72,0001., when they fitted out
four ships ; and, meeting with success, they have continued ever
since ; India Stock sold firom 360 to 500 per cent. 1683 ; a new

*■ see article on South Sea Bubble.

Tfifi ETTHOLOOICAU tOMPEKDtUM. 4^

i^amjfmay was estabUslied, 1696 ; the old one re-established, and the
two otted, irOO ; agreed to give goverament 400,0001 per annnm,
tor fiMor years, on condition that tbey might continne nnmoletted,
1769; ia neat confusion, and applied to parliament for asoftanoe,
1773; j«%ea tent from England to administer the laws there, by
the goremment, April 3d. 1774 ; Board uf Coatroul inititiited. 1784 ;
Charter renewed, 1813,

SECTION in.

DISCOVERIES AND INVENTtON&

MANUFACTURE 6V EDGE TOOLS.
** He cuttetii, as with an edge tooL** JB» Jmwrn*

Purkes, in his Essay on Edge Tools, says, the histo«7 of ^ i^*
vention of edge tods is involved in much obscniity. The materials
employed by the ancients for making them were ▼arious : but the
metal m general ose in modem times, and among civilizea nations
for the fabrication of snch instmments, is iron, thoiu|h this metal va*
riea in its nature, and is differently prepared accorcung to the piir«
poses to which the instrument or weapon is applicable.

AHhovgh iron was known before the deloge, yet there la reason
to believe that the method of making it was afterwards lost Tnbal
Cain, who lived nearly 4000 years before (he commencement of the
Christian era, was ** an instmctor of every artificer in brass and
iron -^ * and we are told, that Abraham^ took a knife to slay his son
rsaaci* In these early times mention is also made of sheariL and
of dieariiw of sheep ; % and yet many of the ancient nations new
nothing of iron, bat used stones, flints, the horns and bones of va«
rioos animab, the bones and shells of fish, reeds and thorns, for
every purpose in which the modems now use edge tools of iron and
steel. ^

Hesiod, who jprobably lived a thoosand yean before tiie time^of
Christ, says plainly, that the plough sharo was made with a speeies
of very hard oak; and from his manner of describing tiie plouj^hs
that were then employed, there is no reason to suppose that any iron
was used in constracting thenu The following isElton's translatioii
sf the passage : —

** If hill or field supply an iUx bough.
Of bending figure like the downward plough.
Bear it away; thu dnrable remains.
While thy strong steers in ridges cleave the plains ;
If with firm nails thy artists join the whole.
Affix the share-beam, and adapt the pole."

Thondi the Britons had some iron when they were first invaded
by the Bomans, yet, as Csssar observes, " they had it only in small

• Genesis iv. fli. t Ibid zzii. 10. % Ibid xzzviiL 19, 18*

44 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM*

J|oaDtitief,hardlV8iifficieiit for home coDsamDtion, and none to spare
or exportation." But, after the Romans haa been 8ome time settled
in this island, this most nsefui metal became very plentifoli as^
made a part of the British exports.

On the arrival of the Saxons in Great Britain, onr ancestors were
tftill in a low state of civilisation. One of their laws enacts, that no
man should undertake to i^de a plough who could not make one ;
and that the cords with which it is drawn should be fwrned of twist-
ed willows ♦

From this period edge tools gradually made their ajapearance, but
centuries elapsed, even in Britain, or England, as it is now called,
before they were brouRhjt to any kind of perfection. We read but
little of swords in the beginning of the 15th century, though no doubt
they were then in use, since there is the evidence pf Geoffrey Chan*
cer, who died only two years before the memorable battle of Ha«
milton was fought, that Sheffield was, even then, famous for its
cutlery :

'* A dagger hanging at his belt he had.
Made of an ancient iiword*8 well-tempered blade ;
He wore a Sheffield whittle in his ho8e.*'t

Chronology informs us, iron was first discovered by the burning
of Mount Ida, 1406 B. C. In England by the Romans soon afl^r
tike landing of Julius Cesar. First discovered in America, in Vir-
ginia, l7Io. First cast in England, at Blackstead, Sussex, 1544.

KNIVES.

tt is difficult to ascertain tiie date of the introduction of everr
kind of cutting or pointed instruments ; but when the utility and
convenience of these domestic implements were once experienced,
there can be no doubt that the practice of using them quickly be-
came very general, and that manufactories of knives and other e^hpe
tools were consequently soon established in various parts of the
kingdom.

Table knives were first made in London in the year 1563, by one
Thomas Matthews of Fleet Bridge, They were probably not in nse
in the time of Chaucer.

FORKS.
*' I dine with forks that have bat two prongs.*'— j^ic^^.

Neither the Greeks nor the Romans have any name for forks ;
they were not used by the ancients, they used the ligula, similar to
our spoons. Formerly, persons of rank kept in their houses a car-
ver. The Chinese use no forks, but have small sticks of ivory of
rtrj beautiful workmanship, inlaid with gold and silver. The use
of forks was first known in Italy towards the end of the fitlteenth
century, but at that time they were not very common.

In France, at the end of the sixteenth century, even at Court, they
were entirely new. Coryate, the traveller, is said to be the first per-
son who used forks in England, on which account, says Beckmann,
he was called, by way of joke, Furc\fei\ In many parts of Spain, at
present, forks are rarieties.

Among the Scotch Highlanders, knives have been introduced at
table only since the revolution. Before that period every man had a

ft Leges WaUics, p. 388. t Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPBNDIUlf.

knife of his own, as a companion to his dirk or daggfer. The men
cat the meat for tiie women into small morsels, who then pnt them
into their months with their fingers

The use of forks, at toble, was at first considered as a snperflaons
laznr^; and, therefore, they were forbidden to convento, as was the
case 10 regard to the congregation of St Mawe.

RAZORS.
'* He la as keen as a rasor."

The term Razor, as applied to the instrument that we shave with,
is supposed to be derived from the word roze^ to cut or poll down, to
leave nothing standing. Razors are mentioned by Homer. Before
B<ngUsh mannfactnres excelled in cutlery, Fosbroke says, razon
were imported from Palermo in Italy, or rather Sicily.

PINS.

The pin was not known in England till towards the middle or latter
end of the reign of Henry VIII. ; the ladies until then using ribbands,
loops, skewers made of wood, of brass, silver, or gold. At first the
{un was so ill made, that in the 34tto year of the king, parliament
enacted that none should be sold unless they be " double-headed,
and have the headdes soudered faste to the shanke of the pynne," &c.
But this interference had such an influence on the manufacture, that
the public could obtain no supply until the obnoxious act was repeal-
ed.^ On referring to the statute book, the act of repeal, which pass-
ed in the 37th year of the same reign, contains the following clauses,
which tends to shew how cautious the legisUture oug^t to be not to
interfere with any manufactory which they do not perfectlv under-
stand. The act of repeal having recited the former act, it tnen goes
on to say, " At which tyroe the oynners playnly promised to serve
the kjrnge^s liege people wel and sufficiently, ana at a reasonable
price. And for as much sens the making of the saide act there
tiath ben scarcitoe of pynnes within tms realme that the kjrnge's
liege people have not oen wel nor coropetetly served of such pynnes
nor ar like to be served nor the pynners of this realm, (as it doeth
nowe manifestly appere) be hable to serve the people of this realme
accordyng to their saied promise. ^ In consideracion whereof it
maie please the kyng, &c. tnat it maie be actjndged and demed from
henstortii frustrated and nihilated and to be repealed for ever."—
Stat Henrici, Octaci xxxvu. cap, 13.

NEEDLES.

Stowe says, that Needles were first sold in Cheapside in the reign
of Queen Mary, and then they were made by a Spanish negro, who
refused to discover the secret of his art It wiU be recollected,
that many Spanish artizans came over to England, on the marriage
of Philip the Second with the said princess. So that we may fairly
suppose the needle to be of Spanish origin. Needles were first
manufactured in Ebigland 1666, by Elias Grouse, a German.

SAWS, Ac.

The invention of this instrument is ascribed to tiie nephew of
Dsedalus, who, as they say, having accidently met with the jaw of
a serpent, which he used with success to divide a small piece of
wooo, thus acquired the first idea of such an implement, and soon

^ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMraiNDIUM.

afterwards formed a metallic instrament in imitation of it. It is aUb
said, that from the saw originated the idea of the file.

A saw mill was first fitted ap in London in 1633, bat' afterwards
demolished, that it might not deprive the poor of employ.

TOURNIQUET.

This instroment, nsed by surgeons to bennmb the limb prior to
amputation, was invented by one Minrell, at the siege of Besancon,
in 1674

Petit, of France, invented the Skrew Tourniquet in 1718.

ANCHORS.

The data of the invention of the anchor is somewhat obscure.
Hie first anchors, however- were not made of iron, but of stone,
and sometimes of wood. These latter were loaded with lead. Se-
veral writers relate that the Phoenecians, in their first voyages into
Spain, having amassed more silver than their ships could contain,
took the lead from their anchors, and supplied its place with silver.
•— Gognet's Origin of Laws, 8cc. toI. L pa. 393.

TELEGRAPHS

• Were first invented, 1687 ; put into practice by fhe French 111
1794 ; by the BnjB^lish, January 28, 1796.

TELESCOPES

Were4trst invented by Z. Jansen, a spectacle-maker at llfiddle-
burgh, 1590; the first reflecting one, made on the principles of Sir
Isaac Newton, was in the year 1693.

TIME MEASURE BAROMETER

Was introduced by Scipio Nasica, 159 ; King AUred's time-
keeper was six large wax tapers, each 13 inches long ; as tiiey
burnt nnequaUv, owing to the wind, he invented a lanthem, made
of wood, and tnen scraped plates of ox-homa, ^lass being a 'neat
rarity, (887). The ancients had three sorts of time measures ; Mwr
glasses, sun dials, and a vessel full of water vrith a i^ole i& its
Dottom.

SAILING COACHES.
** A mere invention."

We have heard much of propelling coaches by steam, but it ap*
pears fit>m the following article, that sailing coaches, or coaches
prq[>elled along b]^ the wind, were known to our nei^bonrs kmg
ago. They were invented by Simon Sterinius, a Flemmg.

" Purposing to visit Orotias (saitii Gkssendus), Peireskios iprent
to Scheveling, that he might satisfy himself of the carrii^ and
swiftness of a coach, a few years before invented, and made vp with
tiiat artifice, that wim expanded sails it would fly upon the Aon
as a ship upon the sea. He had formerly heard that Count MaS"
rice, a kttle after his victory at Newport, had put himself thereinto,
toother with Francis Mendoza, his prisoner, on purpose to make
tnal thereof; and that within two hours tiiey arrived at Putten,
which is distont fipom Scheveling fourteen leagues, or two and forty
miles. He had therefore a mind to make the experiment of it 4iim-
self, and he would often tell us mth what admihation he was seized/

THB ETYMOLOGICAIi GOMPENDIUBf« 4^

when he was carried with a quick wind> and yet perceived it iiot»
the coach's motion being equally quick."

ST£AM ENGINES.

'* Man fell irith apples, and with apples* rooe.
For ever since immortal man hath giowed
With all kinds of mechanics, and fid! soon
Steam Engines 'wUl conduct him to the moon."— Byron,

We have often heard of the utility of steam, being derived from
its effect on the lid of the tea kettle ; be that as it may, it was first
e^^>loyed to produce motion by Brancas, a philosopher at Rcwie,
about the year 1628.^ Bat the first real steam engine for raising
water, is described in a small pamphlet, published in the reign oC
Charles the Second, iQ the vear 16o3, entitled, *' A Century of the
Names and Scantlings of tne Marquis of Worcester's Inventions,
written in the year loSS." ^ No use was made of this invaloable
hint nntil Captain Savary, in 1698, obtained a pateiyt for an engine
which operated both by the expansive and condensive farce of
steam, to be employed in drawing mines, serving towns with wa-
ter, and for working all sorts of mills.

Thomas Newcomen, ironmonger, and John Cowley, glazier, of
Dartmouth, obtained a patent iit 1705 for improvements made in
the steam ennne, and in which Captain Savary was admitted to
participate. Bui it was reserved for James Watt, a Huithematical
Uistrnment maker at Glasgow, to bring the steam eAgine to jperfec-
tion. He obtained a patent for his great invention of penomung;
condensation in a separate vessel from the cylinder. Maity inven-
tions have, since that time, been made by him for effecting a saving
and better application of steam.

Watt often acknowledged, that his first ideas on this subject were
acquired by his attendance on Dr. Black's Chemical Lectures, and
fixim his consideration of latent heat, and the expansibility of stesm.

The value of the steam engine to this country, may foe estimated
from a calculation, which shows, that the steam engines in Eng-
land represent the power of 320,000 horses, which is equal to that
of l»9sS0,000 men, which being in fapt managed by 36,000 men only,
add actually to the power of our population 1,884,000 men.

HORSE*S POWER.

. This term, used as the name of a measure of power, is an ex-
pression which had its origin in convenience. In its fir^t applies
tion no ^eat rdcety was necessary ;. but as the value of mechwai(?al
power became better understood, an exact measure, nearly coin-
ciding with the power of a horse, and uniformity in the practice of
engineers, became desireable. Mr. Watt has hxed the elementary
horse power at 1,980,0001b. raised one foot per hour, or 33,000 lb,
raisedfone foot per minute, or &5 raised one foot per second. Mr.
Watt farther assigned a proportion for the low-pressure steami en-^
gine, equivalent to a horse's power, which is 55 times the square of
the diameter of the cylinder, in inches, multiplied by the velocity
of the piston six feet per minute, and the product divided by 33,000^
the result is the number of horse's power. The advantage of steam
i>ower is apparent ; the horse can work at that rate only eight honrsi;
the engine may be kept at work as long as wanted*

AUuding to the Newtonian Discovery.

^ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

WINNOWING MACHINES.

These very nsefnl machines were a Chinese invention, brought
to Europe by the Dntch, and first made in Scotland b^ Rodgers,
near Hawici, in 1733, from whence they were soon after brooght
into Nmihamberland, where they were first used in England.

SPINNING JENNIES.

The Spinning Jenny, to which this coontrv owes so much of its
commercial greatness, was invented by^ Richard Arkwright, a bar-
ber, but who afterwards became an eminent manofactorer, and ul-
timately Sir Richard Arkwright, Bart.

The term Jenny, was derived from his wife, whose name was
Jane ; bat whom ne used to address by the familiar name of Jenny ;
thinking, no doubt, as the latter had been very prolific (which was
the case), that his new invention would be eqaauly so,^ under a si-
milar appellation. The result justified such a conclusion.

AIR BALLOONS.

As balloon ascensions seem quite the rage, it may not be amias
to state, that Mr. Lunardi ascended in one from the Artillery
Ground, Moorfields (the first attempt of the kind in England), Sep-
tember 15th, 1783.

LANTHORNS,
Were first invented by king Alfred, in 890.

DIORAMA, &c.

Reader, did you ever see the diorama, or the cosmorama, or the
pcecilorama, or any of the panoramas? If not, we advise yoa to
go and ffee the whole of them immediately, because they are aJI
very pretty affidrs, and well worth seeing. But what is the meaniog
of these terrible-looking, fearfully-sounding words? What is pce-
cilorama especially ?

Greek, gentle reader, vile heathen Greek ! —

Now, first, you will notice, they all end in a three syllable word,
aroma, which, for all so big as it looks, is no other than our plain
English view, with an old-fashioned cloak about it. When pan is
placed before it, the two together signify neither more nor less than
a complete view. If you prefix cosmo, the compound ought to mean
a view qfthe universe; but as that would be rather an extensive
ope, the show folks have taken it in a somewhat narrow sense, as
signifying views of several parts of the world; tiiis, by the way, is
a meaning which it will not bear, and therefore pflPOMromahas the
advantage, since the name is formed, as the grammarians say, more
legitimately, for it really signifies what it is, a varied view, or va-
rious views* Diorama, again, is a peep-through view, and is given
to the pictures from part or all of them being transparent. The
Panorama is neither more nor less tihan a large picture, the Dio-
rama is a transparency, and the Cosmorama and Pcecilorama a
couple of galanta shows for grown up ladies and gentiemen.

TUB XTTMOI^OaiCAIit COMPEHDIUaf. ^.

KALEIDOSCOPE.

** Msrstic trifle, whose perfection
Lies in multiplied reflection,
Let us from tnysparlLliog store
Draw a few reflections more t
In thy magic circle rise
AH things men so dearly prize;
Stars and crowns and glilt'ring thing*.
Such as grace the courts of liings ;
Beauteous figures ever twining, —
Gems with brilliant lustre shining;
Turn the tube ;— how quick they pass>-
Crowns and starsprore brolcen glass!**

This ever ^varying optical instnutient derives its n^me fix)m' «aXec
beautiful, t^ aform^ and o-xorcw to see. Tiie novelty was so en-
chanting that opticians could not manufacture kaleidoscopes fast
enough to meet the aniversal desire for seeing the delightful and
ever vaiyi&g combinations presented by each tarn of the magical
cylinder. It was invented oy Dr. Brewster, to whom, had its ex-
ciosiye formation been ensured, it mast have produced a handsome
fortone in a single year. Unhappily, that gentleman was deprived
of his jost reward by firaudful anticipation,*

WATER CARRIAGE*

Floats, orTafts=, are beKeved by most authors to have been the
first kind ofVater carriage. To these succeeded canoes, made of
onelaive tree excavated, to secare its freight from being wetted or
washed away t^

** Tunc alnos i rimum, fluvit sensere cavatas.**
Then first on seas the hollow alder swam.

As oncoltivated natives wanted proper tools for sawing laige
tree*- into planks, the mo»t ancient vessels or boats in several
countries were made of oziers, and the flexible branches of tree*
interwoven as close as possible, and covered with skins. The sea
which flows between Britain and Ireland, says Caesar, is so anoniet
and sftonny,. that it is only navigable in sommer, when the people of
these countries pas4 and repass it in small boats made of^ wattles,
and coveited carefully with the hides of oxen.

SHIPS OF WAR.

Tbe artof t^p-building was first invented by the Egyptians; the
first ^ip (pirobaoty a galky) being bronght firom Egypt by Darius,
1486, B. C. The first ship of 800 tons was built in England, 1509.
The first doable decked obe bailt in England was of 1000 tons
burthen, bror^er of Henry 7th; it cost £14,000, and was called
the Chreat Harrv ; before this, 24 gun ships were the largest in onr
navy. Port-holes, and o^br improvements, were first invented by
Descharges, a French builder at Brest, in the reign of Loais 12th,
1500.

* Brewster's History of Kaleidoscope.

50 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

BASKETS.

** From Bri taints paiuted sons I came.
And basket is my barbarous name ;
Yet now I am so modish grown.
That Bx)me would claim me for her own/*

Baskets were first made by the ancient Britons, who exported
▼ast quantities of them* Julias Ceesar, particularly alludes to them
in his Commentaries.

MARINER'S COMPASS.

The Mariner's Compass was invented by Flavio Gioia, or GojrAf
a Neopolitan, and from which period we may date the general in-
tercourse among nations. It was discovered early in the fourteenth
century.

FLEUR DE LIS ON THE MARINER'S COMPASS.

Those who have seen the mariner *s compass, or indeed a drawing
of it, must have observed the fleur de lis at the point of the needle.
This takes its origin from the inventor, who in compliment to the
dake of Anjon, then king of Naples, placed his arms (fleur de lis)
in that conspicuous situation.

BRIDGES.-

Bridges were originally called Bows. Stow sajrs, at Stratford by
Bow is a bridge, the first that was built of stone in England. It
was built by orders of queen Matilda, relict of Henry 1st, over tb«
river Lea, and called Stratford Bow, from its arch which veas a
piece of architecture then probably new to the British nation. It
was built in 1087. It is related, that queen Matilda, being closely
pursued by her enemies, forded the river Lea below Old Ford, on
which occasion, the waters being much out, some of her favorite
attendants were drowned, and which afflicted her so much, that af-
terwards she caused the bridge above alluded to to be built over
the said place.

FISHING WITH NETS IN ENGLAND.

The means of supplying life with necessaries, was but imper-
fectly known and cultivated. The poor pagans of Sussex, though
starving for want of food, knew not how to catch any fish except
eels, until bishop Wilfred (who in 678 took shelter in that district),
instructed them in the use of nets. He took 300 at a draught, and
thus supplying the bodily wants of his catechumens, rendered their
minds tractable to his doctrines, and easily accomplished their
bonrersion.

GUNPOWDER.

JTmiix.— Friend Kinz, I've heard grave people mention.
Gunpowder,— as the devil's invention !

Kinz, — Whoe'er inform'd you so was drunk,
'Twas first invented by a monk !

Kunz* — ^Well, well, no matter what the name,
For monk or devil— 'tis all the same ! !

Fables of Lessing,

Gunpowder was known in the Eastern world long before its dis-
•overy took place in Europe. It is a curious fact, that upon our

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 51

^Escoyery of China, we found that nation possesRed of gunpowder^
a composition which could not have been made without a consider-
able uiowledge of chemistry. The discovery of this death-dealing
combustible in Europe is by some attributed to Bartholdns Schwartz,
a German chemist, and monk, who happening to triturate bome sul-
phor^ nitre, and charcoal, in a mortar, was surprised and alarmed
at an unexpected explosion, which blew off the head of his mcnrtar
to a considerable distance. The probability, however, is, that this
was a second discovery of the same thing, for the first intimation
that was given of it, was considerably before, by that great philo-
sopher, Roger Bacon, in his posthumous treatise, entitled, De Nol-
liate MagioB, published at Oxford in 1316, nearly 150 years before
the invention of printing, and about 22 years after the death of its
venerable author.

You may, says he, raise thunder and lightning at pleasure, by
only taking sulphur, nitre, and charcoal, which smgly have no ef-
fect, but mixed together, and confined in a close place, cause a
noise and explosion greater than a clap of thunder.

*' Pent in dark chambers of cylindric brass
tiJumbers in ^rim repose the sooty mass ;
Lit by the brilliant spark, from grain to grain
Runs the quick fire along- the kindling train;
JOa the pain'd ear-drum bursts the sudden crash,
starts the red flame, and death pursues the flasli.
Fear^s feeble hand directs the fiery darts.
And strength and courage yield to chimic arts.**

Gunpowder was first made use of in warfare, in Europe, by the
English, at the battle of Cressy, in the year 1345, when, for the ftrst
time, three pieces of field ordnance, or cannon,* were first used.
It was afterwards used by the Venetians at the siege of Genoa, and
fiiom that period was adopted by every power in Europe.

Before the introduction of gunpowder, however, an highly in-
fianunable compound, called Grf>ek fire, was in use; and this, ha-
ving the property of burning under water, could not easily be ex-
tinguished; consequently, it did surprising, execution. In the 1 2th
century the emperors 01 Constantinople used to send quantities of
this dreadful combustible to princes in fi'iendship with them, as the
most valuable present they could give them, and the greatest mark
of their fiivour. It was considered so important an article of of-
fence, that the use of it was continued long after the introduction
of gunpowder.

CANNONS.

Cannons were first used at the battle of t?ressy in the year 1345.
they were, however, of a small kind. Great guns were first used
in England at the siege of Berwick in 1405. Muskets were not in-
vented till the year 1521 . Cannons were first made of wood, bound
with iron. Brass cannons first cast in England by John Owen, 1535.
Iron cannons first cast 1543, in Sussex.

BOMBS.

Bombs were first invented in 1388, by a man at Venlo. Some
attribute them to Galen, bishop of Munster. They were first

* The first cannons were made of trees bored, and bound with iron
hoops. Stone balls were used till the reign of Henry 8th.

D 2

^ THE^ETYlftpjLOOICAL CO^CPQNDIUM.

thrown upon the town of W^tcbtendonek, in C^aelderland^ in the .
year 1680.

CHAIN SHOT.

This destrnctive missile was invented by De Wit in the year
1660^ and was first oseidby the Dutch on the' Ist of June the same
yeStr^' when the Dutch fleet engaged the Duke of Albemarle's 8qiia«
dtoti in the Downs; it was a drawn battle.

CONaREVE ROCKETS.

The death-dealing rockets thus denominated, receive their name
from General Sir Wm. Congreve, the inventor of them:

GUILLOTINE.

The guillotine takes its name from one Dr. Guillotine, who first
introduced it into France.

'An instrument for beheading, constructed on the same principle
as the guillotine, was ancientlv used in Scotland, and was called a
a maiden; it was introduced by the Recent, James, Earl of Mor-
ion, who, it seems, had met with it in ms travels, and who, by a
singular coincidence, was the first person whose head it severea.

" This mighty Earl (Morton), for the pleasure of the place, and
the salubrity of the air, designed here a noble recess and retirement
from wordly business, but was prevented bv his unfortunate and
inexorable death, three years after, anno 1581, being accused, con-
demned, and executed by the maiden, at the Cross of Edinbro', as
art and part of the murder of King Henry, Earl of Damley, father
of James 6tib, which fatal instrument, at least the pattern thereof,
the cruel Regent had brought from abroad to behead the I^drd of
Pennecuikot the ilk, who, notwithstanding, died in his bed, and
the Earl was the first that handselled this unfortunate Maiden.'' —
Pennecuik Dusc, Tweedal,

LION'S HEAD FOUNTAINS.

Fountains are not so prevalent now as they were wont to be.
Formerly almost every leading street in London, and almost every
town in the country, had its conduit or fountain, firoin whence

" the grateful fluid fell."

They were generally adorned with the lion's head, which the an-
cients introduced, because the inundation of the Nile happened
during the progress of the sun in Leo.

BASTINADO.

Tarquin the Proud invented, says St. Tsadore, the bastinado and
other punishments, and, adds he, ne deserved exile.

THE TREAD MILL.

The tread mill- was taken firom the squirrel cage, which, was for-
merly the indispensable appendage to the oatside of a tinner's shop,
and were in fact the only live signs. One, we believe, still hangs
out in Holbom; but they are fast vanishing with the good old modes
of our ancestors.

^dfe eTTMOLOGICAL COMPfiHbhilf . ■ 53

SUN-DIAL.

WKy has it, spiy^ Elia, almofrt every wliere vimishied ? If its basi-
iiess ase be saperseded by mor^ elaborate in^ventioiui, its morfd uses,
its beaiity, mi^t bave pleaded for its contiimance. It spoke of mo*
ideirate.labonrs, of pleasures not protracted^ after son-aet, of tem>
pengice^ apd good noors. It was the primitiye cYock, the horolage
of the first world. Adam coald scarce have missed it in Paradise.
It was iiie measure appropriate for sweet ulants and flowers ^
toiing by ; for the biras to apportion their jaifver warblings by ; fc^r
'flocks to pasture and'be led to fold by. The shepherd carved it
oot quaintly in the sim, and toining philosopher by the very occn-
pation, provided it with mottos more toachmg than tombstones.

The first son-dial is said to have been set up at Rome by L. Pa-
piiius Cursor, A.U. 447 (B. C. 301), and the next ne^ the rostra,
oy M. Valerius Mesela, the consul, who brought it from Catana^ in
Sicily, in the first Punjc war, A. U. 481. Scipio Nasica first mea-
jsurea time at Rome, by v?ater, or clepsydrae, which served by night
im well aJs by day, A. IJ. 595.

^Tlie use of clocks and watches wero then unknown to the Ro-
hums ; being so much taken up with military acauirements, they
had neither time nor leisure to cultivate the arts oi peace.

CLOCKS, WATCHES, &c.

ulock-making was brought into this country from the Neth^-
^ipds. About the year 134^, that patriotic and wise prince, £d-
,ward tjie 7\ii^d» invited over to this country John Uninam, William
Uiiinam, and John Ijntuyt. of Delft, and granted them hfs royal m^
teptifm to exercise their trade of clock-making in any part qt his
luwIoTn^ without molestation. — ^Rymer*s Foedera, vol. vi. p. 590. ^
, ]rocket watches were first brou^t to England from Germany in
1S77.1 and the manufacture of them commenced a few years aiter-
wards. . ,

According to Eginhard, secretary to Charlemagne, the first cIock
seen in Europe was sent to his inaster by Abdalla, king of Persia.

BELLS;

...Tiprkejtel, abbot, of Croyland, gave to king^ Athelstane the first
set of belts in England. ^ . .

Bells were first baptized, annointed, exorcised, and blessed, in
the beginning of the thirteenth century.

The baptism, of belb.is con^rm^d by an oldai^thpr, John Stell, in
his "^Beehive of the Romish Churchy but we need not this, as it
is. oM&kon In 'france at the present day.

* ]*IANUFACTUBE OF TIN PLATE.

^ Formerly, f^ys ^ark^s in his Chemical Essays, none of the £iig-
lisl^ ivorkers m iron or tin had any knowledge whatever of the^me-
ihflNds by which this useful article could be produced ^ our ance^-
ton, from time immemorial, having supplied uiemseiv^ with itfix)m
Bcmemia and Saxony. . Ilie establislunen^. of this maiiufactqre .ip
tbuM^ districts, was doubtless owing to their vicinity io tfie tinminc^
in Qie circle of Ersgebirg, which, next to those of Cornwall, are the
Invest in Europe. The ore which is found there is not the tin py-
rites, bu^ the mineral palled tin stone. , .i. - .< . -

From the tune of &e invention of tin plaie to the end of the se-

54 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

venteenth centary, not only England but also the whole of Europe
depended upon the manufactures of Bohemia and Saxony for their
supply. However, about the year 1665, Mr. Andrew YarraBtoD,
encouraged by some persons of property, undertook to go over to
Saxony to acquire a knowledge of the art ; and on his return, seve-
ral parcels of tin plate were made of a superior quality to tiiose
which we had been accustomed to import from Saxonj ; bnt owing
to some unfortunate and unforseen circumstances, which are all de-
tailed by Mr. Yarrauton in his very valuable publication, the manu-
factory was not at that time (although some few years after), esta-
blished in any part of Great Britain, Such was the origin of the
tin plate manufactory in England, where, at this day, it is in great-
er perfection than in any other country in Europe.

BLEACHING.

Flax and hemp were emplo;^ed in the fabrication of cloth maay
years ago, and in those early times such cloth was highly esteemed;
it must, therefore, long before that period, have been discovered,
that tiiese fabrics were incmroved in colour by exposure to the ac-
tion of the atmosphere. The effect of hot water in whitening Inovim
linen would also soon arrest the attention of mankind ; and when
it became a practice with the early inhabitants of Asia to employ
certain earths and alkaline plants in the operations of washing and
scouring their garments, the whitening, as well as the detersive
properties of these vegetables, could not fail to be observed, and,
by degrees, would naturally occasion the introduction of regidar
processes for bleaching; and that this art was practised very earl^«
IS, I think, says Parkes, evident from the great progress which it
had made in the beginning of the Christian era.

That the ancients had learnt some method of rendering their Unea
extremely white, may be supposed from many remarks which are
interspersed among their writings. Homer speaks of the garments
of his countrywomen, in a way that leaves no doubt of their being
clothed, occasionally at least, in white vestments.

'* Each gushing fount a marble cistern, fills,
Whose polished bed receives the falling' rills,
"Where Trojan dames, ere yet alarm'd by Greece,
Wash'd their fair garments in the days of peace.'*

Modem bleaching, however, originated with the Dutch, whose
linens were the most esteemed of any in Europe.

CALICO PRINTING*

*' And Jacob made for Joseph a coat of many cotonra.*'^

The coat above alluded to was probably of cotton, or linen ; at
any rate, we are informed, that more than 3000 years ago, a shrewd
matron tied a scarlet thread round the hand of one of Tamar*s
chilch-en ;^ and Homer, who flourished 900 years B. C, spe'ak» of
the variegated cloths of Sidon as very magnificent prodnctions.-|-^

An historian who wrote more than 400 years before the Christian
era, when describing the nations which inhabited Caucasus, a
mountain extending tibroughout the regions of Georgia and Arme-
nia, affirms, that by means of vegetables ^ound and diluted with
water, these people adorned their cloth with the figures of various

• Genesis zxzvia S7. t Iliad, lib. vi. Une 28t.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 55

ammals, and that the dyes were pennaneiit which were thus ob-
tained.

Strabo^ the Greek philosopher, who was contemporary with our
Saviour, relates that the Indians wore flowered linens, and that
Tndia abounded with drags, roots, and colouring substances, from
which some very beautifnl dyes were produced ; and we know that
ihe inJiabitants of India nsea a purple and scarlet dye, resemblii^
cochineal in colour, and in the manner of its production.

Tyre, and other parts of Syria, have^ long been famed also for
using porple and scarlet dye. The Tyrian ^e has been noticed in
song, poetry, and prose : and the late Lord Erskine wittily alludes
to it in his epigram on the Serjeants of the Common Pleas :

** Their purple garments come from Tyre,
Their arguments go to it !**

Thos it will appear, that the origin of calico printing may be
traced to the earner a^es, but to whom the invention belongs is lost
in the mazeid of obscurity.

It does not appear that calico printing was introduced into this
country earlier than the reign of Elizabeth, when an act was passed
to restrain the use of logwood in dyeing, on account of the fugitive
nature <^its colour.^

SOAP.

The first notice we have of soap is by one of the Hebrew : —
'* Though thou wash thee with nitre and take much soap, yet thine
iniquity is marked before me.'' — Jeremiah ii. 22. (Etius, who
flourished about the end of the fourth century, and was the first
Christian medical writer, speaks of a black soap; and Paulas
CEgineta, a Greek physician, who lived in the early part of the
seventh centurv, says he made an extemporaneous soap from oil
and tiie burned, dregs of wine. The origin^ however, cannot be
traced nearer than notice.

ALUM.

The first alum manufactured in England was in the reign of
Queen Elizabeth, at Gisborough in Yorkshire, by one Thomas
Chaloner, an ancestor of Robert Chaloner, Esq. — See Chemical
Chatem. 10th edi. p. 100.

LAWNS, CAMBRICS, AND STARCHING.

Shortly after the introduction of coaches,+ the knowledge and
wear of lawns and cambrics were introduced by the Dutch mer-
chants, who retailed those articles in ells, yards, &c. ; for there was
not one housekeeper, among forty, durst buy a whole piece ; and
when ike queen (Elizabeth) had ruffs made thereof, for her own
princely wearing (for until then the kings and queens of Bngland
wore fine Holland in ruffs), there was none in England could tell
hofw to starch them ; but the queen made special means, for some
women that could shirch ; and Guilham's wife was the first starcher
the queen had, and himself was the first coachman.

Soon after this, the art of starching was first publicly taught in

* In the time of Elizabeth, the nature of logwood was not under-
«tood ; but now it has many important uses, and when properly em-
ployed, is one of the most valuable articles used in dyeing.

t See article <* Origin of Coaches in England."

5g THE ETTMOLOGICAI* COMPENDIUM.

1464, descended the sheep which produces the fine wool of l^paiii^
so much in repate.

The celebrated bishop Blaise invented the art of wool-combioff,
and thereby greatly improved the cloth manufacture. At Bradford,
in Yorkshire, the wool-combers, &c. celebrate his nativity, by pro-
cessions with mosic^ dancing, and festivity.

WEAVING STOCKINGS.

The stockinfi^ loom was first invented, about the year 1590, by (Im
Rev. William Lee, of St. John's College, Cambridge, and of ,

Sussex. This gentleman being desirous of bringing the machine
into general use, and unable to procure any remuneratioa from the
government of his ovm country, he went over to Ronen, in INoc-
mandy, where some spirited individuals undertook to inbrodnce him
to the French minister, who gladly afforded him protection and pa-
tronage. He had previously applied to queen Elizabetii ; and it
must appear not a little extraordinary, that this monarch should
have refused him her support, when it is recollected what patron-
age she afforded to Damel Houghsetter, and to many other roreign-
ers, whom she had invited from different places on the continent of
Europe, to instruct her subjects in useful arts, and in the establish-
ment of new manufactures.

He died, however, in France, before his loom was made there ;
and the art was not long since in no part of the world but England.
Oliver, the Protector, made an act, tnatit should be felony to trans-
port the engine. This information, I took, says Aubrey, from a
weaver in Pearpool Lane, in 1656. Elizabeth, m the third year of
her reign, received a present of a pair of black silk knU stockings,
and from that time never wore cloth hose.

DAMASK WEAVING.

The name which this art bears, shows the place of its origin, <Nr
at least the place where it has been practised in the greatest per-
fection, viz. the city of Damascus, m Syria; though M. Felibien
attributes the perfection of the art to his countryman Cursinet, who
wrought under the reign of king Henry IV.

Damaskeening is partly Mosaic work, partly engraving, and
partly carving; as Mosaic work, it consists of pieces inlaid; as en-
graving, the metal is indented or cut in crenx ; and as carving'^ gold
and silver are wrought tiierein in relievo,

PARCHMENT.

This article of so much utility, was invented by Attains, fimnder
of the monarchy of Pergamus ; he died 198 years before Christ.

PAPER.

Paper made of cotton veas in use in 1100 ; that of linen rags m
1319 ; the manufacture of it introduced into England, at Dartford,in
Kent, in 1588 ; scarce any but brown paper made in England,
till 1690.

MAPS AND SEA CHARTS,

Were first brought into England by Bartholomew C«lnmbns, to
illustrate his brother*8 theory, respecting a western continent^ in
1489.

THE ETTMOLOOICAL COMPEKDIUM. 59

ROMFORD STOVES.

So denominated from Count Romford, a Oennan comit. If So-
crates had the praise of having brought phOosophy down from Heaven
to dwell among men, the Qoant has the merit of having led science
from the laboratory into the kitchen, for not satisfied with intro-
dacing her to the Darlonr and the drawing room, ha presented her
to the nymphs of tne ladle, genii of the pot!

With now happy a mixture of science and sensibility hath one of
oar greatest didactic poets described her new abode.

** liO ! where the chimney's sooty tribe ascends.
The fair Trochaid from the corner bends.
Her coal-black eyes uptumM incessant mark
The eddying smoke, quick flame, and volant q^ark ;
3lark -with swift ken where flashing in between.
Her mnch-lov'd smoke-jack glimmers thro' the scene;
Mark how his various parts together tend.
Point to one purpose, m one otject end :
The spiral groves in smooth meanders flow, '\

Drags the long chain, the polish'd axles glow, V

Whfle slowly circumvolves the piece of beef below, )
The conscious fire with bickering radiance bums.
Eyes the rich joint, and roasts it as it turns/*

CHIMNIES AND CHIMNEY-SWEEPERS.

** Some wooden tubes, a brush, a rope.
Are all you need employ ;
Pray order, maids, the scandiscope, *
And not the climbing-boy."

The oldest certain account of chimnies occurs in the year 1347;
when at Venice a ^at number were thrown down by an earth-

3nake. De Gatans, says, in his History of Padua, that Francesco
e Garraro, Lord of Padua, came to Rome in 1368, and finding no
chimnies in the inn where he lodged, because at that time fire used
to be kindled io a hole, in the middle of the floor, with an apertnro
in the roof, for the escape of the smoke), he caused two chunnies,
like those which had been long nsed at Padua, to be constructed
and arched by masons and carpenters, whom he had brought with
him. Over these chimnies, the first ever seen in Rome, he aBSlxed
his arms to record the event.

It is uncertain at what period chimnies were first introduced into
Endand ; soma have ffone so far as to say, that they were known
and ased here as fiaur back as 1300 ; but they do not substantiate
what they write.

Holinshead, who wrote in the rei^ of qiieen Elizabeth, mforms
us, there were few chimnies, even lu capital towns : the fire was
laid to the veall, and the smoke issued at the roof, or door, or window.
As the general class of 'houses at that period did not exceed one
story high, where the chimnev did tower above the house, it was
not a very diflScult matter to cleanse it : very few chimnies however
did, as tiiey terminated with the roof or gable, consequently they
were easily kept clean.

A long broom, or brush, was first used for the purpose, snch as
we see in churches, and otiier public buildings, and as the chimnies
were built quite straight, it answered the purpose exceedingly well.

• The instrument, or apparatus for cleansing chimnies.

^ THS ETTMCHjOGICiLli COMPISNDIUII.

Of conrse the party moatited the roof and swept downwards. Ob
the accession of James I. to the Bnglkh crown, the Scotch faahioo
of bailding houses, three and four stories high, was first introdacod ;
and it was about this period that climbing boys were first employ^
finr the cleansing of chimnies ; a practice, let as trust, whitch wiB
ere lotn^ be superceded. Reader, If thou meetest one of these snaaa

gentry in thy early rambles, it is ^ood to give him a penny. It is
etter to give him two-pence. If it be starving weather, and io the
proper troubles of his nard occupation, a pair of kibed beeb (no
unusual accompaniment) be superadded, the demand on thy luinia-
nity will surely rise to a tester *

The following anecdote will, perhaps, not prove unacceptable.
In one of the state beds at Arundel Castle, a few years since, under
a ducal canopy, (that seat of the Howards is an object of curiosity
to visitors, chiefly for its beds, in which the late duke was especially
a connoiseur), encircled with curtains of delicatest crimson, witn
starry coronets interwoven, folded between apair of sheets, whiter
and softer than the lap where Venus lulled Ascanius, was disco-
vered by chance, after all methods of search had failed, at noon-
day, fast asleep, a lost chimney sweeper! The little creature,
having somehow confounded his passage among the intricacies ti
tibose lordly chimnies. by some unknown aperture had alighted npoa
this magnificent chamber; and tired with his tedious explorations,
was unable to resist the delicious invitement to repose, which he
there saw exhibited; so, creeping between the sheets very quietly,
laid his black head upon the pillow and slept like a Howard:

May Day, is what is called Chimney Sweeper's Day: 'twas on this
day, tiiat their late excellent friend Mrs. Montague,-f entertained
them at her house in Portmni^Siqnare ; she gave them roast beef and
blomb pudding, and a shilling each, and they danced after their
dinner. Let us now see^ what a very ingenious writer says of theb
May-day gambols.

Will any body have the goodness to abolish the May-day Ghiiii-
ney Sweepers? They are a blot upon the season; a smear; a
smutting of one's face; a piece of soot in one's soap; a cinder is
one's gravy ; a rotten core to one's aiq>le.

T%ey are like a tea-kettle on a sofa. They are a story, alas! toe
true: shadowy, without setting off) the face of things, cmldren, yet
not happy ; merry-making, yet nobody is the blither. They are o«|
of their element at all times, and nevermore so tiian on ttaeiEoaly
holiday. Their dancing ia that of lame legs ; their music is a cla£*
taring of stumps ; their finery like a harlequin's leavings thrcnvn in
the oust-hole. They come liKe a contradiction to the season^ a&if
because nothing clean, wholesome, or vernal, could be got npt, tiie
day-sbealdbe spited with the sqnaHdest-and sickliest of ourinnioep
associations. They ck> not say, we come to make yon happy; bfll^
to show to the nnhappiest man, on this verv UBc<Mnrartable oay^ that
there are yootiis and little boys who beat his unhappy lot

They understand their perverse business well, and dress up some
of their party like girls, beoaiise< of all masqueraders, tiieir diitjr
dinginess is least suitable to the sex. They contradict even Uie
siMnt of masqaerade itself, and, like the miser in the novel, wear

' . . ' ft ' ' t .1.1... ■ .1.1 ■ . .. ,1 ■ 1,1 I „

•JLsixpence!

t A young Montague was once kidnapped, and sold to a sweep, but
afterwards-recovered.— iStf.

THB BTTMOLOOICAL COHPEl^TDnTn* Q|

real ckintiey «werping clothes, with a little tinsel to make the
realitf more palpable. It is donbtfnl pyen whether they keep their
oWfr pence, inietber the pittance, which charity itself is ashamed to
ghr« them cm sach a day, (angry with the bad ioke, and with for^-'
getting them at other times), is not snrrenderea at the close of their
faoppiDg exposure, to the sturdier keepers who attend them. No-
thing is certainly their own, but the^ dirt of which they cannot get
tid, and a disease., or liability to a disease, pecaKar to the trade imd
A^^cefal to human nature. Our jest has become serious ; bnt so
it most, if we think weH of it. Will nobod^r undertake to admoni8&
these sorry-makers off the ground, or subsutote real merry-makerA
ittsteani? — New Monthly Mag*

PRUSSIAN BLUE.

^his ctAota was accidently discovered abont the beginning of last
centoxT, by a chettrist of Berlin, who, haying successively tbrowii
upon the ground, several liquors from his laboratory, was much wttt*
prised to see it suddenly stained with a beantiful bine colour.

Recdlecting what liquors he had thrown out, and observing the
same effects from a similar mixture, he afterwards prepared it for
the use of the painters. From the place (Berlin) tHiere it was di»>
covBred, being the capital of Prossia, it receivedfthe name of Pncf-

LAMP BLACK.

Lamp Black, or Lamb Black, as it is usnally caHed, is th6 tooi of
oil ; it u .^lade by burning a number of lamps in a confifl^d place,
iiram whence no part of the fumes can escape, and the soot formed
against the top and sides of the room is swept together and col-
lected. In England it is manufactured at the turpentine houses^
from the dregs of the resinous matters prepared (iiere, which are set
on ftee mider a chimney, or other place made fof the purpose, lined
-with nUeep-sishA,* &c. to receive the soot

GALVANISM.

the discovery of the effects of electricity oH animals, states the
BSIbge de Galvanic took place, at the time, from something like ac-
cident l*he wife of Oalvani, at that time Professor of Anatomy in
the University of Bologna, bein^ in a declining state of health, em-
ployed as a restorative, according to the custom of the country, a
soup made of frogs. A number ot these animals, ready skinned for
tiie purpose of cooking, were lyii^ with that comfortable negligence
common both to French and Italians, (which allows them, wiChont
repngnance, to do every thing in every place that is at the moment
most convem'ent), in the professor's laboratory, near an electric ma*
chine : it being probably the intention of the lady to cook them there.
Wbile the machine was in action, an attendant happened to touch
with the point of the scalpel, the crural nerve of one of the frogs,
that was not far from the prime conductor, when the limbs were
thrown into strong convulsions. This experiment was performed in
the absence of the professor, but it was noticed by the lady, who was
much struck by the appearance, and communicated it to her hns-

* Probably /am^-skins, from whence it may have been called knnb*'
black.

02 THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUU.

band. He repeated the experiment, varied it in different ways , and
perceived that the convulsions only took place when a span was
drawn from the prime conductor, while the nerve was at the same
time touched with a substance which was a conductor of electricity.

GAS.

The mode of adapting it to lighting our streets and houses, was
discovered by a Frenchman, an engineer, named Lebon, about
twenty- five years ago, who gives the following particulars of the ciT'
pnmstances which first led Ui its application. It was about 1663, that
Becher, a skilful chemist, discovered that coal, when calcined in
close vessels, yielded a kind of oil, resembling tar, and capable oi
serving for the same uses.

Experiments made in 1758, in Alsace, for the extraction of this
cii, uroved that the calcined coal left in the retort, was of excellent

Snauty for melting iron, and for all domestic purposes. In 1768,
1. de Limbourg, navin^ employed the same processes at the forges
of Theusc, in the principality of Liege, substituted for earthen re-
torts, which till then had been made use of, retorts of cast iron, which
are more durable, and in which an opening may b(* made, provided
with a door for pnttiog in and taking out the coal. These experi-
ments were repeated with success in England and France. In tiie
prosecution of them, it was found that, besides the solid and liqnid
products, there was disengaged an inflammable gas, composed of
carbon and hydrogen, and which was therefore denominated carbU'
raJted hydrogen.

In 1799, Lebon conceived an idea of adapting this carbnrated hy-
drogen gas to an useful purpose, and realized it the sa9ie year at
Pans, by exhibiting the mterior of his house and garden illnminated
with it, issuing from a large reservoir, where it underwent a slight
compressure, was conducted to the lamps by small tubes fnmisbed
with cocks, that could be opened at pleasure to light the gas, or
closed to extinguish it. * Lebon set up one of these apparatus, iraich
he called Thermo Lamps, at the Theatre de Loervois, where every
body had an opportunity of seeing it for several months. It was the
verv same apparatus now employed in England, but on a much larger
scue. The only difference is, that Lebon obtained his gas by the
calcination ofw^od, and the English from coaL

LIGHT-HOUSES.

The use of mirrors for reflecting light-houses in England, is of
ver^ recent date ; and, although the idea was not suggested b^ the
frdling of an apple, nor the dissection of a frog, it owes its origin to
a circumstance almost as trivial, which is as Ibliows.

At a meeting of a society of mathematicians, at Liverpool, one of
the members proposed to lay a wager, that he would read a para-
graph of a newspaper at ten yards distance, with the light of a fiir-
thinz candle. The wager was laid, and the proposer covered the
inside of a wooden dish with pieces of looking-glass, fastened in
with glazier's pntty^ placed his reflector behind the candle, and won
the wager. One oi tne company marked this experiment witii a fid-
losophic eye. This was Captain Hutchinson, the dock-master.
Witn him originated those Reflecting Light Houses at Liverpool,
which were erected in 1763.

THE ETTMOIiOGlCAL COMPENDIUM. ^

ELECTRICITY.

The first idea g^ven of electricity was by two globes of brimstone,
in 1467 ; electric stroke discoverea at Leyden, 1746 ; first known it
would fire spirits^ 1756 } that of the Aurora fiorealis and of light-
nings in 176^. ^

ORIGIN OF COAL.
<« The bowels of the earth yield up their coal.**

Geologists have given great scope to their inventive faculties, in
endeavouring to determine the sources and origin of coal ; but every
thing tends to show its vegetable origin, and specimens of a regular
succession of wood, little changed, and ending with coal, in \niich
all organic traces are lost, have occurred. And even in the most
perfect coal some relic is often found, some trace of vegetable texture,
some fibrons remain, that clearly annoanced its ligneoos origin. In
the leaves that appear in bovev-coal, for iuNtance, resin and ex-
tractive matter have been tonnd, and also a substance uniting th«
properties of resin and bitumen ; and the same substance has heen
round in the principal coal-field of Stafibrdshire. Perhaps, there-
fore, antediluvian timber and peat-bog may have been the parents of
our coal-strata ; but then, it will be asked, how has this mighty
change been effected? Is it merely by aqueous agency, a kind of
.decay and rotting-down of the wooa, or mis fire been called into
action, terrifying the vegetable matter, and the pressure under
which it has operated, preventing the escape of volatile matter,
caused the formation of bitumen ? And are those reservoirs of com-
pressed carburetted hydrogen, from which blowers result, to be
ascribed to such a mode of tormation ? — Panoramic Miscellany.

On the authority of chronology, this useful and necessary mineral,
was first discovered near Newcastle, in the year 1*234.

Another writer says : those invaluable black diamonds, called
Coals, seem to have been known to the ancient Greeks. Theo-
phrastus, the scholar of Aristotle, about two thousand years ago^
in describing litkanthrax, or the stone coal, says : those fossil sub-
stances that are called coals, and are broken for use, are earthy ;
th&v kindle, however, and bum like wood coals.

The primeval Britons were indisputably acquainted with this fuel,
which, according to Pennant, thev called Glo. The Anglo-Saxons
called it Col; the Dutch, Koh; the Danes, KtU; the Irish, Ougal;
and the Cornish, Kolan.

COALS IN LONDON,

Stowe says, coals were first used in London in the reign of Ed-
ward I., and the smoke was supposed to corrupt the air so much,
that he fwhade the use of them by proclamation.

TAX ON COALS IN LONDON.

Charles II., son of Charles the Martyr, king of Great Britain,
France, and Ireland. Defender of the Faith, a most gracious prince,
commiserating the deplorable state of things, whilst the ruins were
yet smoking, provided for the comfort of his citizens, and the orna-
ment of his city ; remitted their taxes, and referred the petitions of
the magistrates and inhabitants to the parliament ; who immediately
passed an act, that public works should be restored to greater beauty,
with public money^ to be raised by an imposition on coals ; that

^ TliB ktitfkohodtcih cbsf^Nbitk.

churches, and the cathedral of St. Pauls, should be rebuilt from their
foondationsy with all maniificence ; that the bridges, gates, and
prisons should be new m&de, the sewers cleansed, tne streets made
straight and regular, such as were steep levelled, and thiMse two nar-
row made wider, ttiatkets and shambles removed to stipdrate plaices.
They also enacted, that every house should be built wim party walfes,
and all in front raised of an equal height, and those walls all of sonare
stone, or brick ; and thdt no ^an shoufd delay building beyond the
iipace of s^ven y«ffi^;— KAf^ Sinith Me 6/ the MifMnunt

CALLIGRAPHY, OR THE ART OF WRITING.

Writing, or the art of Calligraphy, is of uiicertain data. Hlerid-
^l^iics were the first characters used, and there is little dobbty Bdt
that we are indebted to the ancient Greeks for those less doobuHl
cjiaracters which we noi^ employ. The Efi^ish, Freilch, and Iltf-
litins, are considered to have cottivatfed th» Etrt wifh lilbt'e si^ti^
ilian other nations. It has, however, beeb stupidly^ con^id^fed tt
incompatible with the character of a gentti^man to vmte a^odd Bitiw.

Pr* 'Pan used to observe, that he unfortunately accnstditied bSfl-
self to write ra|>idly, bnt not w^U, and lamented ttel cotise^ehceit,
as , his MS S were often returned as unintelligible. He eoiiclii^
his lamentation over his own bad writing, by retilinding thbs^ wfi6
deemed Calligraphy an accoihplishment unworthy of a scholar id|d
a gentleman, that in the art of writing Mr. Fox was eminentiy dis-
tinguished by the clearness and firmnei^S, Mr. Pbrsdn by the corteci-
ness and elegance, and Sir Wm. Xoiies by the ease, beauty, atid Vfi(-
riety of the character!^ they respectively employed.

SECTION IV.

RISE ANt> PROGRESS OF THfi STAGE, ORIGIN

OF VARIOUS POPULAR ANTHEMS,

PLAYS, SONGS, &c. &c.

TRAGEDY.

TVagedy, like other arts, was mde {tad impieHect hi iti cbintneftfce-
ment, Amon^ the Greeks, from whom clot draitfati6 enterttfff-
ments are derived, the origin of this art was no other thtfiK the ^b^
which was commonly sung at the festival of Bacchus.

A goat was the sacrifice offered to that god. After the sacrifice,
the (niests, and all the company attending, sung hymns in honoi^ of
Bacchus ; and, from the name of the victim, rpeeyof^ a goat, joined wift
*^, a song, undoubtedly arose the word tragedy *

" At first, the tra^dy was void of art;
A aong where each man danced and sun? his part.
And of ^od Bacchus roaring out the praise.
Sought a good vintage for their jolly days ;
Then wine and joy were seen in each maa's eyes.
And & fht goat was the be^t singer's prize.

THE'ErmOEiOOIGiLLCOlilfBirDtUM. ^

Tkajds, wu cm, v/ho, all benneArM irWi lee.
Began tiiis pleasare for posterity :
Aad with his carted actors, and a long,
Amus'd the people as he pass'd along.
^lezt Mschylus the diflTrent persons plac'd.
And with a better mask his players glrac'd ;
-^Upon ft theatre his Terse express*d,
And-show'd his hero with a bnsl(in dressM.
Then JHophocle*^ the genius of the age,
IncreasM the pomp and beauty of thesta^;
Kngag*d the chorus song in evVy part,
tAnd pdisfa'd nigged verse by rules of art.**— Prydeii.

ORATORIOS.

The eratorio comnenced with the fathers df the Oratory, In order
to dnnr youth to diiirch, they had hymns, psahns, and spintaal songi,
•orduitatas, simg either in chorus, or by a single voice. Tliese
;|^C0S were diyided into two parts, the one performed before the
sermcm, and the other after it. tiered stories, or events from Scrip-
'tare, written in venie, and by way of dialogue, were set to music,
and die first pert being performed, the sermon succeeded, which <}»
people were indnced to stay and hear, that they might be present
at ine performance of the second part.

The subjects in early times were the'Gkk>d Samaritan, the Pro-
digal &<Uk, Tobit with the Angel, his Father, and his Wife, and
Audlar histories, which by the excellence of the composition, tike
band of instruments, and the performance, brought the Oratory
into gte9i repute, hence this species of musical drama obtained the
general appellation of Oratorw,

RELIGIOUS PLAYS.

Apollinarius, who lived in the time of the emperor Julian, wrote
religions odes, and turned particular histories, and portions of the
Old md New Testament into comedies and tragedies, after the
manner of Menander, Euripides, and Pindar. These were called
Mysteries, and were the nrst dramatic performances. The first
Aramatic representation in Italy, was a spiritual comedy, perfdrlited
»t 'Padua, in 1343 ; and there was a company instituted at Rome, ih
i9S4, whose chief emnloyment was to represent the sufferings of
t/hrist in Passion Week. The Rev. Mr. Croft, and the Hon. Top-
^nm Beauclerc. collected a n%at number of these Italian Plays or
Myisteries ; ana at the sale of their libraries. Dr. Barney purcbused
many of the most ancietit, which he speaks of as beii^ evidently
4Drach earlier than the discovery of printing, from the gross manner
in ^Hhich the subjects are treated^ the coarseness of the dialogae,
imd the ridicnloos sitnation into which most sacted persons and things
tm thrown.

Id 1813, Philip the Fair, ^ve the most stkmptaoos entertainment,
at Piaris, ever remembered m that city. Edward 11. and his qveen
Isabella, crossed over from England with a large retinue of nobility,
and partook of the magnificent festivities. The t>omp and profusion
nflhe banqnetiogs, the variety of the anmsefnents, and the splendour
of the costume were unsurpassed. On the occasion. Religious Plays
were represented, of the Glory of the Blessed^ and at other times
w/Stk the Torments of the Damned, and various other spectacles.

The ReKgions Ooild, or fraternity of Corjjns Cbristi, at York, was
tM^ged annnally to perform a Corpus Christi play. Bnt the more
eBrimnt performers of mysteries wipre the Society df Pftrish Clorka

^ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

of London. On the 18tii, 19th, and 20th of JuIt, 1390, they played
Interludes Bt the Skinner's Well, as the nsnal place of their per-
fiivmance, before king Richard XL, his queen, and their conrt; and
at the same place, in 1490, thev played the Creation of the World.
The first trace of theatrical performance, however, in this country, is
recorded by Matthew Paris, who wrote about 1240, and relates, that
Geoffrey, a learned Norman, master of the school of tiie abbey (rf*
Dunstable, composed the play of St. Catherine, which was actea by
his scholars. Geoffrey's performance took place in the year 1110,
and he borrowed copes from the sacrist of St, Albans, to dress his
characters.

In the reign of Henry VII., 1487, that king, in his castle at Win-
chester, was entertained on a Sunday, while at dinner, with the per-
formance of Christ's Descent into Hell ; and, on the Feast ofSt.
Margaret, in 1511, the miracle play of the Holy Martyr St. George,
was acted, oh a stage, in an open field at Bassingbome, in Cam-
bridgeshire, at which were a mmstrel and three waits, hired from
Cambridge, with a property-man and a painter.

Thus, it appears, that the earliest dramatic performances were of
a religious nature, and that the present drama, as will be seen in
another article, takes its data from the 16th century.

PUBLIC THEATRES IN ROME.

The first public theatre opened in Rome, was in 1671 ; and in 1677,
the Opera was established m Venice. In 1680, at Padua, tiie opera
of Berenice was performed, in a style which makes all the proces-
sions and stage paraphanalia of modem times shrink into insig-
nificance.

RISE OF THE DRAMA IN ENGLAND.

*' All the world 's a stage !**

William Fitzstephen, a monk of Canterbury, who wrote in the
reign of Henry II., and died in 1191, in speaking of the performances
of the stage, says,

London, instead of common Interludes belonging to the theatre,
bafli plays of a more holy subject; representations of those miracles
which the holy confessors wrought, or of the sufferings wherein the
glorious constancy of the martyrs did appear. In the reign of Ed-
ward HI., it was ordained by the act of parliament, that the strollers
should be whipt and banished out of London, on account of the acaa-
dalons masquerades which they represented. By these masquerades
we are to understand, a species of entertainment similar to the per-
formances of the mummers ; of which some remains were to be met
with, so late as on Christmas Eve, 1817, in an obscure ^iHuge m
Cumberland, where there was a numerous party of tibem. Tlieir
drama related to some historical subject, and several of the speeches
were in verse, and delivered with good emphasis. The whole con-
cluded with a battle, in which one of the heroes was subdued ; bat
the main character was a jester, who constantly interrupted Hkt
heroics with his buffoonry, like the clown in the tnigedies of Calde-
ron, the Spanish Shakspeare. The play of Hock Tuesday, per-
formed before queen Elizabeth, at Kenilworth, was in dumb-show,
the actors not having had time to get their parts. It represented,
says Dr. Percy, in his Reliques of Ancient Poetry, after Laneham,
the outrage and importable insolency of the Danes, the grievous
complaint of Huna, king Ethelred's chieftain in wars ; his counsel-
Ung and contriving the plot to dispatch them ; concluding with coR-

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. fgj

flicts, (between Danish and English warriors), and their final sup-
pression, expressed in actions and rhymes after their manner* Ooe
can hardly conceive a more regnlar model of a complete tragedy.
The drama, in England, undoubtedly arose much in the same way
as it did in Greece* The strollers^ or vagrants, with their theatres
in the yards of inns, answer to the company and exhibitioDS of
Thespis ; and the improvements were gradual, till at last, to use the
words of Sir George Buck, who wrote in 1631, dramatic poesy is so
lively expressed and represented upon the public stages and the
theatres of this city, (London) as Rome, in toe highest pitch of her
pomp and glory, never saw it better performed.

ANCIENT PLAY-HOUSES AND BEAR-GARDENS, Ac.
IN LONDON AND SOUTHWARK.

■* He harries me firom the Play-house and scenes there, to the BeoT'^
garden,— Stiliingjieet.

The most ancient play-houses, says an intelligent writer, Lc.
those of London, were the Curtain, in Shoreditch, and the Theatre.
It is supposed, that oiit' ancient theatres, in general, were only fur-
nished with curtains, which opened in the middle, and a single scene,
composed of tapestry, sometimes ornamented with pictures. In
Birch's View of London, which is very rare, there is a representa-
tion of the Fortune Play-house, wi;h a flag before the door;^ it was
situated between White Cross Street and Golden Lane.

The original structure which stood here, was appointed for the
nursery of the children of king Henry Vllf. The lease was par-
chased by Edward Alleyn, esq , founder of Dulwich Hospital, and
he formed it into a theatre, denominated The Fortune, and finished
it in 1599* In 1621, the whole building, and the theatrical property,
were destroyed by fire. After being rebuilt, it was ofi*erea for sale,
in 1661, ana then was of sufficient space to afford twenty-three tene-
ments and gardens, and a street, now called Play-house Yard;
which is at present occnpied by dealers in old clothes.

The Red Bull Play-house, stood on a spot of gronnd lately called
Red Bull Yard, near the upper end of St. John's Street, Clerken-
well, and is traditionally said to have been th^ theatre at which
Shakspeare first held gentlemen's horses* In the civil vrars it be-
came celebrated for the representation of drolls ; and Francis ^rk-
man, in 1672, published a collection of these pieces, the frontispiece
of wUch exhibits the inside of this theatre.

The Swan Theatre was the most westerly of the play-houses on
Bankside, and must have stood at no great distance from the Surrey
end of Blackfriar's Bridge. It was a large house, and flourished
only a few years, being suppressed at the commencement of the
cinl wars. It is represented, in the Antwerp View of London, now
in the possession of John Dent, esq.

A little to the West of St. Mary Overie, in a. place called Globe
Alley, stood, says Pennant, the Globe, immortalized by having been
the theatre on which Shakspeare first trod the stage, but in no higher
diaracter than the Ghost, in his own play of Hamlet- It appears to
have been of an octagonal form, and is said to have been covered
with rashes. The door was very lately standing. James I. granted
a patent to Laurence Fletcher, William Shakspeare, Richard Bur-
bap, (the first performer of Richard the Third) Augustine Phillipes,
John Hemmings, Henrie Condell, William Sly, Robert Armin, and

• A necessary appendage at play houses in former dayt«

-Ric&ttrd Cowlie, and others of His Majesty's Senranis, to act Iierf,
or in any other part of (he kingdom.

The play-houses in, and aoontLonddh. were by this time et-
tireteely nmneroas, there not being fewer than seventeen between

'tile years 1570 aiid 1629.

Near the water, on Bankside, stood Paris Garden, one of tfie an-
cient play-houses. It seems to have been much frequented te
Sondays. This profanation was at length fiilly punished by the (**
accident which heaven directed, and befel the spectators in It

'when the scaffolding suddenly fell, and multitudes of people wi^
suddenly killed, or miserably maimed. The omen seems to'hirve
been accepted; for in the next century, the manor of Paris Gkuden
was erected into a parish^ and a church founded under ihe name of
Christ's. . ..

In the early part of Shakspeare's acquaintance with the theatre,
the want of scenery seems to have been supplied by the simple ez-
|)edi^nt, of writing the names of the different jplaces where the scene
Was laid. The covering, or intended roof of the stage, was anciei^
termed the heavetis. Many of the comnianies of the players wete
formerly so thin, that one jperson playea two or three parts ; iand^a
liattle, on which the fate of an empire was supposed to depend, "^
decided by half a dozen combatants. The person who spoke
prologue wais ushered in by triimpefs, and usually wore a long him
velvet cloak, which is "still retdinedjn the -play of Hamlet, as tM-
bited before the 'king and eourt of Dei^marL Most, if not all, of
.ShakspeareV plains, were'perfbrmed either at the Globe, or tit ^
theatre in Blackfriars, which was a private play-house, and nsoaljy
performed by candle-light. In the other theatre's, they commenced
at one o'clock in the afternoon, and the exhibition v?as nsoidly
finished in two hours ; and so late as 1667, they commenced at three
o'clock.

Scenes first made their appearance upon the English sta^, b
1662, at the opening of the Duke of York's Theatre, in LinctiuA-
Tnn- Fields, which was opened by Sir William Davenant, Wifli one
df his own plays. The Siege of Rhodes.

DRAMATIC CENSORSHIP.

Heiury Fielding having ridiculed the ministry, in his two plays of
Pasqnin and the Historic Register, a piece called the Golden Ruiq^
which never was acted, never appeared in print, nor was it ew
known who was the author, was sent anonymously to Mr. Heitfy
Gifiard, the manager of Goodman's Fields theatre, for representa-
tion. In this piece the most unbounded abuse was vented, not oaly
against parliament, the council, and ministry, but even ag^ainst the
pereon of the king himself. The honest man&^er, free uom. desi^^
nimself, suspecting none in others, but imaginm? that a license of
this kind, if permitted to run to such enormous lengths, woidd be
attended vritn pernicious consequences to his interest, quickly |ier-
ceivedthe snare, and carried the piece to the minister, with a view
of consulting him upon it

The latter commended highly his integrity in this step,requeited
only Uie M. S., but at the same time, that the manager might be no
loser by his zeal for the interests of his king and country, ordered
a gratuity equal to what he might have expected from the ptoGiMjif
representation. The minister instantly made use of the manosciqiit
play, to introduce and pass a bill in parliament for limiting the nun*

TEB ETTMQLpQICAIi. COMPENDIUM* 00 ^

ber of theatre*, and mbmitting every drunatic piece to the invpec*
tiOn <^^e lord chamberlaiii^ previona to its appearance on the sfw^

SOLDIERS DOING DUTY AT THE THEATRES HOYAL.

In the reign of George the Second, when Qnin acted in Lincoln's
Inn Fields ueatre, it occarred one night, daring the performance
of the Beggar's Opera, it being then a preyailing custom to admit
noblemen and gentlemen behind the scenes, tnat one of them, a
warm tenn>ered person, flushed with potent libations of nsqoebangh,
in a very mteresting scene of the onera, crossed the stage, amidst
the performers. Qain was behina the scenes, and exyMMtalated
with the nobleman on the impropriety of his conduct. The latter
on this stmck Qain in the face, who returned the blow. This being
witnessed by the nobleman's companions, they drew their swords,
and a general fight ensued. The police of the town not being un-
der SDch strict regnlatioiy as it is at present, nor by any means so
numerous and effective, vie proprietors called in the interference of
the district watchmen, such characters as Dogberry, Verges, &c.,
and the noblemen were given in charge to them. They were kept
in cnstody ail night, and examined the next morning before the
magistrates, and held to bail, when they made restitution and were
discharged.

His Majesty hearing of the outrage, sent privately for a few of the
ringleaders, whom he rather lectured severely on their improper
conduct ; and to prevent the occurrence of such an outrage, the
king was pleased to order, that the guards should in future do duty
every play night, which custom has never been dispensed with since.

ACTORS MAKING A TRADE OF THEIR PROFESSION.

Actors, prior to the year 1578, were retainers to the court and
the nobility, and none had the privilege to act but such, except the
Ckmipany of Parish Clerks, in religions plays, &c> Stowe says,
speaking of the former, " This wns at once a recreation, and used
therefore, now and then occasionally, but afterwards by abuse, be-
came a trade and calling, and so remains to this day."

ORIGINAL THEATRICAL STAGES IN ENGLAND.

Host of our early dramatic pieces were performed in the yards oi
inns, in which, in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign, the
come^ans, who then first united themselves in companies, erected
an occasional stage. The spectators viewed the performances from
galleries or corridors, which at that time generally ran round the
court yards of inns ; many of which may still yet be seen in the city
of London, and the borough, and some slight remains of them exist
in the Eagle Inn Yard, and the Falcon Ion Yard. Cambridge. In
the latter, there are remains on one side of two tiers of railed gal-
leries, of one tier at the opposite side, and one tier at the end ; the
stage, we may reasonably suppose, was on the fourth side. The
FcJcon Inn ceases to exist there, but the area still bears the name*
There are slight vestiges of a gallery of this nature at the Black
Bear Inn Yard, Cambridge, where, upon M^ 28, 1600, an inter-
lode was performed, at which one Dominus Pepper was seen with
an iipproper habit, having deformed long locks of an unseemly sight,
and ipreat breeches indecent for a graduate or scholar of orderly
•ainage : therefore, the said Pepper was commanded to appear

70 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

presently, and procnre lus hair to be cnt or powled ; and which be-
ing done, the said Pepper, returning to the consistory, was there
•ospended, ab omni gradu suscepto et suscimendo. In October
1812, an order was made by St- John's and Trinity College, that
erery yoanr man, who appeared in hall or chapel in pantaloons or
trawsers, snould be considered a» absent. — Retrospective Review*

BEGGAR'S OPERA.

Tis nearly one hundred years since its first performance was the
sabject of mach bitterness and party feeling. Attempts had been
made, from time to time, to introduce mnsical dramas upon the Ita*
lian model on the English stage ; but the scheme was not success-
fully brought to bear until the beginning of the last century. The
noreltv, patronised by the royal family and people of fashion, su-
perceded the regular drama, and Shakspeare and Jonson, with
other worthies, were forgotten, until the r^e for music began to
subside in a violent schism among the patrons and the performers,
when the contending parties, tired of the war, and the perfidious
lords and ladies withdrawing their alliance, the Beggar's Opera
burst forth, and the Italian opera was fairly, or as unfanly as many
thought, hunted down.

Bonancini, a celebrated Italian composer, was ungraciously pitted
against the great German, Handel. Cuzzoni and Faustina, two
riyal syrens, set the fashionables at war. Lady Pembroke headed
one party. Lady Burlington the other. The wits enjoyed the wpott,
and sided with none. Hence Swift's epigram :

•* Strange that difference should be
'Twixt tweedle-dum and tweedle-dee."

It may be remarked here, that the first female who ever perform-
ed Polly Peachum in the Beggar's Opera, viz. Miss Fenton, after-
wards became Duchess of Bolton.

GARRICR'S FIRST PLAY BILL.

When Garrick quitted Ipswich, where he played a few nights in
a provincial company, he repaired to London ; but it appears he
was unable to get an engagement at any of the great houses. Ht
was then obliged to join the company in Goodman's Fields, who,
to avoid being sent to prison as rogues and vagabonds, for acting
without a license, presented plays to their audiences gratis, chaiging
them only for the concerts. Here it was that the British Roscins,
trembling with hope and fear, made his first bow, as Richard the
Third.

The following is the copy of the bill : —

Goodman's Fields, October 19, 1741.— At the Theatre in Good-
man's Fields, this day, will be performed, a Concert of Vocal and
Instrumental Music, divided into two parts. — Tickets at Three,
Two, and One Shilling. — Places for the Boxes to be taken at (he
Fleece Tavern, next door to the Theatre. N. B. Between the two
parts of the Concert will be presented an historical Play, called
the Life and Death of King Richard the Third; containing the dis-
tresses of King Henry the Sixth ; the artful acquisition of the Crown
by Richard ; the Murder of young Edward the Fifth and his brother
in the Tower ; the landing of the Earl of Richmond, and the Death
of King Richard in the memorable Battle of Bos worth-field, being
the last that was fought between the houses of York and Lancaster;
with other true historical passages. The part of King Richard by

THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 71

a Cxentleman* (who neTer appeared on any stage) ; Kiag Henry,
Mr. Oiffard ; Richmond, by Mr. Marshall ; Prince Edward, Miss
Hippesley ; Dake of York, Miss Naylor, &c. ; with an entertain-
ment of dancing, &c. To which will be added, a Ballad Opera in
one act, called the Virgin Unmasked. Both of which will be per-
formed by persons gratis, for diversion. The Concert to begin at
Six o'clock exactly.

FIRST ENGLISH ACTRESS.

The first woman who appeared on the English stage was a Mrs
Coleman, who represented lanthe, in Dayenant's Siege of Rhodes.
This was in 1656. Up to that period, men enacted the women cha-
racters, dressed as sach.

PUNCH.

•* He gives me the motions. '•--5/zflr A: jpf are.

It is very difficult to trace accurately the origin of any character
of this description ; the reader, therefore, must be satisfied with an
anconnected notice of it.

In dOme of the old mysteries, wherein, no doubt, some of our rea-
ders are well read, the devil was the buffoon of the piece, and used
to indulge himself most freely in the gross indecencies tolerated in
the earlier ages. When those mysteries began to be refined into
moralities, the Vice gradually superseded the former clown, if he
may be so designated ; and at the commencement of such change,
frequently shared the comic part of the performance with him. The
Vice was armed with a dagger of lath, with which he was to bela-
bour the devil, who sometimes, however, at the conclusion of the
piece, carried off the Vice with him. Here we have something like
the club wielded by Punch, and the wand of Harlequin, at the pre-
sent time, and a similar finish of the Devil and Punch may be seen
daily in our streets.

Thus much may be said of the origin of the character, and as to
which most writers agree. The term Punch is an abbreviation from
the Italian policinello or punchinello, vidiich signifies a merry fool.

COXCOMB.
" He is a conceited coxcomb,"

The fool, in the early drama, was frequently dressed in a motley
or party-coloured coat, and each leg clad in different coloured hose.
A sort of hood covered his head, resembling a monk's cowl t this
was afterwards changed for a cap, each being usually sarmounted
with the neck and head of a cock, or sometimes only the crest, or
comb j hence was derived the term Coxcomb.

PANTOMIME.

Pantomime, or Pantomimic Mystery in its more extended sense,
was known to the Greek and Roman stages, being introduced on
the latter by Pylades and Bathyllus, in the time of Augustas Caesar.
From that time to the present, different modifications of this repre-
sentation have taken place on the continent, and the lofty scenes of

• Garrick.

72 THE ET YMOLOaiCAl4 COMPENB^Ulf •

ancient. pantomime are degenerated to the bizarre adventares oi
HarleqaiDf Pantaloon, and Merry Andrew. The first 'pantdmima .
performed by grotesque characters in this country was at Dnry
Jjane Theatre, in the year 1702^ It was composed by Mr. Wearer;
aad called " The Tavern Bilkers." In 1717, the first harlequinade
was^rfonned at the theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields^ called .'* Har^
leqaiaExeeated.'* It was composed by Mr. Rich.

HARLEQUIN.

Writers differ as to the origin of the term Harlequin ; one says,
" There was a young Italian actor of eminence in this style of cha*
racter came to rarls in the time of Henry 3d of France, and having,
been received into the house of the President^ Achilles de Harlai|.
his brother actors are said to have called him Harlequin, from the
name of his master." Another says, *' There was a knight called
Harlequin, an extravagant dissipated man, who spent his substance
in the wars of Charles Martel against the Saracens, and afterwards
lived by pillage. Tradition says^ he was saved from perdition in
consequence of his services against the infidels, but condemned for
a certain time to appear nightly on earth, with those of his lineage.

PANTALOON.

The old character of Zany was similar to our modem cIqiwb^ wha
now is generally the possessor of all the wit in the performance. The
name of Pantaloon is said to be derived from the watch- word of the
Venetians, pianta-leone ; if so (which is doubtful), it must have
been applied in derision of their fallen state, as compared with their
former splendour.

MERllY ANDREW.

•• Cant you see by my Hunch, Sir,
1 am Mister Punch, Sir."

Some have derived the term Merry Andrew from the time of the
Druids, an Drieu, i. e. Arch-Druid , others, from the celebrated
Andrew Borde, the writer and empiric. The Merry Andrew used
at fairs to wear a patched coat like the modem Harlequin, and some-
times a hunch on nis back. It has been remarked, that the comm(m
people are apt to give some well known facetious personage the
name of a favourite dish; hence the Jack -pudding of the English;
the Jean-potage of the French ; the Macaroni of me Italians, &c.

GOD SAVE THE KINO.

This popular anthem has been attributed to a minstrel, an illegiti-
mate son of Henry 2d, who composed it, in reference to the absence
€^ Richard Coear de Leon, in Palestine, whom the nation loved for
his spirit of chivalry.

Another writer, however, 8ays---This popular song was sung, as
an anthem, at the Chapel RoysQ, in the reign of James 2d. It is
uncertain by whom the words were written, but the music was com-
posed by Dr. John Ball, belonging to the choir of that chapel. It
first, became a popular song (with the alteration of the name of onr
James to George), through the late Dr. A me, who set it in parts,
and introduced it at one of the London Theatres during the Irish
rebellion in 1746, where it met with unboanded applause, and has

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

continaed to be a favoarite national ahr from that period to the pre-
setit time.

Another writer observes — It ^ras composed by Shirley, the dra-
matic poet in the reign of Charles the 2a, ^rho was patnuiized by
Lauderdale and Rochester. The anthem in Latinity was written
at the time as under : —

O ! yItus omnibus,
Salvus ab hostibos
Carolus Eex.

Tibi victoriam ,
Deus et ^loriara
Det et memoriam
Optima Rex.

Probe cflelipotens

Deus omnipotens

Solus armipotens

Auxilia.

RULE BRITANNIA.

The words of this celebrated national anthem, or song, were taken
from Thomson's " Masque of Alfred," and was composed by Doctor
Ame.

TE DEUM.

« On the jojrfiil occasion Te Veum was sung in all the churches.^

The name of a celebrated hymn, used in the Christian church,
and so called, because it begins viiih these words, Te deum km-
dtLMUS — We praise thee, O God. It is sung in the Romish church
with gireat pomp and solemnity upon the gaining of a victory, or on
other happy events.

SWEET LASS OF RICHMOND HILL.

The long popular, and stiil well known song, of the Lass of Rich-
mond Hill, is founded on the following true and pathetic story : —

'* A young lady, equally accomplished in mind and person, the
daughter of a merchant of immense wealth, resident at Richmond
HiU, had consented to receive the addresses of a young oflScer, of
exemplary character, and of respectable but poor parente. He be-
longed to a regiment of cavalry, then quartered at Richmond ; but
his offers were rejected by her father, on account of his poverfy.
Apprdiensions of a clandestine marriage being entertained, the offi-
cer was forbidden the house, and the young lady was strictly confin-
ed within its walls. Continued grief, and irritation of spirits, led
her, in a fit of despair, bordering on insanity, to precipitate herself
from an upper window of her father's house, and she was dashed to
pieces on the steps that formed the ascent from the garden into the
bouse. The unfortunate young man afterwards served in America,
and was shot at the head of his company."

DRYDEN'S CELEBRATED ODE.

Dryden's Ode on the Power of Music is the most unrivalled of his
compositions. By that strange fatality which seems to disqualify
authors from judging of their own works^ he does not appear to have
valued this piece, because he totally omits it in the enumeration and
criticism he has given of the rest, in his preface to his works. *' I
shall add nothing to what I have already said on tins Subject (says

74 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Dr. Walton in his Essays on the Writings and Oenins of Popet
vol ii.)> but only tell the occasion and manner of writing it. Mr. St
John, afterwards Lord Bolingbroke, happened to pay a mominz
visit to Drydrn, whom he always respected, found him in an unnsnij
antation of spirits, even to a* trembling. On enquiring the cause,
' I have been up all night,' replied the old bard, ' my musical friends
made me promise to write them an Ode for the feast of St. Cecilia.
I have been so struck with the subject which occurred to me, that
I could not leave it, till I had completed it ; here it is, finished at
one sitting.' And immediately he showed him this Ode, which
places the British lyric poetry above that of any other nation. This
anecdote, as true as it is curious, was imparted by Lord Bolingbroke
to Pope, by Pope to Mr. Gilbert West, by him to his ingenious
friend (Richard Berenger, Esq.) who communicated it to me. The
rapidity, and yet the perspicuity of the thoughts, the glow and ex-
pressiveness of the images, these certain marks of the first sketch of
a master, conspire to corroborate the truth of the fact."

CATHERINE AND PETRUCHIO.

The play of Catherine and Petruchio, or the Taming of the Shrew,
was derived from an Italian tale, called Silverio and Pizardo. See

SEurticnlars, which would take up too much space here, in New Lon-
on Gleaner. 2d vol. 1809.

THE BALLAD " AULD ROBIN GRAY."

The following extract from a letter, written to the late Thomas
Hammersley, Esq. by the Rev. Wm. Jervis, rector of Wrington, in
Somersetshire, in June 1812, has been handed to us. It shows, that
the words of the ballad of Auld Robin Gray were written by Lady
Ann Lindsay, and that the music was composed by Wm. Jervis.
A gentleman now residing in Edinburgh, and intimately acquainted
vrith the composer, can answer for the authenticity of this letter : —

My dear Sir — Anxious as yon have ever been for the sake of
right, as well as for the fair fame of your friends, you have more
than once solicited that I should publicly claim an offspring, which,
for more than forty years, has been of uncertain origin. Nothing
could have induced me to undertake this at my time of life, but the
offer of your kind testimony to the genuineness of this my early pro-
duction, with an acquaintance with it in manuscript, long before it
surreptitiously found its way to the public eye, enables you so con-
vincingly to bear. As to the ballad or story, you may remember
that I received it from the Hon. Mr. Byron, and understood it to
have been written by Lady Ann Lindsay.

THE POPULAR ROMANCE « CASTLE OF OTRANTO."

The ingenious author of this popular romance, in a letter to Mr.
Cole, now in the British Museum, gives the following account of its
origin : — " I waked one morning in the beginning of last June from
a dream, of which all I could recover was, that I had thought my-
self in an ancient castle, and that on the uppermost bannister of a
great staircase I saw a gigantic hand in armour. In the evening I
sat down, and began to write, without knowing in the least what I
intended to say or relate. The work grew on my hands, and I grew
fond of it, so Uiat I was very glad to think of any thing rather than
politics. In short, I was so engrossed with my tale, which I com-

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 75

pleted in less than two months, that one eTenin^ I wrote from the
time I had drank tea (aboat six o'clock) till halt an hoar past one in
the morning, when ray hands and fingers were so weary, that I coold
not hold ray pen to finish the sentence, but left Matilda and Isa-
bella talking in the middle of a paragraph.**

EASTWARD HOE.

The title of '^ Eastward Hoe" was taken from the ezclamatioBS of
waterman i^ing for fares on the lliames. Of this the play of ■
** Eastwara Hoe'' famishes some evidence ; bntwitli regard at least
to another play, " Westward Hoe," it is clearly shown by the fol-
lowing quotation from George P«ele's old historical play of Edward
the firot, printed in 1593. The Qaeen is at Potter's ^afterwards
called Queen's) Hithe, and the stage direction when sne has en-
tered is —

(Make a noise Westward How.)

Queen, — ^Woman, what noise is tliis I hear ?

Patterns Wife. — And like your Grace, it is the watermen that call
for passengers to go to westward now.

VELUTI IN SPECULUM.

" Let scenic virtue form the rising age."

The stage motto, Velnti in Specolnm, or. As in a Mirror, was first
used in the Theatre at Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the reign of George
the First, aboat the same period when soldiers first mounted guard
at the Tlieatres Royal.

THEATRICAL BENEFITS.

Mrs. Barry is recorded as the first performer, male or female, m^
ever had, what is now understood by the term, a benefit. This pri-
vilege >vas procured for her, through the influence of James 2d, and
she dk>ne possessed it, until just before the commence'ment of the
18th century. The poverty of the divided theatrical companies
then inducea the managers to employ this expedient for paying their
actors and actresses more directly ont of tlie pockets of the public ;
and it not unfrequently happened (at least the performers made the
ascnsation) that the patentees appropriated to themselves all the
proceeds, under the pretext of house ei^enses, and lefit the per-
formers to their remedy.

SECTION V.

UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES, SCHOOLS, PUBLIC

LIBRARIES, RELIGIOUS SECTS, ORIGIN OF

NICENE CREED, INQUISITION, &c.

UNIVERSITIES,

Had their first rise in the I2th and 13th centuries. Those of Pa-
ris and Bologna are said to be the first that were set on foot ; but

E 2

74 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Dr. Warton in his Essays on the Writings and Genins of Pope,
vol ii.), but only tell the occasion and manner of writing it. Mr. St
John, afterwards Lord Bolingbroke, happened to pay a morning
visit to Drydrn, whom he always respected, found him m an annsnal
antation of spirits, even to a* trembling. On enquiring the canse,
' I have been up all night,' replied the old bard, ' my musical friends
made me promise to write them an Ode for the feast of St. Cecilia.
I have been so struck with the subject which occurred to me, that
I could not leave it, till I had completed it ; here it is, finished at
one sitting.' And immediately he showed him this Ode, which
places the British lyric poetry above that of any other uation. This
anecdote, as true as it is curious, was imparted by Lord Bolingbroke
to Pope, by Pope to Mr. Gilbert West, by him to his ingenious
frienct (Richard Berenger, Esq.) who communicated it to me. The
rapidity, and yet the perspicuity of the thoughts, the glow and ex-
pressiveness of the images, these certain marks of the first sketch of
a master, conspire to corroborate the truth of the fact."

CATHERINE AND PETRUCHIO.

The play of Catherine and Petruchio, or the Taming of the Shrew,
was derived from an Italian tale, called Silverio and Pizardo. See
particnlars, which would take up too much space here, in New Lon-
don Gleaner, 2d vol. 1809.

THE BALLAD « AULD ROBIN GRAY."

My dear Sir — Anxious as you have ever been for the sake of
right, as well as for the fair fame of your friends, you have more
than once solicited that I should publicly cleiim an oflfspring, which,
for more than forty years, has been of uncertain origin. Nothing
could have induced me to undertake this at my time of life, but the
offer of your kind testimony to the genuineness of this my early pro-
duction, with an acquaintance with it in manuscript, long beu)re it
surreptitiously found its way to the public eye, enables you so con-
vincingly to bear. As to the ballad or story, yon may remember
that I received it from the Hon. Mr. Byron, and understood it to
have been written by Lady Ann Lindsay.

THE POPULAR ROMANCE « CASTLE OF OTRANTO."

The ingenious author of this popular romance, in a letter to Mr.
Cole, now in the British Museum, gives the following account of its
origin : — " I waked one morning in the beginning of last June from
a dream, of which all I could recover was, that I had thought my-
self in an ancient castle, and that on the uppermost bannister of a
great staircase I saw a gigantic hand in armour. In the evening I
sat down, and began to write, without knowing in the least what I
intended to say or relate. The work grew on my hands, and I grew
fond of it, so that I was very glad to think of any thing rather than
politics. In short, I was so engrossed with my tale, which I com-

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDHJM. 75

pleted in less than two months, that one eTenin^ I wrote from the
time I had drank tea (about six o'clock) till halt an hoar past one in
the morning, when my hands and fingers wereso weary, that I cotdd
not hold my pen to finish the sentence, but left Matilda and Isa-
bella talking in the middle of a paragraph.**

EASTWARD HOE.

The title of '' Eastward Hoe" was taken from the ezclamatioBS of
watermen plying for fares on the lliames. Of this the play of*
*' Eastwara Hoe'' fnmishes some evidence ; but with regard at least
to another play, " Westward Hoe," it is clearly shown by the fol-
lowing quotation irom George Peele's old historical play of Edward
the firat, printed in 1593. The Queen is at Potter's ^afterwards
called Queen's) Hithe^ and the stage direction when she has en-
tered is —

(Make a noise Westward How.)

Queen. — ^Woman, what noise is tliis I hear ?

Patterns Wife* — And like your Grace, it is the watermen that call
for passengers to go to westward now.

VELUTI IN SPECULUM.

" Let scenic virtue form the rising age."

The stage motto, Veluti in Speculum, or. As in a Mirror, was first
used in the Theatre at Lincoln's Inn Fields, in the reign of George
the First, about the same period when soldiers first mounted guard
at the Theatres Royal.

THEATRICAL BENEFITS.

Mrs. Barry is recorded as the first performer, male or female, ^ho
ever had, what is now understood by the term, a benefit. This pri-
vilege was procured for her, through the influence of James 2d, and
she alone possessed it, until just before the commence'ment of the
18th century. The poverty of the divided theatrical companies
then indocea the managers to employ this expedient for paying their
actors and actresses more directly out of tlie pockets of the public ;
and it not unfrequently happened (at least the performers made the
ascnsation) that the patentees appropriated' to themselves all the
proceeds, under the pretext of house expenses, and left the per-
formers to their remedy.

SECTION V.

UNIVERSITIES, COLLEGES, SCHOOLS, PUBLIC

LIBRARIES, RELIGIOUS SECTS, ORIGIN OF

NICENE CREED, INQUISITION, &c.

UNIVERSITIES,

Had their first rise in the I2th and 13th centuries. Those of Pa-
ris and Bologna are said to be the first that were set on foot ; bnt

E 2

79 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

then tiiey were on a different footing from the Unirersities amone
OS. Our own Universities, of Oxfora and Cambridge^ seem entitled
to the greatest antiquity of any in the world; and Baliol and Merton
Colleges in Oxford, and St. Peter's in Cambridge, all made Colleges
in the 13& century, may be said to be the first regular endowments
of this kind in Europe. For though University College in Cambridge
had been a place for students ever since the year 873, yet this, like
many of the other ancient Colleges beyond sea, and Leydei^ to tiiis
day, was no proper College ; but the students without any distinc-
tion of habit, lived in citizen's houses, having only meeting placed
to hear lectures and disputes. In after times there were houses
built for the students to live in society ; only each to be at his own
charge, as in the inns of court ; these at first were called ions, but
now halls. At last plentiful revenues were settled on several of
these Halls, to maintain the students in diet, apparel, &c. and these
were called Colleges. In the University of Oxford, there are 2230
members of convocation, and 4792 members on the Boards. In the
University of Cambridge, there are 1854 members of the senate,
and 4866 members on the boards, making a total of 9658 students
on the boards at both Universities. In 1748, there were 1500 mem-
bers on the Cambridge boards ; in 1813, there were 2805.; in 1825,
they had increased to 4700 ; and in 1826, to 4866, as above stated.
The Universities of Scotland are four, St. Andrew's, Aberdeen,
Edinbui^h, and Glasgow. In Ireland there is only one University,

that of DubUn.

BAUOL COLLEGE,

Was founded by Thomas Baliol, the father of Baliol, king of
Scotland; and from whence it derives the appellation of Baliol
College.

ORIEL COLLEGE.

This College was founded by Adam de Blome, Baron L'OrieP
who was almoner to King Edward the Second ; and from whence
it is called Oriel College. Founded 1326.

SORBONE COLLEGE.

Sorbon, or Sorborne College, was the first and most considerable
of the University of Paris. It was founded in the reign of SL Lewis,
1250, by Robert Sorbon, which name is sometimes given to the
whole University of Paris.

MERTON COLLEGE.

Merton College, in Oxford, derives its name from Walter de Mer-
ton. Bishop of Rochester, who founded it in 1274.

EXETER COLLEGE.

Exeter College, in Oxford, so denominated from Walter Staple-
don, Bishop of Exeter, who founded it in 1315.

CLARE HALL.

Clare Hall, in Cambridge, derives its name from Elizabeth Count-
ess of Clare, who founded it, but had its original from Richard Pa-
dew, anno 1326.

PEMBROKE HALL.

Pembroke Hall, in Cambridge, receives its name from Mary,
Countess Dowager of Pembroke, who founded it in 1326.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 77

CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE.

Corpus Chri&ti (vulgarly Benedict) Colleee, in Cambridge, is' so
called in conseqaence of being founded by the brethren of the Gnild,
or Society of Corpus Christie and the brethren of the Guild of the
Blessed Virgin.

CAIUS, AMD GONVILE COLLEGE.

Caios, and (}onvile College, in Cambridge, takes its names from
its founders, John Caius, D. M., and Edmund Oonvile, Rector of
Tinington and Rushworth, in Norfolk.

LINCOLN COLLEGE.

Lincoln College, in Oxford, founded by Richard Fleming, Bishop
of Lincoln, and finished by Thomas Rotheram, his successor, 1420

SYDNEY SUSSEX COLLEGE.

Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge, receives its cognomen like-
Drise from its founder, Frances, daughter of Sir William Sydney,
and Countess Dowager of Sussex, who died in the year 1589.

WADHAM COLLEGE.

Wadham College, in Oxford, derives its name from Nicholas
Wadham, Esq. and Dame Dorothy, his wife, its founders. It was

founded in 1613.

BRAZEN NOSE.

This College was foanded by Wm. Smith, Bishop of Lincoln, and
finished by Wm. Sutton, Esq. in 1513. Various have been the con-
jectures why it is called Brazen Nose College, bat it is generally
attributed to the circumstance of its founder going by that nick-
name, when at College, in consequence of the peculiar appearance

of his nose.

DULWICH COLLEGE.

This College, which is situated at the pleasant village of Dolwich.
near London, was founded in the year 1622, by Edward Alleyn,^a
player, for six men, six women, and twelve children. He was^a
very eccentric character, and imposed a condition in his will, that
none should be eligible for a master of ^e said College but those of
the name of Alleyn or Allen.

Hiis College is famed for the Burgeoise Picture Gallery, lefl to
the public by the late Sir Francis Bargeoise, the eminent painter,
whose remains rest here in a mausoleum contiguoas to the gallery.
The collection of paintings are very superior, and among them are
to be found those of the most eminent masters, particularly some of
Murillo's masterpieces. Sir Francis died January 8, 1811.

RADCLIFFE LIBRARY.

The celebrated library at Oxford, well known as the RadclifTe
Library, derives its name from Dr. John Radclifie, who died in
1714. He was an eminent physician, and left 40,0002. to the Uni-
versity of Oxford, for the angmenting their library, and which cir-
cumstance gave it its present name.

COTTONION LIBRARY.

The Cottonion Library, in the British Maseum, derives its name
from Sir Robert Cotton, who founded it He died 1631.

78 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

BODLEAN LIBRARY.

This far-famed library is so called after its founder. Sir Thomat)
Bodley, who was bom 1544, and died 1612. The library was found-
ed in the 40th of Elizabeth, 1598.

ARUNDELIAN TABLES, OXFORD.

These tables are so called from having been purchased by Lord
Arundel, and by hnn given to the University of Oxford, in 1627.
They contain the chronology of ancient history, from 1582 to 36B
B. C, and said to have been sculptured 264 B. C. They were
found in the Isle of Paros about 1610. The characters are Greek,
of which there are two translations.

JESUITS.

The Jesuits, or the Society of Jesus, derive their origin from one
Ignatius, who was born in the Castle of Loyola in 1495, in Guipus-
coa, a part of Biscay near the Pyrenees. He was bred up in the
Court of Ferdinand 5th, and was famed for his licentious vices and

Pleasures. He went into the army, and served in the garrison' of
'ampeluna when besieged by the French in 1521, where he was
wounded in the left leg, and had his right one broken.

Ribadeneira, in his Lives of the Saints, says, that St Peter ap-
peared to Ignatius on the eve of his feast, and, with a very gracious
aspect, said, that he was come to cure him. From the time «f this
visit, says this Chronicler of the Saints, Ignatius grew much better,
and not long after recovered his perfect health ; but as be was a
spruce young gallant, desirous to appear in the most neat and come-
ly fashion, he caused the end of a bone which stuck out under his
knee, and did somewhat disfigure his leg, to be cut off, that so his
boot might sit more handsomely, as he himself told me, thinking it
to be against his honour that such a deformity should be in his leg :
nor would he be bound while the bone was sawed off.

Another biographer of Ignatius says, that although he was restor-
ed to health, ms right leg nevertheless remained shorter than his
left. Dr. Southey, in his " Tale of Paraguay," thus alludes to Ig-
natius, and what he underwent in order to prevent any deformity : —

** . ■■ - - ■ When long care

Restored his shatter'd leg and set him free,

He would not brook a slight deformity.

As one who being gay and deboncur.

In courts conspicuous, as in camps must be :

So he forsooth a shapely boot must wear ;

And the vaiu man, with peril of his life.

Laid the recover'd limb again beneath the knife.

Long time upon the bed of pain he lay
Whiling with books the weary time away ;
And from that circumstance and this vain man,
A train of long events their course began,
Whose term it is not given us yet to see.
Who hath not heard Loyola's sainted name.
Before whom kings and nations bow*d the knee.

Attired in the coarsest garb he made a pilgrimage to Rome ; for
as there is but one step between the ludicrous and sublime, so Igna-
tius Loyola, or Ignatius of Loyola, was transformed firom the gay
and debonair, to the self-mortifying saint. He soon met with those
who were as enthusiastic as himself; and having assembled ten o

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 79

them at R<nne in the year 1538, he proposed to sabstitote a new
order; and for this purpose applied to rope Paal Sd, then reigning.
The historian Robertson says —

" The Pope, to whom Lojola had applied for the sanction of his
authority to confirm the institiition, referred his netition to a C<Hn-
mittee of Cardinals. Thdy represented the estaolishment to be un-
necessary, as well as dangerous, and Paul refosed to grant his ap-
probation of it. At last Loyola removed all his scruples, by an
offer which it was impossible for any Pope to assist He proposed
that besides the three vows of poverty, of chastity, and of monastic
obedience, which are common to all the orders of regulars, the
members of his society should take a further vow of obedience to
the Pope ; binding themselves to go whithersover he should com-
mand, for the service of religion, and without reqairing any thing
from the holy see for their support At a time when the Papal au-
thority had received such a snock by the revolt of so many nations
from the Romish church; at a time when every part of the Popish
system was attacked with so much violence and success, the acqui-
sition of a body of men thus peculiarly devoted to the See of Rome,
and whom it might set in opposition to all its enemies, was an ob-
ject of the highest consequence. Paul, instantly perceiving this,
confirmed ^e institution of the Jesuits bv his bull, granted the most
ample privileges to the members of the society, and appointed
Loyola to be ue first General of the order. This event hatn fully
jniftified Paul's discernment, in expecting such beneficial conse-
quences to the See of Rome from this institution. In less than half
a century, the society obtained establishments in every country that
^adhered to the Roman Catholic church; its power and wealth in-
creased amazingly ; the number of its members became great ; their
Jcharacter, as well as accomplishments, became greater ; and the
Je suite were celebrated by the friends, and dreaded by the enemies
of the Romish faith, as the most able and enterprizing order in the
church."

ORDER OF SERVITES.

A religious order of the church of Rome, founded about the year
1333 by seven Florentine merchants, who, with the approbation of
the Bishop of Florence, renounced the world, and lived together
in a religious communi^ on Mount Senar, two leases from that
city. It is said, that when they first ai^ared in the black habit
given them by <he Bishop, the very chilaren at the breast cried out
" See the Servante of the Virgin V* and that this miracle determin-
ed them to teke no other name than " Servites," or " Servante of
the Virgin." There are also Nuns of this order, who have, several
monasteries in Germany, Italy, and Flanders.

THE CHURCH, CATHOLIC, &c.

The term Catholic was given the Roman Christians in 38. In an
enlightened age, it is astonishing that a term or word, which is al-
most idolized, shodd be so extremely mistaken, and scarcely by
any of ite admirers, whether learned or unlearned, thoroughly un-
derstood. What is meant is the word Church ; which, with the
Papist, is used to signi^ all who have the power of prescribing to
the faith and worship of'^that enormous community, M^ether the Pope
* alone, the Pope and oecumenical ■ councils, or the councils alone.
But when the word Catholic is the adjective to the word Church, it

80 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

then meanetfa all tiiose nvho own a yisible infallible head, ezclinive
of all the rest of mankind. When nsed by others, it is either signi-
ficative of the Greek Chnrch, or the religions ecclesiastical esta*
blishment of this or that eonntry, kingdom, or city. So the Gali-
cian, the Datch, or the Chorch of Geneva ; also the Chorch of Eng-
land, or that of Scotland or Sweden. Bati^en any articles, canons,
or a litnigy is ordained, there the authority of the Ghnrch is said fb
have resided in ihe clergy and their supreme magistrate ; in which
case tiie Chorch intends to exclude all the laity or people. And in
a more vulgar sense, the Buildings which are consecrated, and set
apart for places of public worship, are called the Churches, exclu-
sive either of clergy or laity. So indeterminate, so desultory and
wild, is the sense of mankind about the word Church.

A thousand evils have arisen from .the want of fixinf^ a just idea
and retaining a religious reverence of the term as applicable to tiie
Christian system. Whereas tiiose numerous evils would be all pre-
vented, by considering tiiat ihe Church of Christ is composed of
none but kis ancere disciples ; and that all who are such through-
out the world, are members of that chorch, however they may be
denominated by their fellow men. They are that spiritual, rnvsqcal
body, of which Christ is the only governing, law-giving head. St
Peter says, " they are as lively stones, biuit up in a spiritual honse,
an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices." — ^A very remote
definition this, to what it is, as- it stands in the vulgar idea of tfie
Church. — ^And it is not to be supposed, that this image of the Church
will be reverenced by many wno are called Christians ; neverUie-
less, it is presumed, no other just definition can be given.

The term Catholic is hv many supposed as only applicable to
those yrho believe in the Fopish religion ; but this is a mistake, fiir
it is equally applicable to the Protestant Church of England. The
term Catholic aigmfyiog general or prevaUine, hence the Roman
Church assumed the term, the tenets of that Church being the gene-
ral or prevailing ones of the day. But the Roman Catholics gave
the importance of universality to it, which could not be borne oot
by fact. It follows, that the Protestant Church of England is a
Cfatiiolic Church, because it is the prevailing one. Again, we pnij^
for the holy Catholic Church,.— hence to distingoish properly, we
should, in speaking of those who believe in the infallibihty of the
Pope^ denominate them the Roman Catholic Church.

PROTESTANTS.

The following circumstances gave birth to the name Protestants,
now given to such a large body of Christians.

In the year 1529, in a diet of the Princes of the Empire, held at
Spires, it was decreed by the majority, — that in these places where
the Edict of Worms had been received, it would be lawful for no
one to change his religion ; that in those places where the new Lu-
theran religion was exercised, it should be maintained until the-
meeting of a council, if the ancient, the Popish religion, could not
be restored vrithout danger of disturbing the public peace ; but that
the mass should not be abolished, nor the Catholics hindered from
the free exercise of their religion, nor any one of them be aHowed
to embrace Lutheranism ; that the Sacramentarians shoold be ba-
nished the empire ; that the Anabaptists should be punished with
dedth ; and that no preacher should explain the Gospel in any other

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 81

sense than what was approved hj ike church. Six Princes of the
empire entered their protest against this decree.

John, Elector of Saxony.

George, Margnwe of Brandenbnrgh.

Ernest and Francis, Dakes of Lnnenbnrg and Bmnswick.

Philip, Landgrave of Hesse, and

Wolfang, Prince of Anhaltv
To these were joined the following free cities of Oermany, Stras-
bnrgh, Nnrembnrgh, Uilm, Constance, Lindaw^Memmingen, Them-
pen, Nordlingen, Halibmn, Ratlingen, Isne, St. Oall, Wetssenburg,
and Windscheim, and from this protest the followers of Lather first
obtained Uie name of Protestants, which was afterwards appropri-
ated to all those who separated from the idolatrous and tyranmcal
practices of the church of Rome.

LOLLARD.

The term Lollard is derived from a Waldensian pastor, Walter
L(^lard, who lived about the 13th century.

MAHOMETAN.

The Mahometan religion derives its name from Mahomet of
Mecca, who originally was nothing more than a private soldier. He
had many enemies even in his native place, from whence he fled in
622 to Arabia. His followers compute their time from this era,
which in Arabic is called HegirUy i. e. the Flight

METHODISM.

" There's method in it."

A writer* does Mr. \yhitfield the honour of beine: the first author
of Methodism, whom he also calls a fellow of Pembroke College in
Oxford. Mr. Whitfield, however, was not concerned in the first
institution of Methodism, though he has since made so shining a fi-
gure amongst them ; for, some years before he came to the Univer-
sity, Mr. John Wesley, fellow of Lincoln College, his brother Charles,
a student of Christ Cnnrch, Mr. Clayton, of Brazen N ose, and two
or three m<Hre young gentlemen, with very laudable intention, agreed
to spend two or three eveniugs together in a week, in reading history
or other entertaining books, instead of drinking, which, at £at time,
was too much in vogue among the young people of the University.
The Sunday evenings they appropriated to religious authors, which
soon convinced them of the great neglect of practical religion in that
place, as well as in other parts of the kingdom. In consequence of
these convictions, they formed diemselves into a society, and raised
a small frind for charitable uses ; to relieve the necessitous, bay
medicines for the sick, and to disperse books amongst the ignorant.
They agreed also to go occasionally and visit the prisoners in the
CRsUe^ who, at that time, were much neglected : and, that they
might have the more leisure for these charitable ofiSces, without
breaking in too much upon the business of their Colleges, thev were
obliged to fix stated hours for the^e employments, and their other re-
ligious exercises, to which they were directed by Mr. Nelson's
" Practice of Devotion." This strict regularity and methodical con-

Historical Review of the Transactitms of Europe.

g2 * THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

duct, after some time, acquired them the name of Methodists ; though
not without allasion prdbably to an ancient school of physicians of
that denomination.

MORAVIANS.

The founder of this religious society was Nicholas Lewes, Count
Zinzendorf, a native of Saxony, and who died at Chelsea in 1760.
The Society was first instituted in Moravia, from whence they de-
rive their appellation. Their principal establishment in England is
in the neighbourhood of Bradford, in Yorkshire.

MASONRY.

A mason who has written for a weekly publication, says, that we
are well informed from holy writ, that the bnilding of king Solomon's
temple was a most important crisis, from whence we derive many
mysteries of our art. This great event took place above 1000 years
before the Christian era; consequently many centuries before tiiat
wise and learned philosopher, Pythagoras, brought from the Ba^
his sublime system of truly masonic instruction to illuminate the
western world ; yet, remote as that period was, we date not from
thence the commencement of om* art, for^ although we are indebted
to that wise and glorious king of Israel for many of our mystic fwrns
and hieroglyphic ceremonies, yet the art itself is coeval wi& the
creation of the world, when the great and glorious Architect of the
Universe, upon masonic principles, formed from chaos this beautiful
globe, and commanded tnat master science. Geometry, to lay the
rule for the planetary orbs, and to regulate, by its unerring laws,tiie
motions of that stupendous system in just proportion, rolling round
the central sun.

QUAKERS.

** Be advisM then, by me friend, take the Quaker's by. way,
'Tis plain, without turnpikes, so nothing to pay !"

The sect denominated Quakers, first appeared in the year 1650j
in the reign of Charles 2d ; they were founded by one Fox, who, in
1665, after a series of persecutions, was confined in Scarborough
Castle. The year preceding, sixty Quakers were put on board the
ship Black Eagle, and exported to America.* Such was the perse*
cution this sect met with m the reign of their " good friend Charles,"
as thev denominated him, as will be seen from the following. re-
markable address which tiiey presented to James 2d, on his acces-
sion to the tiurone :

" We are come to testify our sorrow' for the death of our good
^end. Charles, and our joy at thv being made our Grovemor. We
are told thou art not of the Church of England any more than we ;
and therefore we hope, thou wilt grant unto us the same liberty
which thou allowest thyself.''

The derivation of the^erm Quaker is somewhat obscure, but as
tiie Ranters are thus denominated from their ranting, or boisterous
worship, so it may be fairly concluded that Quakers received that
appellation from the meekness of theirs ; being, during their wor-
ship, or supposed to be, in a state of fear and trembling, or in other
words^uoictitg' for their offences.

* See Pensylvania.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. * 33

BIBLE SOCIETIES.

It is a singular fact, that the first Bible Society that ever existed
was established by some Roman Catholic PreUtes in France in 1774.

NICENE CREED.

'* Have they told Providence -what it mast do,
Wliom to avoid, and whom to trust to I
As if religion -w6re intended
For nothing^ else but to be mended."— —JETiMiifrraf.

Manifold were tiie disputes of the Fathers of the Chorch, in its
earlier days, as to what portion of the Scriptures were, and what
were iwt, the word of God. Contention at last ran so hi|^h, that
their iSocks began to think for themselves, and to hold similar dis-
ftntations. The holy fathers, however, foreseeing that shepherds
would b& notiiing without flocks, agreed to end their differences, by
setting the matter at rest for ever. Wherefore, the heads of the
Church were summoned to nieet in Council at Nice, in 325, in order
to settle the knotty question. The result of their labours was, the
celebrated Creed, called the Nicene Creed, from the place where
the holy disputants had met.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

Robert Raikes, of Gloucester, was the originator of Sunday
Schools, and spent his life in acts of kindness and compassion ; pro-
moting education as a source of happiness to his fellow beings, and
bestowim^ his exertions and bounty to benefit the helpless. He died
5th Ai»il, 1811.

Chiurity Schools were first instituted 1687.

BELL SYSTEM OF EDUCATION.

This national system of education originated with the Rev. Dr.
Bell, of Madras, from whom it derives ite appellation.

LANCASTERIAN SYSTEM.

So called from Joseph Lancaster, one. of the Society of Friends.
This system differs very little, if any, from the Bell system. The
advocates of the latter (Bell) tax the former with piracy ; and the
former retaliate by saying, that the svstem, althou|;h originating in a
measore with Dr. BeU, would have laid dormant if it mid not been
f«r Joseph Lancaster.

SPENCEAN SYSTEM.

llie Spencean System, so called from one Thomas Spence, a po-
litical dnuinsiast, who devised and published a plan, by which the
human kind could be provided with sustenance without pauperism.
He died October 1814

EDICT OF NANTZ.

To reconcile the Protestants to his abjuration of their religion,
Henry the Fourth, of France, after his reduction of tiie league, issued
an Edict from Nantz, in 1598, tolerating the Protestimt religion
throughoat Ids kingdom. This was revoked by Lewis the 14th, in
1685 ; by this bad policy 50,000 French Protestants left France and
came to England.

84 THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

BI8H0P*S CROSIER.

Voltaire, in his Philosophical Dictionary, says, " As for angnrieff,
they perished with the Roman empire. Only the Bishops have re^
tained the original staff, called the Crosier, which was the distinc-
tiye mark of the dignitv of ang^r, so that the symbol of falsehood
has become the symbol of truth.'^

Let not institntioos vannt of the sacredness of their insignia^ for
time and custom alternately defile and hallow all things — that which
was emblematical of conclasive foresight from the aspect of the
entrails of a brute, is now the rod and guiding staff to immortality. —
Tempora omnia mutant

CHANGING OF THE POPE'S NAME.

The cnstom of altering the names of the Popes after their election
to the Popedom was first introduced in the case of some Cardinal
being elected whose proper name meant swine-snout,* which^ by
general consent, being oeemed unseemly for such a dignity, was
changed to Sergius the Second.

CHRISTIANITY IN ENGLAND.

Gregory the Great, after the arrival of the Saxons, about the year
600, introduced the Christian religion into England. Augustine,^
monk, being sent by him to preach the Gospel to the Heathen inha-
bitants.

ATHEISM IN FRANCE.

Atheism was first taught in France 16^^ by Lucilio Vanini, a
Neapolitan gentleman, who was convicted and condemned to suffer
death.

When he was brocu^ht out to the place of execution, he was press-
ed to ask pardon of God, of the king, and of justice. He answered,
he did not believe there was a God ; as for the king he had never
offended him ; and with respect to justice, it' might go to the devil !
His tongue was first cut out, and then his body burned to ashes.

INQUISITION.

The Inquisition, or Holy Office, as it is impiously termed, may be
traced to Pope Lucius, who, at the council of Verona, in 1184, or-
dered the bishops to procure information of all who were suspected
of heresy, and if they could not effect this in person, tiiey were to
enjoin it as a duty on their commissioners. In the beginning of die
13th century this order was re-enforced, and the poor iy,bigenses
and Waidenses severally felt its fury. Dominie, usually called Saint
Dominie, reduced this to practice, and was, if not the first Inquisiter,
yet the founder of that order to which the management of the Inqui-
sition was committed. In 1251 the Inquisition was established in
Italy ; in 1255 it was extended to France. The horrors accompany-
ing the practice of this (^ce soon excited universal disgust in the
best disposed Catholics. It was not fully established in Spain till
1478^ but when it was established, it triumphed in all its fury. In
Portugal it was received about 1536. The gradual progress of
knowledge checked the bloodshed of this tnbnnal ; and it rarely, of

* See Roman Names.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 95

late yean, terrified the world by displaying ranks of heretics led to
the stake. The triumph of hnmanity in the entire abolition of this
most cmel depositary of power, terrestrial and spiritual, was a pro-
minent good arisine from the evils of the French revolution, but it
was for the Spanish Cortes to give the death blow.

SECTION VI.

PARLIAMENTS, MAGNA CHARTA, TRIAL BY JURY,
FEUDAL LAWS, PUBLIC COURTS OF THE KING-
DOM, ORIGIN OF TYTHES, PUBLIC PILOTS, &c.

PARLIAMENT.

The etymology of the word Parliament, is properly a French, or
NcHrman word, signifying to speak the mind, and was originally
spelt parle H ment. ^anam la mentum, id est, a meeting of the
Peers to lament and complain to each other of the enormities of the
country, and thereon to provide for the same, is a definition fre-
quently to be met with in the old writers ; and according to Lord
Coke, it is called Parliament, from parler la ment, everv member
speaking his mind for the general good of the c<mmionwealth. Bar-
rington derives it from a compound of two Celtic words, parly and
ment, or mend* The ancient Parlemens of France, were unlike the
Parliaments of England. In France, the Parlemens were courts of
justice. All their edicts were grounded on the ordonances of the
lung. When (here was any opposition to those ordonances, the king
went in person, and held what is called a Lit de Justice* ^ He de-
clared faief(M« them, that the ordonance before them was his actual
will, and ordered the proper officer to register it.^ There was no
mode of objecting to the will of the king, after a Lit de Justice.

It was common with the kings of France to seize upon the lands
of their nobles, and make an ordonance of sequestration, against
which ^ere was no remedy. The la nds were annexed to the crown .

Had the nobles of France defended their rights as the Barons of
England did, France would not have remained so long a nation of
slaves. The first Parliament in England was in 1116.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Although the first Parliament was in 1116, yet the House of Com-
mons, as now constituted, takes its data from the following.

In the reign of Henry III., says Maitland, May 14th, 12i54, Earl
Montfbrt, after defeating the king's troops, called a Parliament at
Winchester, in the king's name, which is shown by Dr. Br^dy, to
be the first, wherein two knights for each county, and two burgesses
for each borough, were summoned, and was the original of the
House of Commons.

Members obliged to reside in the places they represented, 1413 :
Francis Russell, son of the Earl ot Bedford, was the first peer's
eldest son who sat in the House of Commons, 1549 ; that remarkable

^ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

for the epoch, io which were first formed the parties of comrt and
coQDtry, June 16th, 1620; a peer elected, ana sat as a member of
the House of Commons, 1649 ; the House of Commons committed a
Secretary of State to the Tower, November 18th, 1678 : their Speaker
refused by the king, 1679 ; bill passed for triennial parliaments,
November, 1694; the first Britisli one met, October 24th, 1707;
triennial act repealed. May Ist, 1716 ; act passed for septennial ones,
1716 ; their privilege of protection from arrest for debts, relinquished,
1770 ; the lord mayor and an alderman of London, committed to the
Tower by the House of Commons, 1771 ; Sir Francis fiurdett com-
mitted to the Tower by the House of Commons, on the motion of Sir
Thomas Lethbridge, April 9th, 1810.

THE KING'S SPEECH.

The first King's Speech, as it is termed, was delivered by Henry
the First, in ihe year 1107.

MAGNA CHART A.

Magna Charta, or the Great Charter, may be said to derive its
origin from Edward the Confessor, who granted several privileges
to the church and state, hj charter ; these liberties and privileges
were also granted and conmrmed by Henry I., by a celebrated great
charter, now lost ; but which was confirmed, or re-enacted by king
J(4n, on the 15th June, 1215. The ground where the' latter, ac-
companied by the pope's legate, and other prelates and followers,
met the barons, was between Staines and Windsor, at a place called
Rimnymede, but better known in modem times, as l^faam race
coarse, and which is still held in reverence, as the spot where the
standard of freedom was first erected in England.

There, it is said, the barons appeared vrith a vast number of
knights and warriors, and both sides encamped apart, like open ene-
mies. The barons, in carrying their arms, woidd admit bnt of few
abatements ; and the king's commissioners, as history relates, being
for the most part in their interests, few debates ensued. The char-
ter required of him was there signed by the king and his barons,
which continues in force to this day, and is the famons bulwark of
English liberty, which now goes by the name of Magna Charta.

It is related, that this very document was lost for near two centu-
ries, and was discovered at last by the celebrated Sir Robert Cotton,
who, on calling upon his tailor one day, discovered him in the act of
catting op an old parchment deed, with a great number of seals at-
tached thereto. His curiosity was awakened, and he examined it
minutely, when he discovered that it was the Great Charter, or
Magna Charta of England ! He took possession of it, and had it not
been for this timely rescue, the palladium of England's liberties,
would have been appropriated to the unholy office of measoring his
majesty's lieges for coats and breeches. It is now deposited in the
Cottonian Library, in the British Museum.^

It is a curious circumstance also, that out of twenty-six barons
who signed Magna Charta, only three could write their names ; the
remaiikler merely signing, or having signed their marks.

TRIAL BY JURY.

Some authors have endeavoured to trace the origin of jories, ap
as high as the Britons themselves, the first inhabitants erf* oar islands }

* See Cottonian Library.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 97

bat certain it is, they were in uae among the earlier Saxon colonies,
this institution being ascribed by bishop Nicholson, to Woden him-
self, their great legislator and captain.

When the Normans came in, William, though commonly called
the Conqueror, was so far from abrogating this privilege of jaries.
that, in the fourth year of his reign, he confinned all king Ed ward
the Confessor's laws, and the ancient customs of the kingdom,
whereof this was an essential and most material part.

Afterwards, when the Great Charter, commonly calldd Magna
Charta, which is nothing else than a recital, confirmation, and cor-
roberaticm cf oar ancient English liberties, was made and put under
the Great Seal of England, in the 9th year of king Henry III. A.D.
1225, then was this privilege of trials by juries, in an especial man-
ner, confirmed and estabHshed, as in the J 4th chapter : that no
amercement shall be assessed, but by the oath of good and hooest
men of the vicinage. And more fully in the twenty-ninth chapter :
no freeman shall be taken or imprisoned, or be disseized of his free-
hold, or liberties, or free cnstoms, or be outlawed, or exiled, or any
other way destroyed, nor shall we pass upon him, or condemn him,
but bj lawful judgment of bis Peers.

ThiB Grand Charter, having been confirmed bv above thirty Acts
ofParliament, the said rights of juries thereby, and by constant usage,
and common custom 01 England, which is the common law, are
brought down to us, as our undoubted birth-right, and are, in fact,
the best inheritance of every Englishman.

In Stourhead Groonds, belonging to Sir Richard Hoare, bart., is
a tower erected in memory of Alfred the Great Over the entrance
is the following inscription.

Alfred the Great,
A. D. 870, on this Summit

Erected his Standard

Against Danish Invaders.

7b him ue owe the Origin qf Juries ,

The Establishment of a Militia,

The Creation of a Naval Force.

Alfred, the light of a benighted age.

Was a Philosopher and a Christian,

The Father of his People,

The foonder of the English

Monarchy and Uberty.

The foUowing lines were found in the building, having been left
there by a visitor.

Whoe'er thou art who dar'st approach this pile,

And feelest not thy bosom all on flame.

Boast as thou wilt alliance with this islie,

Renounce thy title to a Briton^s name :

For *tis to him whose image* meets thine eye.

The Christian hero, Alfi'ed, that we owe

Freedom and right, than which beneath the sky

Heaven has not richer blessings to bestow.

HOARE thankful felt th' enthusiast patriot's fire.

This sacred spot with awful reverence trod,

And bade the votive fabric to aspire.

An off 'ring to his country and his Grod :

For when the trophy to the man was rais'd,

Twas Heaven, who lent him, in thie end was prais'd.

* There is an image of Alfred, in the building, in a niche.

g8 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

CONFINING JURORS FROM MEAT AND DRINK,

** For, once the jury heing box*d up.
They are denied both bread and cup ;
Hence, be who can hold out the longest.
Will carry his point, though not the strongest ;
It may be well that this should be.
But who thinks so, who has been on jury ?*'

The Qothic nations were famoos of old, for the quantities of food
and drink which they consomed. The ancient Germans, and tiieir
Saxon descendants in England, were remarkable for their hearty
meals. Gluttony and dmn\enness were so very common, that tiiose
vices were not thought disgraceful ; and Tacitus represents the for-
mer as capable of being as easily overcome by strong drink as by
arms. Intemperance was so general and habitual, that no one was
thought to be fit for serious business afler dinner ; and under this

Sersuasion it was enacted in the laws, that judges should hear and
etermine causes fasting, and not aiter dinner.
An Italian author, in nis Antiquities, plainly affirms, thai this re-
gulation was framed for the purpose of avoiding the unsound decrees
consequent upon intoxication ; and Dr. Gilbert Stuart, very patiently
and ingeniously affirms, in his Historical Dissertation concerning the
Antiquity of tiie British Constitution, p. 238, that from this propen-
sity of the older Britons to indulge excessively in eating and drinking,
has proceeded the restriction upon jurors and jurymen, to refirain
from meat and drink, and to be even held in custody, until they had
agreed upon their verdict

EXEMPTION OF SURGEONS AND BUTCHERS FROM SERVING

ON JURIES.

" Many will swoon when they do look on blood V^—Shakspeare.
" But, what ceases to be novel, seemingly ceases to exist." — Bacon.

The reason commonly assigned for the privilege of surgeons, in
being exempt from serving on juries is, that they are too constantly
in the habit of suppressing the numan feelings. But this is not the
real cause of the privilej^e, as appears from the following extract
firom Andrews' History of England :

In the same year, (i.e. 1513] the Corporation of Surgeons, con-
sisting of twelve, a number being then tnooght equal to the care of
the metropolis, petitioned parliament to be exempted from bearing
arms, or serving on juries and parish offices ; and their petition was
successful.

This, however, is not the case with the Knights of the Cleaver,
commonly y'clep'd butchers. In M'Queen's Historic^ Records,
we find tne following notice on the subject. During this session,
(1661) Mr. Hyde brought in a bill to prohibit butchers from serving
on juries in cases of lite and death, which unanimously passed both
houses of parliament, and received the royal assent. It is very
strange, continues the historian, that so judicious and humane an
enachnent had not been passed before ; not that they (butchers)
should be considered as devoid of the common feelings of humani^^,
but more liable to its infirmities, from their avocations necessarily
compelling them to the performance of a duty, incompatible with
those feelm^ which they hitherto had been called upon to exercise
in the capacity of j^ipen.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. §9

BENEFIT OF CLERGY.

As the trae meaning of the term, may perhaps not be generally
known, the following definition is given :

Felony, which comprehends almost namberless species of crimes,
is snbdi^aded into two classes ; with, or withoat benefit ofclargy*

The benefit of clei^, at present, signifies an exemption firom ca-
pital panishment, in all felonies where the legislature nas not taken
away tiiat benefit by express words. The origin of this principle,
which is very little understood, is as follows : at the time tne Catho-
lic religion was the established one in this country, the clei^ claimed
an exemption from punishment for all secular offences ; and the le-
gislature was so far duped by them as to grant them that privilege ;
uerefore, whenever a priest was convicted of a crime, U>r which
another man would suffer death, he was discharged without punish-
ment^ on proving himself to be an ecclesiastic. The clergy did not
fail to avail themselves of this advantage : and committed all sorts
of enormity with impunity.

This induced the parliaments at various times to subject them to
capital punishments, for particalar offences, by taking away firom
those offences the benefit of clergy. In those dark superstitious
times, every person who coald read, was presumed, in law, to be a
inriest in oraers ; and till the reign of Anne, a man who was not pos-
tsessed of this qualification, vms liable to be hanged for an offence,
which one possessed of it, would only be burnt in the hand for ; bat
since that tune, laymen are allowed the benefit of clergy, once. The
cleigy, however, are entitled to claim it as oflen as they have occa-
sion, and are exempted from the punishment of burning in the hand
by the statute 0^ 1 Edward VI., wnich extends the same privilege to
Peers of the Realm, whom it also exempts from capital pnnishinuenty
lor the crimes of house-breaking, highway robbery, horse stealing,
and robbing of churches. Felony without benefit of clergy, are
capital offences, of which. Sir William Blackstone, in his time, enu-
merates 160, and since his death, upwards of 50 have been added to
the catalogue. It is to be hoped, that in the alteration of our Cri-
minal €k>de, commenced by Mr. Peel, these circomstances vrill re*
ceive a due share of that gentleman^s attentive consideration.

BOROUGHS.

<« The sale of Seats in this House, luu become as notorious as the
Sun at noon>day.'* — Abbott*

As we are constantly hearing the word Borough-monger made use
of, the original signification of the term borough is here introduced.

Borough, originally meant a company, consisting of ten families,
which were bound tq^ether as each otiier's' pledge. Afterwards
borough came to signify a town, having a wall, or some kind of en-
closure round. And all places, that in old time had the name of
borough, it is said, were fortified or fenced, in some shape or other.
Borough is a place of safety, or privilege ; and some are called free
burghs, and the tradesmen in them free burgesses, firom a freedom
they had granted to them originally, to buy and sell without dis-
turbance, and exempt firom toll. Borough is now particularly appro-
priated to such towns or villages as send ourgesses or representatives
to parliament, whether they be incorporated or not They are dis-
tinguished into those by charter or statute, and those by prescription
or custom; the number in England is one hundred and forty-nine>

90 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

some of which send oae, bat the most of them two representatives.
Royal Boroughs, in Scotland, are corporations made for the advan-
tsLge of trade, by charters granted by several of their kings, having
the privilege of sending commissioners to represent them in parlkh
ment, besides other immonities.

CORPORATIONS.

It is difficult to account for the origin of charter and corporatioQ
towns, unless we suppose them to have arisen out of, or been con-
nected with, some species of garrison service. The times in wbaeh
they began justify this idea. The generality of those towns have
been garrisons ; and the corporations were charged with the gates of
the towns, when no military garrison was present. Their refiisii^,
<Mr granting admission to strangers, which has produced the costcmi
of giving, selling, and buying treedom, has more of the nature of gar-
rison authority than civil government

Soldiers are free of all corporations throughout the nation, by the
same propriety that every soldier is free of every garrison, and no
other persons are. He can follow any employment, withHhe per-
mission of his <^cera, in any corporation town throughout the aatioii.

FEUDAL LAWS.

The feudal (framfeodal) laws, or the tenure of land, by suit and
service, to the owner of it, was introduced into England hj the
Saxons, about 600. The slavery of this tenure increased under
William L, 1068. This was dividing the kingdom into baronies,
giving them to certain persons, and requiring tnose persons to fv-
nish ue king with money, and a stated number of soldiers.

FOREST AND GAME LAWS.

The ancient kings of Media, were the first preservers of game.
Their extensive paradises, or royal parks, contained numerous ne-
des of animals ; lions, bears, camel-leopards, deer, antelopes, wild
sheep, and wild asses. But as all those creatures in confiaemeBt
underwent a kind of civilization, and lost the vnld propensities which
distinguished them in their natural state, the more adveniorcHUi por-
tion of Median youth always sallied forth to the mountains and fo-
rests when they were desirous of exhibiting their courage or prowess.

It is generally allowed by all who have made remarks, diat the
game laws, as they are now^ and have subsisted for ages, are a dis-
grace to the noble fabric of our free constitution : and it is not die
more remarkable, since they had their origin in slavery, as the fol-
lowing passE^e from Blackstone sufficiently demonstrates :

Another violent alteration of the English constitution, consisted in
the depopulation of whole countries for the purposes of the king's
royal diversion, and subjecting both them, and all the ancient forests
of the kingdom, to the unreasonable severity of forest laws, imported
from the continent ; whereby the slaughter of a beast was made
almost as penal as the death of a man. In the Saxon times, thopgh
no man vras allowed to kill or chase the king's deer, yet he minit
start any game, pursue, and kill it, upon his own estate. Botlhe
rigour of these new constitutions, vested the property of all tiie game
in England in the king alone ; and no man was allowed to disturb
any fowl of the air, or any beast of the field, of such kinds as were
especially reserved for- the royal amusement of the sovereign, witii-
oot express license from the king, by the grant of a chase or free
warren ; and those franchises were granted as much with a view to

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 91

preserve the breed of animals, as to indulge the subject. From a
similar principle to which, though the forest laws are now mitigated,
and grown by degrees entirely obsolete ; yet, from this ro^ has
sprang a bastard slip^ Iluowu by the name of the Game Laws, now
arrived to, and wantoning in, its highest vigour; both founded upon
the same unreasonable notions of permanent property in wild crea-
tures ; and both productive of the same tyranny to the commons ;
but with this difference, that the forest laws established only one
mighty hunter throughout the land, the game laws have raised a little
Nimrod in every manor ; and in one respect, the ancient law was
much less unreasonable than the modern ; for the king's grantee of
a chase, or free warren, might kill game in any part of his nranchise ;
but now, though a freeholder of less than one hundred .a year, is for-
bidden to kill a partridge on his own estate, yet nobody else, (not even
the lord of the manor) unless be hath a grant of free warren, can do it
without committing a trespass, and subjecting himself to an action.

Indeed, the whole body of the game laws, as they now stand, are
replete with perplexity, absurdity, and contradiction. What can be
more ridiculous, than the legislature of a mighty empire, should re-
quire one hundred a year as a qualification to shoot a poor partridge,
and only forty shillings to vote for a senator ? But the game laws
enacted by Henry the Fourth, of France, of whom it is recorded,
that he hoped to see the day, when the poorest peasant in the king-
dom could have a fowl for his Sunday's dinner, is not a little curious,
if we are to believte M. Lequioio^ in a work published by him in the
year 1792, entitled, Les Prejuges Detruits ; Prejudices Destroyed.
By an article of this monarch, says he, it was decreed, that every
pefisant found with a gun in his hand, near a thicket, should be strip-
ped naked, and beaten with rods around it, until the blood came.
So that the life of man was sacrificed to the repose and existence of
hares and partridges, destined for the pleasures of the Good Henry,
as every true Frenchman, we are told by other authors, gloried in
styling nim. It may, however, be remarked, and we question, in
the woarda of a political writer, if since the first records of human
aociety, there was ever introduced, in the form of law, any thing so
fnily despotic, as the attempt to claim a monopoly of wild animals,
for certain privileged classes of people.

THE -}. AS A MARK.

It is said that Withered, king of Kent, used the sign of the Cross
for his mark to his grants, he being unable to write his name ; and
that from him originated the custom. It is said also, that the majo-
rity erf' the barons who signed Magna Charta, made their marks, being
^noraot of the science of writing.^

The sign of the Cross was first used by Christians as a distinction,
in 110. That of our Saviour found in Mount Calvary, 326. First
set in steeples, 568.

STAMP DUTY ON RECEIPTS.

The Siamp Duty on Receipts, was first imposed during the cele-
lirated Goahtion Administration, which gave occasion for the fol-
lowing Jeu d^esprit, at the time generally attributed to Sheridan :

** I would," says Fox, " a tax devise,
** That should not fall on me ;"
'* Then tax receipts,'* Lord North replies,
'* For those, you never see.'"

'-^ — r— — ^g-rgT— I -M—MM-nm i ■ r ^_j^_ _l j ij___i —

* See Magna Charta.

^2 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

MAIL COACHES.

Mail Coaches were first established to Bristol, in 1784 ; to other
parts of England, and an Act to regalate and encoorage them, and
exempt them from tolls, in ]785.

POST OFFICES.

Post OflSces were first established in Paris, 1462 ; in EngUmd,
1581 ; in Germany, 1641 ; in the Turkish dominions, 1740 ; regniated
by parliament, and made general in England, 1656, and in Scotland,
1685.

PENNY, NOW TWO-PENNY POST.

The Penny-Post was set np in London and snborbs, by one Mv-
ray, an upholsterer in 1681, who afterwards assigned the same to
one Dockwra ; afterwards claimed by the government, who allowed
the latter a pension of 2002. a year, in 1711. First set up in Dnblin,
1774. It was improved considerably in and about London, July, 1794.

RYE-HOUSE PLOT.

The Rye-House is a farm near Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire,
through which his majesty usually passed in his road horn New-
market, which farm belonged to Rnmbold, one of the conspirattHrs.
It was pressed by them to attack the king and his guards, by firing
from the out-houses. While another party should attack them, when
they were separated by the gates, and embarrassed in the inclosures ;
but a fire happening at Newmarket, his megest^ returned to London
sooner than he intended, and before the conspirators were prepared
to put their design in execution. This occurred, June 14ui, 16^.
The conspiracy was discovered by a letter from one John Keeling,
in a letter to lord Dartmouth and secretary Jenkins.

WALLER'S PLOT.

The nobility and people of distinction in London, as well as the
most substantial citizens, being weary of the parliamentary war,
associated together, and came to a resolution, to endeavour to depose
the chiefs of the opposition, to offer his majesty equitable terms of
peace, and if this was refused, to form a party strong enough in tiie
city to oppose the levying taxes on them for the continuance of the
war; which Pym having some intelligence of, pretended ther« was
a plot to destroy the parliament, and deliver up the city of London
to the king ; ana IVIr. Waller being one of the most considerable men,
or most active in promoting the said object, it obtained the name of
Waller's Plot.

POPISH PLOT.

In the rei^ of Charles II., in the year 1678, Doctor Tongue, a
physician, laid certain papers before the lord treasurer, Danby, im-
porting a conspiracy against his majesty's life, and the Protestant
religion, by the Jesuits. The chief promoters of this plot were said
to be the pope, Innocent Xlth, Cardinal Howard, and nomeroos
others in England, of the Roman Catholic religion. The said Tongue,
and one Titus Oates, having drawn up a narrative, made oatii of tiie
truth of the same. From the circumstance of the origin, it obtained
the name of the Popish Plot.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. QS

GUNPOWDER PLOT.

Please to remember th« Fifth of November,
Gunpowder Treason and Plot;
We know no reason, why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot !

e famous Powder Plot, which was intended to have blown np
ing,* lords, and commons, with gnnpowder, was discovered da
!fth of November, the day on which it was to have taken place,
; when oneof the conspirators, wishing to save William Parker,
Aonteagle, wrote him a letter of caution. Upon which, his lord-
MHnmanicated the same to the privy cooncil ; and the vaults of
arUament being searched, several barrels of gunpowder were
I, also one Guy Faux, a Spaniard, with a lantibom, was found
ted therein. Hence origin ated the term of ^ Gunpowder Plot,"
y celebrated on the Fifth of November.

MEAL-TUB PLOT.

18 was also a plot of the Catholics, in the reign of Charles II.,
icredit the witnesses of the Popish Plot, wherein the famous
I Oates figured as an informer. The heads whereof being found
japer concealed in a tub of meal, it obtained the name of the
iTub Plot.

HOLY ALLIANCE.

The blest alliance, which says threef are all !
An earthly Trinity ! which wears the shape
Of Heaven's — as man is mimicked by the ape.
A pious unity ! in purpose one —
To melt three fools into a Napoleon ! — Byron,

e Holy Alliance was formed at the Treaty of Verona, for the
Me o[ checking the revolutionary mania, as it was stated, and
srving the legitimate rights of the potentates who formed it.
lis alliance has ever been looked upon with a well-founded sus-
B, by the English nation : indeed by all, who feel interested in
saich of mind, and rational freedom.

THE CABAL COUNCIL.

le celebrated cabinet council of Charles II., which we read of
itory, and who were supposed to be in the pay of Louis XIV.,
'cd their appellation from the initial letters of their five names,
h composed the word Cabal; viz.

Clifford,

Arlington,

Buckingham,

Ashley

Lauderdale.

I this has not been sufficiently explained, or rather, as the deri-
n has not been given in the majority of the Histories of England,
considered, that it will not be found out of place here<

WOOLSACKS IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

the reign of queen Elizabeth, an act of parliament was passed,
event the exportation of English wool ; and the more effectually

* James the First. t Austria, Russia, and Prussia.

94 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

to secare this sonrce of national wealth, the woolsacks on which our
jadges sit, ii^the House of Lords, were placed there to remind them
that, in their jadicial capacity, they oa^nt to have a constant eye to
the preservation of this staple commodity of the kingdom.

SLAVE TRADE.
** Oh Slavery ! thou Hemlock in the cup of life."

The first attempt, from England, to establish the odioas traffic io
blacks, was in the reign of qaeen Elizabeth, in the year J 562; when
John Hawkins, an adventurer, afterwards Sir John Hawkins, fitted
out three ships, and made a voyage to the Coast of Guinea for slaves.

EXCISE SCHEME.

It was in the year 1733, that the Excise Scheme was first moved
in the Honse of Commons, by resolutions, which were poweifolly
resisted, but finally carried, and tiie Excise Bill brought in ; the ma-
jority being 236, the minority 200. Prior to this period the excise
was farmed."^

SOUTH SEA BUBBLE.

In 1711, the ninth year of queen Anne's reign, a charier of incor-
poration, was grantedf to a confpany trading to the South Seas ; and
the Sooth Sea Company's affairs appeared so prosperous, that in
1718, George the First, being chosen governor, and a bill, enabling
him to accept the office, having passed both the houses on the 3rd dt
February, his majesty, in person, attended in the House of Lords,
and gave the royal assent to the act. The result is but too well
known ; such a scene of misery appeared among traders, that it was
almost unfashionable not to be a bankrupt ; and the dire catastrophe
was attended with such a number of self-murders, as no age can
parallel.

STANDING ARMY IN ENGLAND.

This unconstitutional force, as someof our would-be patriots have
designated it, takes its data from 1486, when Henry VII. established
fifty yeomen of the guard, and which, in time, became a precedent
for a more extensive and effective force.-{-

LAND TAX IN ENGLAND.

The first land tax was in the reign of Ethelred II., witii whom the
Danes had broken an agreement The invaders committed horrid
cruelties and devastations all over the kingdom, and the timid Ethel-
red paid them no less than 24,0002. for peace. This was levied on
land, and was called danegelt, by which ignominious name the tax,
called Land Tax, was first known in England. The modem land
tax was first established at the revolution, in 1688, from which period
to the year 1800, it yielded above 227,000,000/.

PROPERTY TAX.

The first tax on personal property, in England, was levied by
Henry II , (whose reign began, 1154), which amounted to twopence
in the pound, on the araonnt of every individual's net effects, after
deducting the debts owing, to be venfied on oath ; and one penny in

* See Public-house chequers. + See Beef-eater.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 95

the poimd for the four following years. This tax was afterwards
raised to one tenth part of all personal property, as in J 188, intelli-
gence had faMpen received, that Jerasalem had been taken by the sal-
tan of Egypt. On this occasion, the English are said to have paid
above 70,0002., and the resident Jews about 60,000/., together abont
2,000,000 sterling of modem money.

In the reign of Henry ILI., the revenue of customs was 6,000/. per
annum.

POSTS.

"Hie first institntion of posts is generally ascribed to the Persians.
The monarchs of that extensive empire, tnat they might have intelli-
gence of all that passed in the provinces of their vast dominions,
placed sentinels on eminences, at convenient distances, where towers
were bailt, which sentinels gave notice of public occurrences to each
other with a loud and shrill voice ; by which means alone, news was
transported from one end of the kingdom to the otiier with surprising
expedition. This method, however, being fonnd to be tedious and
nncertain, Gyrus, as Xenophon informs us, provided couriers, and
erected houses on all the high roads, for keeping post horses, and
delivering packets from one to another.

PRESSING FOR THE NAVY.

This mode of recr^ting our navy commenced in the year 1355 ;
prior to which, seamen were enlisted same as soldiers, but which,
m time of war, was found ineffectual.

OLD AND NEW STYLE.

Pope Gregory III. caused theKalendartobe reformed in the year
1582 ; whereby the English, and some other Protestant countries,
which adhere to the Julian Kalendar, lost ten days, and occasioned
(he distinction of Old and New Style.

CHILTERN HUNDREDS.

Of the hundreds into which many of the English counties were di-
vided by king Alfred, for their better government, the jurisdiction
was originally vested in particular courts, but came afterwards to be
devolved to the county courts, and so remains at present, except
with regard to some, as the Chiltem Hundreds, in Buckinghamshire,
which have been by*privilege annexed to the crown. These having
still their own courts, a steward of those courts is appointed by the
chancellor of the exchequer, with a salary of ttrenft^ shillings, and
all fees, &c. belonging to the office. This is made a matter of con-
venience to members of parliament ; when any of them wish to
resign, he accepts the nominal office of the Chiltem Hundreds, and
by mis vacates his seat.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN COURTS OF LAW, AND
LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS.

The French, or rather the Norman-French language, was intro-
duced into our courts of law by the Conqueror, and was the only
language used till the reign of Edward III., in the year 1362, when
an act was passed, that die counsel at the bar shall plead in the
English tongue, but the pleadings to be entered in Latin.

Another writer says : it is said on the lord's committee on the
privileges of peers, that the prelates, dukes, earls, barons, and all

96 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

the commons, having at length shown the king the mischiefs tanmiag
iirom the laws, customs, and statutes of the rea]m> not being knovni
to them, because they were impleaded, shown, and judged in tbe
FVench language, which was little known in the kingdom ; and the
kin^ with their consent willed, that all proceedings henceforth should
be in the English tongue. The French language, notwitfattanding,
was still used in the rolls of parliament

ACTS OF PARLIAMENT.

Prior to the long parliament, the term Ordinance of Parliament
was used; but on the 16th of January, 1649, the Commons altered
their style, and called their ordinances. Acts of Parliament^ whidi
term is used at the present day.

RUMP PARLIAMENT.

The parliament, which in history h stiled the Rump Parliament^
was thus denominated, because it was a remnant, or the latter end
of the Long Parliament, and did not amount to one hundred men.

TRANSPORTATION,

Transportation of criminals, instead of execution, first commenced
in 1599.
Henry VIII. executed 72,000 during his reign !

ALE HOUSE LICENCES.

Ale, and ale-houses in England, are made mention of in the laws
of Ina, king of Wessex. Licences were introduced, 1551.

NAVAL SALUTE TO THE ENGLISH FLAG.

This honour to the Flag of England, first commenced in Alfred's
reign, and has continued ever since.

AFFIRMATION OF THE QUAKERS

Was first accepted as an oath, in 1702 ; an alteration made in it,
December 13th, J721.

SWEARING ON THE GOSPEL.
hi our courts of law, &c. was first used in 528.

** He that imposes an oath makes it.
Not he that for convenience takes it;
Then how can any man be said.
To break an oath he never madeV^-^Hudibrits^

AUCTIONS

Were first introduced into Britain about 1700, by Elisha Yole, a
governor of Fort George, in the East Indies; who disposed of a
cargo of goods, he had brought home with him, by this means.

ORiaiN OF TYTHES.

** And he will take a tenth of your sheep."— 1 Sam, c. 8, v. xvli.

Selden, in his History of Tythes, says, they were anciently dis-
posed of by the owners of the land where they arose, at their plea-
sure, to such monasteries, and in such portions as they thought {HPO-
per. Every person foundibg a church for his own use, and that of
his tenants, appropriated to it the tythes of his lands.

THE ETTHOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 97

In a cleverirohiiDe of tales, entitled, ** Alice Allan, the Coontry
Town, Sec." recently published, we find the following notice of the
origin of tythes *.

llie vicar took his breakfast with me on the morning of the trial,
and as may be supposed, we talked of little else bat tythes and the
forthcoming caose.

It was while the doctor paased over his second enp of oc^ee, that
I muttered something about the evils of the system^ and alluded to
the common error, that the existence of tythes is to be traced as fiir
back as we can follow our historv.

" Why certainly," observed the vicar, ^ 1 do not mean to say that
the tythe system was known in the earlier ages of the Christian
church, although an able writer observes, that possibly they were
contemporary with the planting of Christianity among the Saxons,
by Augustine the monk, about the end of the sixth century !"

'^ I Uiink, Sir," said I, ** Bishop Barlow, in his Remains, tells us,
that daring the first five centuries after the establishment of the Chris-
tian chnrch, the churches and priesthood were maintained by free
gifts and oblations only. And it does not appear, from any docu-
ments, that tythes were introduced into England till about ute year
786. This is Selden's opinion, and the first mention made of them
in any English written law, appears to be in a constitutional decree,
made in a Synod held A D. 786, wherein the payment of tythes in
general is strongly enjoined, and this canon did not at first bind the

** But," ubserved the Doctor, ** the decree was afterwards con-
firmed by two kingdoms of the Heptarchy, in their parliamentary
conventions of estates, respectively consisting of the kmgs of Mercia
and Northumberland, the bishops, dukes, senators, and people "

''That is true. Sir, and it is somewhat carious to trace the motive
of the former monarch (Ofia) in thus giving the tythes of his king-
dom to the church, which, in after ages, grew so rich from the crimes
and saperstition of princes ; for had he not, in the previous year,
basely murdered Ethelbert, the king of the East Angles, it is pro-
bable the Christian church would have waited some time longer for
its tythes ; and when the right was actually established, although
every person was obliged to pav, yet he was at liberty to give ms
tythes to what priest he pleased, or might pay them into the hands of
tne bishop, to oe distributed amongst his diocesan cleigy^ all the
revenaes of the church being then in common."

'^ And sorely," said the Doctor, ** you do not think that these ar-
bitrary consecuUons of tythes were at all beneficial to the interest or
character of the church. On the contrary^ the practice enabled the
intriguing clergy and monks, to draw the nches of the establishment
into the coffers of their monasteries and religious houses, whilst the
poor laborious parish priests were left almost wholly unprovided for.
Indeed, the evil grew to such an extent, that pope Innocent IIJ.,
about the year 1200, in a decretal epistle to the archbishop of Can-r
terbary, enjoined the paymentof tythes to the pastors of the reiqf»ective
parishes where every man resided.

** This letter of the pope's, Sir, seems to me to be a tacit reflection
on the overgrown endowments, and shameful system of pluralities,
which obtain amongst us at the present day.

*^ Truly, my young friend, all the parts of our venerable establiahp
ment are not to be admired ; but the work of reformation is a dan-

Krooa work, and should be proceeded in with great caution. I
ve no doubt that the evil you allude to will be gradui)l]y ren^edji^di

9$ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

the march of improvement, and the consequent power of pnbfie
ownion, will, though almost anperceived, work their fall and sore
enert opon toe institations of the country.

^ I am certainly. Sir, not an advocate for any measnre that would
endanger om: establishment ; bat 1 think it is impossible not to see,
that when a nation has increased in energy and wealth, in so great
a degree as this country has done, an appropriation of a full tenth of
its income to the church, is a much larger appropriation, bearing in
mind the altered nature of circumstances, than even our superstitions
forefathers would have made. At the same time, I admit, that the
clergy rightly found their title to tythes on the law of the land.

^ To be sure they da As to the notion of a divine right to Aeir
property, that is completely exploded : though I apprehend sach a
right to tythes commenced and ceased with the Jewish theocracy.
Blackstone, however, very fairly says, that an honourable and com^
petent maintenance lor the ministers of the gospel, is undoubtedly
jure divino; whatever the particular mode of that maintenaace
maybe.

^ And I agree with him. We may observe, tiiat all mnnic^Mil
laws have provided a liberal and decent maintenance for their na-
tional priests or clei^ ; but the question with us is, whether our esta-
blishment does not take too large a portion from the national incoMe;
and whether that portion is not most unfairly distributed amcmgstibe
nrinisteiM of the gospel ? And I mav remark here, that when Char*
lemagne established the payment of tythes in France, (A. D. 77%\
he made a division of them into four parts;* one to maintain the
edifice of the church ; the second to sapiM)rt the poor ; the <^ird the.
bishops and the fourth the parochial clergy."

In another work we find tne following :
1^ ^ He will take a tenth of your sheep," said the good prophet,
when advisin^^ the Israelites, among many other unanswerable
ailments agamst a king. Now, the kings of Christianity, fenlmg
how odious to their subjects this tenth would be, did, very early
in its primitive state, resign their share to the priesthood. Ja
England, that portion of the settled maintenance of the clergy, called
first fruits, ana belonging to the bishops, was granted by parliament,
in the time of king Ina. After these, we find, that tythes becamea
legal assignment under Ofia. The bishop was the general receiver of
HlMaz also^ and by him they were divided into three parts : one to
the poor, another to the maintenance of the church in general^ and
the third part to the presbyter in particular. Subsequently, witti
miany acts of state altered or amended, this regulation, amtnagst
which, the important grant of Athelwolfe stands highest in the en-
mation of the clergy; yet, unfortunately for them, is not clearly un-
derstood. Some maintain, that this monarch gave the tenth mansion,
and the tenth of all his goods, whilst Malmsoury expressly hadii^
that the tenth of the hides of land was the gift ; yet, from me deed,
as recited by him, Selden was inclined to read it as the tenth laaa-
sion only Matthew Westminister understands, that he gave the
tenth of his kingdom ; but in the donation by him published, it ras,
decimam partem tence mece, which makes qaite^ another thii^ of it,
and perhaps, much more to the purpose ; for with his own land he
might do as it pleased him, but the tenfh of his kingdom was not at
his disposal. He, as a pious prince, set the example to the cleigy,

* Montesq. de rEsprit des Lotx, b« 81, c, 18.

TdE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. gg

and ia so far as his snlijects chose to follow it, the gift went tiirough
Uie state fonn of being in the king's name. N. Bacon assomes, that
were not this the case, '}t might be the tenths of the profits of the
lands throughout the kingdom : that it was done by public acts of
state, and that clause lost, or forgotten by historians.

EXCHEQUER BILLS.

In the yean 1696 and 1697, the silver currency of the kingdom
hfeiiag, by clipping, washing, grinding, filing, &c. reduced to about
half its nominal value, acts of parliament were passed for its being
called in and recoined ; but whilst recoinage was going on, Exche-
qver Bills were first issued, to supply the demand of trade. The
quality of silver recoined, accoramg to D'Avenant, from the old
haouiMred money, amounted to 5,725,933^ It is worthy of remark,
that through the difficulties experienced by the Bank of England
(which had been established only three years) during the recoinage,
they having taken the clipped silver at its nominal value, and guineas
at an advanced price, bank notes were in 1697 at a discount of from
15 ^20 per cent

^ Dnnng the recoinage>" says D'Avenant, *' all great dealings
were transacted by tallies, bank bills, and goldsmiths' notes. Paper
credit did not only supply the place of running cash, but greatly
multiplied the kingdom's stock ; for tallies and bank bills did to
many uses serve as well, and to some better than gold or silver ; and
thia artificial wealtli, which necessity had introduced, did make us
less feel the want of that real treasure, which the war and our losses
at sea had drawn out of the nation."

POOR LAWS AND POOR HOUSES.'

*' A prison, with a milder nnme.
Which few inhabit without dread of shame.**

Hie Poor Laws were enacted in the reign of Elizabeth. An
eagerness for depopulating the lands, in order to traffic in sheep and
wool, may be classed among the imperative reasons of that queen's
IfOfvemment for the enactment of them. The people were thus as
tluMTODghly deprived of the means of life, as if the grain shoald be
given to the moors of Africa. It is vain to say thac the benefit of
the traffic would have returned to them in another shape. There
was neither arts nor manufactures whereby they could create a claim
to the lowe^ rate of provision. A good modern economist would
say, that they oaght to have been lelt to the pinching of their fate,
to compel them to that discovery : but the laws had left them no
8|ich Imerty, imd they were mostly the property of the owners of the
land.

That parish excrescence, the Poor-house, however, did not make
its appearance till the reign of Queen Anne; an introduction which
has seated more dissolute and idle lieges in a century^ than the
poor laws of tiiemselves would have done in five. Prior to that reign,
the poor were farmed out, as they are in some parishes at the pre-
sent day, and it would have been as well if it had been continued ;
bat, idaa ! we have had some sad Solomons as legislators.

GUILDHALL.

Ooild, signified among our Saxon ancestors, a fraternity, derived
from tiie Saxon word to pay, because every man paid his share to-
wards the ezpences of the community, and hence the place of meet-

IQQ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

in^ was called Guild, or Guildhall. Hence also the term the Gidkl
(^Merchauts^ in Dublin.

KING'S BENCH.

So called from our Kings beint; wont to preside in our courts of
justice, as our judges do now. Edward the First, our English Jim-
tinian, as he has been called, often did so ; and indeed, what coald
be a more gratifying sight, than an English monarch dispensing jus-
tice to the feudal lord and bonded slave alike.

After the death of Charles the First, the Court of King's Beach
was called the Court of Public Bench> and some Republicans were
so cautious of acknowledging monarchy anywhere, that in repeating
the Lord's Prayer, instead of saying, " Thy kingdom come," they
chose to have it said, " Thy commonwealth come."

COMMON PLEAS.

This Court, which seems to please nobody, was first designated
by its present name in the reign of Edward the First, and which was

fiven merely to distinguish it from the King's Bench, where the
ing himself presided. The engines of the law, however, especially
the Serjeants, have created other profitable technicalities, and who
have been keenly satirized by the late Lord Erskine in the following
celebrated impromptu : —

The Seijeants are a grateful race.
And all their actions show it ;
Their purple garments come from Tyre^
Their arguments go to it !

COURT OP CHANCERY.

This Court, according to divers learned men, owes its name to
certain cross bars of wood, or iron, wherewith it was enclosed, to
prevent the officers who sat therein from being incommoded by the
people. Such grates, or cross bars, were by me Romans denomi-
nated cancelli ; which, according to the opinion of some, gave like-
wise the name to that part of a cnurch called the chancel, from its
being separated from the body of the church by such grates or lat-
tices, by order of Pope Felix, for the use of the priests.

EXCHEQUER COURT.

This, which is one of the four great courts (says Maitland) of the
kinc^dom, derives its name from a chequered cloth, which anciently
covered the table where the judges or chief officers sat; and being
coeval with the Norman conquest, it was at finst erected by William
the Conqueror, for the trial of all causes relating to the revenues of
the Crown.

MARSHALSEA COURT.

Marshnlsea Court, says Maitland, is a corruption of Marshal's
Court. This Court, which is held in Sonthwark, under the Knight
Marshal, was first erected for hearing and determining all differ-
ences that might happen among the royal domestics. The judge of
this court is the Knight Marshal's Steward, to whom belong four
counsellors, and six attomies.

DOCTORS* COMMONS.

The several courts and offices, whereof this college is at present
composed, says Maitland, were anciently dispersed, and held in

THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. |()|

Several parts of the city; which being relative, and in some measure
depending ppon one another, occasioned grreat inconveniences to
the respective practitioners ; wherefore the Doctors and Proctors of
the several courts nnanimoasly united in a collegiate manner, and,
by dining together in common, obtained thie appellation of Doctors'
Commons. This college, which is a spacious and stately edifice, si-
taate on the west side of St Bennet's Hill, is inhabited by several
of the Doctors and Proctors of the civil law in this city ; who before
they removed to this house, which was provided for uem by Dr.
John Hervey, Dean of the Arches, they cohabited in a small house,
aow the Qaeen's Head Tavern in Paternoster-row.

ARCHES COURT.

This Court was originally held in the church of St. Mary le Bow,
which is built on arches, and which simple circumstance gave a
name to this court

PREROGATIVE COURT.

1%]8 Court, says Maitland, which is held in Doctor's Commons^
is thus denominated from the Prerogative of the Archbishop of Canr
terbory, who by a special privilege, beyond those of his suffragans.
can here try all disputes that happen to arise concerning wills ana
administrations of persons who have left goods to the vame of Five
Pounds without the diocess wherein he or she died ; unless such
things are settled by composition between the metropolitan and his
suffiragans, as in the diocess of London, where it is Ten Pounds.

DUTCHY OF LANCASTEIl COURT.

This Court owes its origin to Henry 4th, who deposing Richard
2d, usurped the crown ; and possessing the Dutchy of Lancaster in
rightof bis mother, was seized thereof as duke, as well as king.
Bat imagining his right to the dutchy better than tiiat to the crown,
he resolved to secure the same by separating it from the crown ;
which being effected, he erected this court for its use, wherein all
matters of law and equity belonging to the Dutchy, or County Pala-
tine of Lancaster, are heard and decided by the Chancellor uereof.

PRINCIPALITY OF CHESTER.

*' Charge, Chester, charge ! on Stanley on !
Were the last Words of Marmioii."

In 1398, says Maitland, Richard the Second brought intoShrews-
bmry a numerous guard of the militia of Cheshire, who expressed so
strong an inclination to serve him, that to gratify the county he erect-
ed it mto a Principality, and added to the rest of his titles that of
Prince of Chester.

STAR CHAMBER.

The origin of this Court was derived from the most remote anti-
quity, and its title, as Barrington relates, is supposed to be derived
from starrum, a barbarous word for a Jewish contract ; as business
with ihe Jews had probably been transacted there. By Henry 7th,
it was, however, carried to its greatest height, and by some thought
to have had its origin : others, that it was established by Archbishop
Land in 1487. It is also said to be so called from its having its roof
painted with silver or gilt stars, wherein the Chancellor, assisted by
others appointed for that purpose, had authority to punish routs, riots,

F 3

102 *^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

and other misdemeanoiirs, that were not by common law pronde^
against ; bat happily for fatore ages^ the power and jarisdictHHi ol*
ithis tyrannical aatiiority was absolutely abolished by statute 17th of
Charles. It is indeed extolled by Lord Bacon, who styles the ala-
tute for the erection of this most despotic court *' a good law." And
in like manner. Sir T. Smith, in his *' CommonwealUi of England,"
advances in its defence, *' that it was useful to govern those who
were too stout for the ordinary courts of justice."

BOARD OF GREEN CLOTH.

This Board, which takes c(^nizance of all matters of coort eti-
quette, from the shape of a buckle to the cut of a petticoat, takes its
name from even a more simple circumstance than the preceding,
viz. from the table, where the most puissant council sit^ being eorer*
ed with green cloth !

COURT OF PIE POUDRE.

This is the lowest^ and at the same time the most ezpeditions (tat
the title implies) court in the kingdom. It is said to be calledlue
court of piepoudre, ciiria pedis pulverizati, from the dosty feet sf
the suitors ; or, as Sir Edward Coke says, because jnstice J» tlwwi
done as speedily as dust can fall from the feet : bat BladksCeae,
who says thus much of this court, inclines to ^ qpinion of Dsmes
Barrington, who derives it from pied pMreaux (a pedlar in M
French), and says, it signifies, therefore, the court of sndi p^ty
chapmen as resort to fairs or markets. Fosbroke says~-Coiiits si-
milar to me poudre courts were usual both with Greeks and Ro-
mans, wno introduced fairs into Germany and the North.

TURNPIKES.

Turnpikes were first instituted in 1367, by a grant of one fwwf
for each waggon passing through a certain manor.

WAR WITH FRANCE.

" Peace be to France, if France in peace {>enntt.
The lineal heritance to our own; if not.
Bleed France, and peace ascend to Heaven !'*

Shakspeare*

When the fair were accustomed to behold their lovers with beards,
the sight of a shaved chin excited sentiments of horror and aversion;
as much indeed as, in this effeminate age, would a gaJilsmit wkoat
hairy excrescence should

** Stream like a meteor to the troubled air.**

To obey the injunctions of his bishops, Louis the Seventh, of
France^ cropped his hair, and shaved his beard. Eleanor of Ac-
qnitaine, his consort, found him, some little time after their mar-
riage, with this uncommon appearance, very ridiculoos, and v«ry
contemptible ; and told him, that when she married him she thongM
she had married a man, not a monk. She revenged herseli^ by be-
coming something more than a coquette. The king obtaii^ed a di-
vorce. She then married the Count of Anjou, who shortly after as-
cended the English throne.^ She gave him for her mRniate dower
the rich provinces of Poitou and Guienne ; and this was the origin

Henry 2d.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. j^

x>f those wars which for three hondred y^ars ravaged France, and
which cost the French nation three millions of men. All which pro-
bably had never taken place had Louis 7th not been so rash as to
xxrop bis hair and shave his beard, by which he disgusted the fair
Eleanor. '

THE AMERICAN WAR.

The impost on stamps, or, in other words, the Stamp Act, naiff
be said to have originated this unnatural and impolibc war, and
which commenced at Lexington in 1775. The following is a speci-
men of the feeling which animated the Americans at that day.

When Patrick Henry, yrho gave the first impulse to the^ ball of
(be American revolution, introduced his celebrated resolution oH thlB
Stamp Act, in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, he exclaimed,
-^Hken descanting on the tyranny of the obnoxious act, " Caesar had
has Bmtus; Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the

Tbiid " "Treason!" cried the Speaker. " Treason, Treason ! P'

edioedfrom every part of the house. It was one of those trying
moments which are decisive of character. Henry faultered not for
an instant ; but rising to a loilier attitude, and fixing on the Speaker
an eje flashing with fire, exclaimed, " may profit by their example.
If this be treason make the best of it !'' ,

It Is'Aid, that George the Third AanJfe^ted an nijl^eeofiiif^g impa>
tfefiee relative to &e declaration of war against die Aiiieric'abs ; and
U>at when the American Commissioners Ktr the peace were present-
6d to Him, he said, " I have been the last man in ihy dominions to
accede to this peace, which separates America frptn my kingdoin.
I will be the firat man, now that it is made, to resist any attempt to
impugn it."

LOTTERIES.

** In the lottery of life should dame fortmie beguile.
From this maxim divert not your eyes ;
That, however the goddess may simper and smile.
She has always two blanks to a prize.**

The first lottery is said to have been drawn A. D. 1569. It con-
suted of 400,000 lots, at ten shillings each lot ; the prizes were
plate, and the profits were to go towards repairingthe havens of the
kingdom. It was drawn at the west door of St Paul's Cathedral.
The drawmg began on the 11th January, 1569, and continued inces-
cMdy'dm^t^, day and nigh^ till the 6th May fdtowinr, as Mait-
land, from Stowe, informs us in his Histonr, vol. i.. p. 257. There
were flien only three lottery offices in London. T^e proposals fbr
this lottery we^e published in the years 1507 and 1668. It was at
first intended to have been drawn at the house of Mr. Dericke, her
Majesty's servant (L e. jeweller), but was afterwards drawn as above
mentioned.

NATIONAL DEBT.

TTiis national burden takes its origin, or data, from the reign of
Henry 7th, when it was 1430/.^ At this period, in the reign of
Oeorge 4th, it is 800,000,0002. !

* See Value of Money,

IQ^ THB ETTMOIiOQICAL COMPENDIUM.

FRANKING LETTERS.

In the 23d volame of the Parliamentaiy History is the followiiisl^
very corioos anecdote concerning this privilefre. It occmTed in die
debate on the Post Office bill, in the year 1660.

'''Colonel Titos reported the bill for the settlement of the post of-
fice, with the amendments. Sir Walter Earle delivered a provno,
for the letters of all members of parliament to go free daring their
iMng. Sir Heneage Finch said, ' It was a poor mendicant {Hnmso^
and below the honour of the Hoove.' Mr. Prynn spoke also agaiait
tiie proviso. Mr. Bonckle^, Mr. Boscawen, Sir Ge<H^ DawBiim,
and Seijeant Charlton, for it ^ the latter saying, the coonsels' letters
were free. The qaestion being called for, the Speaker, Sir Har-
bottle Orimstone, was onwilling to pot it, saying he was asfaaiaed of
it : nevertheless, the proviso was carried, and made part oiihe bSD,
«^ch was ordered to be engrossed. The Lords sobseqoently dis-
agreed to this proviso, and it was nltimately thrown out. At a sobr
seqaent period, however, both Hooses did not feel it to be ImIow
their honoor to secure for themselves this exemption from postage."
^ParUamentary History,

REPORTING OF PARLIAMENTARY SPEECHES.

Woodfall, the printer of the Morning Chromcle, was the maa wifii
whom this custom originated, and that paper was the first ia idbose
colamns those reports first appeared. He was to be seen eveiy
mght in the gallery of the Hoose of Commons, with his cane hcnul in
his month, never varying his postore, and never taking a note ; and
yet the following day reporting the speeches without the toss of a
single word, though perhaps he would call at the theatre in his wav
home to see a new farce, or a new performer, for his criticism ; ana
yet his memory disposed of soch various gleanings without the least
oonfosion, or any apparent technical help. What an enviable talent !

SECTION VIL

HERALDRY, TITLES AND DIGNITIES, VARIOUS OR-
DERS AND INSIGNIA, ORIGIN OF VARIOUS ROYAL
AND NOBLE FAMILIES, CHRISTIAN NAMES, &c.

HERALDRY.

The late Lord Courtney, who was of one of the oldest families in
Great Britain, having married a Miss Clack, who was much inferior
in point of birth, a conversation took place (at which the late Bishop
of Exeter was present) on the disparity of the connexion. " \yhat is
your objection ?" said the bishop to a lady, who took the principal
in the conversation. " Want of family, my Lord." ** Want of fa-
mily !" echoed the bishop. *' Why, I'll prove her of better family
than his Lordship's. He may, perhaps, trace his family as far back

THE ErrMOLOGtCAL COMPENDIUM. 1Q5

us the conquest, bat the family of the Clacks are as old as Eve !'* —
So, reader, it may almost be said of Heraldry, the tme origin of
which is lost in the mazes of antiquity.

In a small work, published in 1731; entitled The British Compen-
diom or Rudiments of Honour, is the following passage : — " Abel,
the second SOn of Adam, bore his father's coat quartered, with that
(^his mother Eve, she being an heiress, viz. euUs and argent ; and
Joeeph's coat was party -per-pakf argent and gules,**

We are also informed by Gerard Leigh, one of the oldest writers
npoD heraldry, that Jesus Christ was a gentleman of great lineage
and King of the Jews. We are also told, that Micliael is at the
head cf the order of archangels, and that his ensign is a banner
hanging on a cross, and he is armed as victory, witii a dart in one
hand, and a cross on his forehead, or the top of his head ; arc ban-
gela bein|f distinguished from angels by that sign. Usuallv, how-
ever, he IS painted in coat armour, in a glory, with a dart, tnrowing
Lucifer headlong into a flame of fire and brimstone.

" T%pre remained,*' says a distingaished herald, "still in heaven,
after the fall of Lueifer) the bright star, and his company, more an-
gels than ^ere ever was, is, and shall be men bom in the earth,
which God ranked into nine orders, or chorus, called the nine qaoirs
of holy angels."*

To sum up, it may be said, that heraldry came first into general
use about the year 1 100. As regards crests, the assumption of theui
took its data from Edward the Black Prince, assuming the device of
the blind king of Bohemia, who was slain at the battle of Cre cy.
Prior to that period, they were only allowable by grant. Another
writer says, " Harry, surnamed the Fowler, Emperor of the West,
who regulated the tournaments in GSermany, was the first who intro-
dnced those marks of honour. Armouries, or Coats of Arms. Before
that time we fiod nothing upon ancient tombs but crosses, with Gotiiic
inscriptions, and decorations of persons entombed. The time of
Clement 4th, who died A. D. 1268, is the first whereon we find any
arms ; nor do they appear struck upon any coins before the year
1336. Camden refers the origin of hereditary arms in England to
the time of the first Norman kings. Chronology says, coats of arm<t
and heraldry were introduced in 1100, and that the arms of England
and France were first quartered by Edward 3d, ISSS."

HERALDS.

In the days of chivalry, the principal employment of the herald
was to carry messages of defiance, or proposals of peace, from one
sovereign prince or chieftain to another ; and in such high esteem
was the office held, that the senior heralds were styled kings, and
the sovereign himself vested them with the dignity by pouring a gold
cupof vfdne on their heads, and pnroclaiming their style and title.
In modem times, the principal business of the herald is to proclaim
peace and war, to superintend all royal and state ceremonies, parti-
cularly coronations, and the installations of the knights of difierent
wrders ; to arrange public funerals, to record and emblazon the arms
of tiie nobility and gentry, and check all spurious assumptions in
this respect — The Cabinet Lawyer.

• Holme.

100 THD ETYMOIAHHCAL COHPBHDIUlf.

HE11AIJ)S' COLLEGE.

The Heralds of Eoi^Iand were first incorporated by RiclMrd 9i,
who gave them a magnificent mansion for their college. Th* Burl
Marshal of England is superior for their college, and has the fM(lit of
afjfwinting the members of which it consists: namely, three King*
at Arms, eight Heralds at Arms, and foar PursniTants at Axwm^

The Kings are. Garter, Clarencienx, and Norroy. Ghutov ma
instituted by Henry 5th, for the service of the order of the Qw
and is acknowledged as principal King at Arms. Clarencieoz,
Norroy, are called provincial kings, the former having jvrisdBctMi
over that part of England south of the Trent, and the latter over the
country north of that river. The distinguishing colour of Oaitnris
blue ; of the two provincial kings, purple.

The eight heralds are styled, of York, Lancaster, Cfaeakse,
Windsor, Richmond, Somerset, Hanover, and Gloucester, win fank
according to seniority of appointment

The four Pursuivants are blae-mantle, rouge-eroix, rouge-dragon,
aad portr-culles.

A building has been lately erected for the Heralds' CoU^fe, acar
Charing Gross, and on the first Thursday of every month a chapler
is held, in which heraldic matters are discussed. — Ibid.

PEERDOM.

Peerdom is thus defined by Bailey * — ^The dignity of a peer an-
nexed to a great fee. Of late years, we believe, it has been cos*
ternary to take a great fee from the Peer.

ST. GEORGE AS PATRON SAINT OF ENGLAND.

" St. George he was for England, St. Dennis was for France.
Sing, Honi soit qui tnal y^ petise.

St. Geoige was chosen the tutelar Saint of England by our anoes-
tors, under the first Norman kings ; and the Council of Oxford^ in
18^, commanded his feast to be kept a holiday of the lesser rank.
Under his name and ensign our Edward the Third instituted the
Order of the Garter. Butler informs us, that St. George was boro
in Cappadocia ; that he went with his mother into Palesfine, of
which country she was a native, where she had a considerable
estate, which fell to her son George, who was a soldier, and be-
came a tribune or colonel in the army, wherein he was further |Nro-
moted by the Emperor Dioclesian, to whom he resigned his asm-
missions and posts, when that empire waged wsht against the Ouia-
tian religion, and who threw him into prison for remonstratingi^aiaBt
bloody edicts, and caused him to be beheaded. Butler also says,
St. (xeorge became the patron of the military because he had been
military himself, and that his apparition encouraged the ChristiBn
army before Ajitioch, which proved fortunate under Godfrey, of
Bouillon. There are many idle tales about the dragon, but this was
no more than an emblematical figure, purporting, that by his faith
and Christian fortitude, he conquered the devil, called the drpgon in
Apocalypse.

ST. DENNIS, PATRON SAINT OF FRANCE.

*' St. Denys.had his head cut o£f, he did not care for that.
He took it up and carried it two miles without his hat.*'

All that: we learn of St. Dennis^ or St Denys^ is^ that be was

THB BTY9H>L00fCAL COKPENDIVII. 107

with otiier martyrs beheaded in the year 252^ oear to Paris^ at a
place which has since been called Mons Martymm (Montmartre),
the moontain of martyrs in honour of them. Ribadeneim says, thie
body oi fk. Dennis rose npon its feet, and took its own head up in its
hands, as if he l^d triumphed, and carried in it the crown and token
of its victories. The angels of Heaven, he continoes, went on ac-
companying the Saint, singing hymns choirwise, witii a celestial
harmony and concert, and ended with these words, " gloiia titn,
Damme alleluia ;^ and the Saint went with Ms head in his hands
aiMMit two miles, till he met with a good woman called Catnla, who
eame ont of her house ; and the body of St Dennis going to her, it
put die head in her hands.

He was Bishop of Paris ; and after his martyrdom, wonderfal
imracles were worked at his tomb. The abbey of St. Dennis is
named in honour o£ him.

TITLES AND DIGNITIES.

Ocniions have changed npon all things, and greatly upon Titles
and Dignities. Who has not seen a Consnl appointee! to reside in
a fishing town? Who has not given a shilling to a Marquis, a six-
pence to a Knight? A Roman senator was beneath the level of an
Ehiglish gentleman : yet not only a Roman senator, but a Roman
citizen, held himself superior to foreign Kings. Surely it might well
be permitted our Richard to assume a rank far above any potentate
of his age. If Almanacks, and German Court Calenders, are to de-
cide on dignities, the Emperors of Morocco, of Austria, and recent-
ly of Mexico, should precede the Kings of England and France ;
iMit learned men have thought otherwise. Rank, which pretends to
fix the value of every one, is the most arbitrary of all things. A
Roman knight, hardly the equal of our secondary gentleman, would
have disdained to be considered as no better or more respectable
than a foreign king. In our da^s, even an adventorer to whom a
petty prince, or his valet, has given a pennyworth of ribbon, looks
proodly and disdainfully on any one of us who has nothing more in
his button-hole than his button.

THE KING.

The title of King, given to the Sovereien of these realms, is ex-
{Hreasive of his bein^ the chief or head of the state. The Hebrew
word Rosch is considered as the root of all the present titles, de-
nofiiig Kingly or Sovereign power ; namelj, the jPunic Resch, the
Sc^jrtman tCetx, the Latin Rex, the Spanish Rev, and the French
RaL The present English app^ellative. King, is, however, generally
derived firom the English Gynin^ — cunning or wise ; and it is past
dispute, that all the German nations styled their ancient monarchs
according tp their different dialects, Konig, Kuning, Koning, King^

eigfoert, grandfather of Alfred the Great, was the first king of
England.

PRINCE OF WALES.

This title was first given by Edward the First to his son Edward,
afterwards Edward 2d, to reconcile the Welch to his conquest of
that country. The Prince was bom at Caernarvon, from which
cirdnmstande he also took the name of Edward of Caernarvon.

DUKE.

About a year before Edward the Third assumed the title of King
of France^ m order to inflame the military ardour^ and to gratify

log THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUlt

the ambition of his Earls and Barons, he introdnced a new order of
nobility, by creating his eldest son Edward, Duke of Cornwall. —
This was done with great solemnity, in full parliament, at West-
minster, noon the I7ui of March, 1337, by girding a sword upon
the young Prince, and giving him a patent, containing a grant of
the name, title, and dignity of a Duke, and of several large estatesi
in order to enable him to support his dignity. The title is derived
from the French Due.

Another writer says —

The first hereditary Duke created in England was the Black
Prince, by his father Edward 3d, in A. D. 1337. 1 he Duchy of
Cornwall, then bestowed upon him, thenceforward became attach-
ed to the king's eldest son, who is considered to he dux natua.
The Duchy of Lancaster was soon after conferred on his third son,
John of Gaunt, and thence arose the especial privile^s which these
two duchies still in part retain. In the following reign, 21 Richard
3d, Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk, was so created for life. In the
reign of Elizabeth, in 1572, the ducal order was extinct, nor was
it revived till the creation of Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, by
James 1st.

MARQUIS.

This title is derived from the French Marquis, and was first con-
ferred in England in 1365, by Richard 2d. It was not, however^
till very recent reigns that the title became more general.

eaul.

This is the oldest English, or rather Danish title, that we have,
and implies the Governor of a District. A s an instance of its an-
tiquity, take Earl Godwin, the father of King Harold, from whom
the Goodwin Sands derive their name. It was first used by Alfred
in 920, as a substitute for king. .The first created was in 1066. —
The first Earl Marshal 1383.

BARON.
This title is Norman, and coeval with William the Conqueror.

VISCOUNT.

Although this title takes precedence of Baron, it is not of so long
standing in England. It is derived from the French Visconnte,
and was first conferred in this country in 1438.

BARONET.

This title is derived from Baron, and was first instituted in Eng-
land by James the First, in 1611.

NOVA SCOTIA BARONETS.

Nova Scotia Baronets were first created in commemoration of
the taking of Nova Scotia.

ADMIRAL.

According to Ducange, the Sicilians were the first, and the Ge-
noese ^e next, who gave the name of Admiral to the Commanders
of their fleets, deriving it from the Arabic, amir or emir, a designa-
tion applicable to any commandiDg officer.

TUB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDUIMi X09

ESQUIRE.

The title of Esquire is coeval with the Conqaeror, but in its pre-
sent application it takes its data from Henry the Fifth ; some go so
far back as Edward the Third> bat this is a mistake, as in that reign
an Esqnire was only, as it originally implied, an attendant on a
kai^t. Eastace and Mercoeur were the JEsqoires or attendants of
Edward the Black Prince. The word is derived from the Norman
Equtere^ from whence is also derived Eqiiery. Henry fhe Fifth,
after his victory at Agincoart, reads from a paper, presented by a
herald> the names of the principal characters who were slain : —

Edward the Duke of York, the Earl of Suffolk,
Sir Richard Ketly, Davy Gam, t^xquire:
If one else of name ; and, of all other men.
But five and twenty.

The late Lord Barrington was once asked b^ a German Prince*
" Pray, my Lord, of what rank is an Esquire m England?" when
his Lordship replied, " Why, Sir, I cannot exactly tell you, as you
have no equivalent for it in Germany ; bat an English Esquire is
considerably above a German Baron, and something below a Ger-
man Rnnce.''

Nothing can be more absurd than the commonly received notion,
that a certain property constitutes a man an Enquire ; in the coantry,
however, every village has its 'Squire, and to dub hun less would
be an affiront not easily forgiven. The fact is, none are Esquires
de facto but the following, viz. — all in his Majesty's Commission of
the Peace ; all Members of, and appertaining to his Majesty's Go-
vernment ; all officers in the army down to a Captain, and all offi-
cers in the navy down to a Lieutenant. These are the only Es-
qnhres de facto, however the title or distinction may be assumed, or
courteously bestowed. It will even be observed, (hat a Lieutenant
in the Army is not an Esquhre, but that a Lieutenant in the Navy
is : this statement may be relied on.

The following question relative to the Precedency of Esqaires by
office, is taken literally from the Harleian M S S. 1433, ana is writ-
ten 00 the first leaf of the Visitation of Surry. The signatures ap-
pear to be original autographs.

Question.
Whether an Esqaire by office, shall take place of another Es-
quire by office^ who was made Esquire by virtue of Uie said office
six or seven years after, although the latter may be the more an-
cient gentleman ?

Answer.
The office being of equal rank and qaality, he that is first an Es-
qaire by office, shall take the place of him that is made Esquire af-
terwards by virtue of the said office, altiiough the latter may be the
more ancient gentleman.

(Signed) John BoRonGH, Garter Principal King of Anns.
William Le Leve, Clarencieux.
Henry St. George, Norroy.

CHANCELLOR.

The title of Chancellor originated with the Romans. CSee article
under the head of Chancery.; It was adopted by the church, and
became a half ecclesiastic and half lay office. The Chancellor was
intnwted with all public instruments which were authenticated; and

1 10 tHB BTTMOtiOGfCAL OOMPBNDItm.

when seals came intonse, the costody of them was committed to
that officer. The mere delivery of the King's Great Seal, or the
taikiug it away, is all the ceremony that Is used in creathiff or ao-
making a Chancellor, the officer of the greatest weight ana poitreT
sdisistin^ in the kingdom. The first Chancellcn' in Englanid was
appcHBted in the reign of William the Conqaeror, and with oi^'one
exception, it was enjoyed by ecclesiastics antil the time of Kifka-
beih, when soch officers were called Keepers of the Great StoaL
Vraat the time of Sir Thomas Moore's appointment, which took plfeoe
in the reign of Henry 8th, there is only one instance of a cl ei n gynia n
havii^ been elerated to the office, namely. Dr. Williams, Dean of
Westminster, in the time of James 1st. The Chancellor is a Plrivy
Coansellor by office, and Speaker of the House of Lords by pre-
scription, He takes precedence of every temporal lord, except the
rqyal family, and of all others, except the Archbishop of Canter-
bnry-

EMPEROR.

Enmeror, from fmperateur or Imperator, a General or Comman-
ds of Legions ; this is the actual meaning, although, assinnMi as
one, implying more consequence. This title, which is notgeneially
known, was conferred on Peter the Great by the Knglish.

In 173!, Mr. Whit worth, afterwards Lord Whitworth, Envoy
from Qneen Anne to the Russian Court, received the title of Am-
bassador Extraordinary, and on the 5th of January he had a piib%
audience, at which, by order of the Queen, his mistress, he. eo^
iiloyed the title of Emperor in speaking to his Maiesty, and in the
letter which the Ambassador delivered from the Queen, the same
title was found, instead of the ancient one of the Czar.

The learned have been divided on the exact meaning of the word
Imperator, from which we have derived Emperor ; some asserting
it merely implied Conqueror, and cite that Cicero was sainted Im-
perator, on his return from his preconsulate. Others affirm it to be
only a title of sovereignty. Both are right in their affirmation, and
vrrong in their negation. Imperator hath both these meanings, as is
evident from the inscription on a medal struck during the reign of
Augustus— IMP. CiESAR. Divi. X. AUGUSTUS IMP. XX. Its psecise
meftning may always be ascertained by its position in the phrase.
When it means sovereignty, it precedes all names and titles, or, in
other words, begins the phrase ; when, on the contrary, it designates
Tictories obtained, it is placed after the name, and genersdly after
every other title, as in the instance above cited.

BOURBONS AS KINGS OF SPAIN.

The first Bourbon who ascended the throne of Spain was Philip
4th. grandson of Louis 14th, in the year 1713. The glorious wars
of Queen Anne, as they are called, were in opposition to that Suc-
cession, and although the Duke of Marlborough did not lose a single
battle, yet the French carried their point ; the party whose inteiest
the English espoused, viz. the Emperor's son, having died snddenlV,
which terminated the war. The celebrated peace of Utrecht, m
the year 1713, followed the twelve years war, when the BomboB
sQOcession to the Spanish monarchy was agreed to by this country-

THB jnTMOLOeiCUi COMPBlfimni. Ill

POPES, ALIAS BISHOPS OF ROME.

Ifwerefer back to the ancient Christian Church, to ascertain
who was the first Bishop of Rome, we shall find great variance <hi
that pmnt The term pope, is derived from the Italian papa, &th»r.

Tertnllian makes Clement, whom he supposes to have been or-
dained by St. Peter, as his immediate successor ; and this opinimi
gMierally obtained belief durmg the foorth century. Some diflbr-
ence of opinion on that pmnt subseouently prevailed; 8t JeiDme
giving Ldnos the first place after tne Apostles — Annacletos the
second — and Clement the third. To reconcile this contradictlDn,
varioos writera have, from time to time, started forth, some of whom
wooid have two Bishops of Rome exercising supreme aathority at
die same time— others again, and of no mean autnority, c(Mnbat that
position. But without entering on so wide a field of controvcKsy, it
wtll be sufficient to state, that the first letter to the Corinthians has
been generally ascribed to Clement; the spirit and style of the let-
ter is at complete variance with the modem bulls, briefs, muukittes,
&c. of the Church of Rome of the present day; there are no ana-
tiienms or excommunications Plundered forth in that letter. Th^
infallibility of Popes was an after consideration, and took its rive
from the extreme gullibility of the people.

KING OF THE ROMANS.

It will be remembered the son of Napoleon was styled Kbg of
Rome, and which title originated irom that of King of the Romans.
The Emperors of Germany, to bring in their sons as their successors,
politically got them elected King of the Romans, which was a part
of the sovereignty. To get his son elected King of the Romans, the
Emperor, Charles 4th, gave each Elector 100,000 ducats, and was
farced to mortgage several cities to raise the money, 1376 ; the de-
scendants of the mortgages continue still in possession of them> —
lliere were then only seven Electors, they being reduced to that
munber in 999. ^

HORATII AND CURATH.

The Romans and Albans, contesting for superiority, agneed to
chooae three chamfHons on each side to decide it The three Ho-
nrtii, Roman baigbts, and the three Curatii, Albans, being elected
ia their respective countries engaged, in which the Horatii were
victors, and which united Alba to Rome, 667 B. C.

AMBASSADOR.

The term Ambassador is one of the numerous cormptiom in our
language, the proper term being Embassador from Embassy : the
latter merely signifying, a message or errand ; the former, the mes-
Mnger. The term, however, has for a great length of time derived
» deal of consequence, arising iirom court^trick and politics.

THE TITLE CARDINAL.

The Cardinals were originally nothing more than deacons, to
whom was intrusted the care of distributing the alms to the poor dt
the several quarters of Rome; and as- they held assemblies of the
poor in certain churches of their several diistricts, thev took the title
0f these churches. They began to be called Cardinals in the year
300, dnrbg the Pontificate of St« iSylvester, by which ai^llation

112 TAB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

was meant, the Chief Priests of a parish, and next in dignity to a
Bishop. This ofSce grew more considerable afterwards, and by
small degrees arrived at its present height ; in which it is the re-
ward of such as have served his Holiness well— even lances think-
ing it no diminution of their honour to become members of the col-
lege of Cardinals.

The Cardinals compose the Pope's coancil, and till the tim« of
Urban 8th were styled Most Illustrious ; but by a decree of that
Pope in 1630^ they had the title of Eminence conferred upon them.
The privileges of me Cardinals are very great — they have an abso-
lute power in the church during the vacancy in the Holy See — ^they
have a right to elect a new Pope, and are the only persons on whom
the choice can fall ; most of the grand offices in the court of Rome
are filled by Cardinals. The dress of a Cardinal is a red sootanne,
a rocket, a short purple mantle, and the red hat.

When they are sent to the Courts of Princes, it is in qoality of
legates a latere ; and when they are appointed Governors of towns,
their government is called by the name of Legation.

The Cardinals are divided into six classes or orders ; consisting
<^six bishoi>s, fifty priests, and fourteen deacons^ making in all
seventy, which constitute the sacred college.

Few men experienced a greater revolution of fortune than the
celebrated Pope Sextns 5th. He was, according to a learned his-
torian, originally a swine-herd, and npon his arrival in Rome was
so completely destitute of the means of existence as to be obliged
to support himself by soliciting alms. Having one day been ra&er
more fortunate than ordinary, he was observed by a tradesman in a
thoughtful posture, apparently deliberating upon a matter of im-
portance ; the man, nrom an impulse of kindness and curiosity, en-
quired into the subject that occupied his thoughts. Sextus frankly,
but facetiously, told him that he was debating with himself whether
he should employ the few pieces of silver, of which he was in pos-
session, in the purchase ofcovering for his ten toes, or of satisfying
his appetite, which was craving wim hunger. The generous trades-
man decided the perplexity, by inviting Sextus home to dine ; who,
when he arrived at the height of papal dignity, was not foi^etfol of
his kindness. ^ He obtained that dignity by the most deep laid ma-
noeuvre of artifice and deception, which he practised successively
for fifteen years. He counterfeited extreme debility and infirm old
age with such inimitable dexterity, ;that it was impossible for the
most sagacious to detect the imposture ; and during the conclave,
which was assembled to create a Pope, he constantly leaned npon
his crutch, and frequently interrupted the sage deliberations of the
conclave by a hollow cough and affected infirmity. This politic de-
sign completely answered the inventor's vrishes; for the Cardinals
thought by electing Sextus (whom they unanimously believed coold
not long survive), each had a chance of becoming his successor, and
he was chosen without one dissenting voice. Immediately after the
election was concluded, the new Pope performed a miracle : hiis
legs became vigorous ; his body, which before had been bent and
curbed, suddenly acquired agility and erection ; his cough was dis-
sipated, and his whole person underwent a most complete and as-
tonishing metamorphosis !

DIEU ET MON DROIT.

Charles the Fair, King of France, died without male issue, leaving
his Queen big with child^ which npon her delivery proved to be a

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM*

113

daughter ; whereupon Philip of Valoiti, coasio german of the late
king, assamed the crown. Edward 3d, however, who was nephew,
and consequently a nearer relation to the late king, pnt in his claim
to tiie crown of France, pretending that the Salic law, in excluding
females from the succession to that crown, made him of right the
heir. Upon this he took upon himself the title of king of France,
and quartered with his own arms the ^eur« de luce of France. He
at the same time assamed the motto Vieu et mou droU, or Ood and
my right, 1340.

DEFENSOR FIDIL

Defensor Fidii, or Defender of the Faith, was dven to Henry
the Eighth by Po]pe Clement the Seventh, for the ability and zeal
that he manifested in his writings in support of the Roman Catholic
chnrch.^ Yet strange, he was afterwards, when the Papal See had
given him offence, one of its principal and most active enemies. —
Oar kings, rather inconsistently, retain the tiUe to this day.

MOST CHRISTIAN KING.

The origin of this title of the kings of France, as well as the
^ eldest son of the church," takes its data from Clovis^ who was the
first king of the Franks that professed Christianity.

CAEZAR OR CZAR.

The title Caezar. in Roman antiquity, was borne by all die Em-
perors firom Julius Caesar to the destruction of the empire. It was
also used as a title of distinction for the intended or presnroptive
heir of the empire, as King of the Romans is now used for that of
the German empire.

The title took its rise from the surname of the first Emperor, C.
Julias Caesar, which, by a decree of the Senate, all the succeeding
Emperors were to bear. Under his successor the appellation of
Ai^pistos being appropriated to the Emperors, in compliment to that
prince, the title Caesar was given to the second person in the em-
pire, though still it continued to be ^ven to the first ; and hence
the difference betwixt Caesar used simply, and Caesar with the ad-
ditkm of Imperator Augustus. Hie dignity of Caesar remained Kt
cond in the empire, till Alexius Commenus, having elected Nice-
l^ionis MelissenuB Caesar by contract, and it being necessary to
confer some higher dignity on his own brother Isaacius, he created
him Sebastocrator, with the precedency over Melissenus ; ordering,
that in all acclamations, &c. Isaacius Sebastocrator should be named
the second, and Melissenus Caesar the third.

Czar in the Russian language means Caesar, and it is a title as-
samed by the great Dukes, or as they are now styled Emperors of
Rnsffla. Beckman makes no doubt but they took this title by cor^
rapdon from Caesar — Emperor ; and accordingly they bear an eagle
as the symbol of their empire, and the word Caesar in their arms ;
yet they make a distinction between Czar and Caesar, the first be-
ing taken for the King's name, and the other for the Emperors. —
The first that bore this title was Basil, the son of Basilides, under
whom the Russian power began to appear about 1470.

DAUPHIN OF FRANCE.

In the times of the feudal system, the kingdom of France was di-
vided into many petty sovereignties^ as the empire of Germany is at

114 t*HE BtYMOLC^^ICAL COMPCNOIUM*

|M«8<nit Ilnmhert, or Uabert II., the connt of Danphhiy, married
in 1332, Mary de Baox, who was allied to the boose of France, ^nd
i>3r her he had an only son. One day, it is said, being playing wtth
this child, at Lyons, he let him accidently f*ill into the JElhone, In
'wdich he was drowned . From that fatal period, he was a prey to
all tiie hontHTS of grief; and feeling, moreover, a deep resentment
ior the affironts he had received from the honse of Savoy, he reaolvv^
to give his dominions to that of France. This Cession, made In iB4^
to Philip of Valois, was confirmed in 1349^ on condition tibit tike
eldest sons of the kings of France, shoilid bear the title of Dadphin.
Fbilip, in gratitude for a cession which thus united Dauphiny to the
crown, gave the donor, 40,000 crown pieces of gold, and a pension
cf 10.(HH) livres. Humbert, next entered among the Dominicanf , and
on Christmas Day, 1351, received the sacred orders from the bands
of pope Clement Vl., who created him ^triarch of Alexandria, and
gave him the administration of the archbishoprick of Rheims. Hmn-
beit passed the remainder of his days in tranquillity, and in the
e&ercises of piety, and died at the age of 43j at Clermont, in the
pimrince of Auveigne*

DUKE OF CLARENCE.

The origin of this title is possibly but little known. Clarentia, or
Clarence, once a country viili^e in Snffolk,^has long been celebrated
for the great men who have borne the titles of earls, or dukes of it,
and possessed formerly a castle of great strength and considerabks
extent There was an interregnum in the title from George, Ed-
ward the Fourth's brother, and who was drowned in the butt of
Malmsey, until its revival in the present possessor. The surname of
CiarencieuXf adopted by the second king at arms, arises also from
Hi having formerly appertained to the dukes of Clarence.

ROYAL TITLES.

The following is the succession in which the royal tides srd^elted
in England : Henry IV. had the title of Grace conferred Oto hite :
Henry VI. that of Excellent Grace ; Edward IV. that of l9|gii ana
Mighty Prince ; Henry VIL Highness; Henry VIII. Migeshf ; (and
was the first and last that was styled Dread Sovereign) ; and James £
&at of Sacred, or. Most Excellent Majesty. That of Majesty watf
first given to Louis XI. of France ; before, it was the title only of
Emperors. The kings of Arragon, Castile, and Portugal, bad tbe
title only of Highness ; those of England, Voor Grace ; flMNte of
France, Your Despotism.

BLACK PRIKCE.

From this time, TCrecy) says a writer,* the French began tn oaB
the young Prince otWales, Xi Noir, or the Black; and in a record,
3 Richard IL n. 12, he is called the Black Prince. Yet this title
does not appear to have originated, as generally supposed, fiom his
wearing black armour, nor indeed, is there any thing to show he ever
wore such at alLf When, however, he attended at tournaments ia

• Quarterly Review.

t lu the itaititing of him, discovered ou the -wall of St. Stephen's
Chapel, bis armour is gilt ; aud yet Eustace and Mercoeur are there
Represented in black armour. Thus in the initial letter to this reicii*
which is taken ftrom the original one of the grant of the Duchy of Ic*

•THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPfiNDIUM* I15

France or England, he appeared in a sorcoat, with a shield, and hia
horse in a caparison, all black, with white feathers on them, so that
it most have been irom the covering of his armonr, that he was so
called. Yet in the field of battle, and on all other occasioDS, hia
snrcoat, or guipon,wa8 emblazoned with the arms of England labelled.
The terrible effort of his prowess seems to have given another mean-
ing io his epithet ; for Frmssart, having describctd the battle of For-
tiers, in 1356, adds, '' thus, did Edward the Black Prinoo, now
doubly dyed black by the terror of his arms."

ICH DIEN.

A writer in the Quarterly Review, says, the story of the Bhck
Prince adopting the plume of feathers from the helmet of &e king of
Bohemia, who tell at Orecy, is evidently errooeoas.

Hie plnme was a device which yoong Edward Msamed firom tfaat
monarcVs banner, not his helmet.

SEMPER EADEM.

Semper Eadem, i. e. always the same, was first osed as the motto
of the arms of England^ Dec. 13th, 1702.

ARGYLE MOTTO.

Vixeanostra voco, or, ^ I cannot call these my own,** is die motto
of the dokes of Argyle ; and is said to have originated thus : one of
those chiefs, whoselady was a great favourite at court, was compli-
mented on his fine family of children, ^ rix ea nostra voco,** exclaiiDed
AigyU.

BISHOP OF OSNABURGH.

This bi«hq[>ric, which was held by the late duke of Yorit^ is an
alternative between the Roman Catholics and Protestants, and; was
made so at the treaty of Westphalia, in 1648. On that occasion,
.the house of Brunswick, made some great sacrifices for the sake of
a general peace, in consideration of which, the See of Osnaborgh
was given, to be held alternately by the Bmnsvvick family, and
others of die German empire. But although this bishopric is alter-
nately hereditary in our royal family, it is not so with regard to its
Roman Catholic bishops ; for they are chosen out of difierent &mi-
lies by a chapter of 36 canons. When they have a popish bishop,
he is a suffragan to the archbishop of Cologne ; but the ProtestaiM
bishc^, who is a temporal prince indeed, has little to demonstrate
him an ecclesiastic, but the title. The bishopric is 45 miles long,
and 25 broad, and is in one of the fruitfuUest parts of Westphalia.

DUKE OF CORNWALL.

In a parliament held in 1337, king Edward 3d, created prince
Bdward, his eldest son, duke of Cornwall, being the first in England
that bore the title of duke. He was vested with the dukedom by a
wreath on bis head, a ring on his finger, and a silver verge in ms
hand ; since which time, the eldest son of the king of England, is
bom duke of Cornwall j the title of prince of Wales, being given
some days after.

atfltaine by Edward 8d to the Black Prince, the Kiiig appears on a
lirone of marble, omamenled with a frame of gilt ; but both his ar-
mour, and thai of his son, are steel, with gilt knee and elbow caps. —
gnint is in the Cottonian Library, marked Nero DYII.

116

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIt;)!,

BATH AND WELLS«

His late majesty had somewhat of a twanff of the northern diA*
iect, which he imbibed from his preceptor, lord Bute ; and so had
the late bishop of Bath and Wells, and which was Hhe origin of those
sees being united. It is said, that both of them being vacant at the

same time, his migesty graciously offered to Dr B s the choice

of the two On ike occasion, his lordship replied, that he was ex-
tremely obliged to his majesty, and should prefer Bath Fcora fai^
lordship's peculiar expression of the word, and the en^hasis he laid
upon it, the king understood him to say, baitht i e. (in the northern
dialect) both/ Upon which, his majesty, understanding him to
mean both, and taking into consideration th« learned prelate's ta»
lents and virtues, and the poverty of the sees separately, imme-
diately issued his confre delierft lor the inauguration of the wxirtfay
pelate into the imited sees of Bath and ^Yells, very much to m
lordship's astonishment as well as satisfaction.

ALDERMAN.

Formerly one of the three degrees of nobility among the Sazont.
Athelm was the first. Thane the lowest, and Alderman the same as
earl among the Danes, and answering to our earl or count at present
It was also used in the time of king Edgar, for a judge or justice ;
in which sense Alwin is called auiermannuf totiws AngluB, Bqjt
now aldermen are associates to the chief civil magistrates of a city,
or town corporate. The number of these magistrates is not limited,
"but more or less according to the magnitude of the place. Those of
London were first appointed in 1242, and are twenty-six in number,
each having one of the wards of the city committed to his care.
Their office is for life ; so that when one of them dies, or resigns, a
wardmote is called, who return two persons, one of whom the lord
mayor and aldermen choose to supply the vacancy.* By the charter
of the city of London, all the aldermen who have been lord mayors,
together with the three eldest ones not arrived at that dignity, are
justices of the peace.

SHERIFF.

The title sheriff is a corruption from Shire Reeve, as Roroueheeve
IS from Rorough Reeve, He is a kind of superior constable, uroogh
whom all writs are issued.

LORD MAYOR.

Mayor for formerly major, i. e. the chief magistrate in a town ;
because a minor is never elected to the civic chair.

The Lord JVlayor of London, as the chief magistrate is called, is,
properly speaking, only Mayor of London, and Lord ofFinsbury.
This latter title was conferred, on the gift of the manor ofFinsbury,
by Richard 2d, in consequence of Sir William Walworth, (then
may^ of London) killing Wat Tyler in Smithfield.

SECRETARY OF STATE.

This office originated in the reien of Henry 8th, when Thomas
Cromwell, secretary to cardinal Wolsey, and who was afterwards
created lord Cromwell, was made by him 45ecretary of state.

* This is not the case now, each ward returning its own Alderman,

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. fij

TELLER OF THE EXCHEQUER.

The mode of keeping acconnts, by tallies, or cleft pieces of wood,
in which the notches are cat npon one piece conformanle to the other,
oiie kept by the creditor, and the other by the debtor, is still prac-
ticed in many places of Britain. A tally continues to be given by
the Exchequer, to those who pay money there upon loans ; hence the
origin of the Teller of the Exchequer^ one who tells, or numbers np
the notches, and also of the phrase, to tally, to fit, to suit^ or to
answer ez^actly.

POET LAUREAT.

This appendage to the court, was formerly called the King's Ver-
sifier, and may be traced as far back as 1251, at which period his
stipend was 100 shillings per annum. In the History of English
Poetry> Mr. Warton observes, that in the reign of Edward the Fourth,
the mSi mention is made of the more dignified appellation of Laureat,
which was originally bestowed on John Kay. This ingenious writer
is of opinion, the title arose from the degrees taken in the University
of Oxford, on which occasion a wreath of laurel was presented to
the new graduate, who was styled Peeta Laureatus.

KING'S COCK-CROWER!

This <^cer, which was formerly about the court, was as useful as
the master of the hawks. The cock crower's business was to go the
rounds as a watchman does, and to crow like a cock : but on the ac-
cession of George the Third, the cock ceased to orow, his majesty
thinking the custom more honoured in the breach, than the obsenr-
ance.

WARDEN OP THE CINQUE PORTS.

llie word cinque ^ is French for five, and is one of those words
which was not eradicated when the English language was substituted
for the French in legislative proceedings.^ The Cinque Ports are
as follows : Dover, Deal, Rye,|Winchei8ea, and Hythe,f a moiety of
the does of which ports, is a sinecure, held by the first lord of the
treasury, who has also the title of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

BELLMAN.

^ This officer was first appointed in London, 1556. They were io
ring their bells at night, and cry ^ take care of vonr fire and candle,
be charitable to the poor, and pray for the deacl i*^

JULIAN THE APOSTATE.

The emperor Julian was denominated the Apostate, from having
professed Christianity before he ascended the thrope, and afterwards
relapsing to Paganism. He died in the 32d year of his age, in a
battle with the Persians.

KNIGHT'S TEMPLARS.

The Knight's Templars, were an order of knights, instituted by
Baldwin, king of Jerusalem, about the year 1100, for the defence of
that city and the temple, as well as of the pilgrims that travelled

* See English Language In Courts of Law, &c.
t There are also A>ur branch ports.

119 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPBNDIUM.

thither; and were afterwards dispersed through all the kingdoms of
Cthristendom. They were enriched by vast donations of the snper-
stitioos world, having no less than sixteen thousand lordships, "be-
sides other lands, conferred upon them ; and neglecting to observe
the first institution of their order, and beine charged with the most
detested crimes, particularly sodomy, and denying our Savioar; all
the princes of Europe, with the concurrence of the pope, agreed to
imprison their persons, and seize all their lands and effects at cmce,
a&d abolish their order. Their revenues being afterwards trans^
feired to the Knight's Hospitallers; but whether their immense
riches, and their insolent behaviour, were not the grand motives ibr
suppressing this order, is much doubted ; for none of the crimes
they were charged with, were proved against the English Templars ;
and the confessions of those in France, were extorttfd by tortnre.
The English Templars were only sent into other monasteries.
Their principal residence in England, was the Temple, in Fleet
Street, London ; where, in the church there, lie the remains, marked
oat by their effigies, numbers of these once domineering crusadii^
heroes. They were abolished by pope Clement the Firat

KNIGHT^S HOSPITALLERS.

These knights to whom were assigned the estates of the Knight's
Templars, derive their anpellation Kom dedicating their services to
the" sick and wounded Ciiristian soldiers in the holy wars ; hence
they were called Hospitallers, or Knights of St. John of Jerusalem.
Like the templars, their principal estates and residence, were in
England.

Jerusalem Square, with St. John of Jerusalem's Gate, derive their
cognomens from these Knight's Hospitallers, who had their bead
quarters in this part of Cierkenwell. They had also a church here,
which Stowe notices in his Survey of London. They were siqp-
prefised by Henry 8th, 1540.

ORDER OF THE BATH.

The antiquity of this order is very great ; as it was derived fitMH
the ancient Franks by the Saxons, wno with other customs intro-
duced it into England. When the Franks conferred knighthood,
they observed among other solemn rites, that of bathing before they
peilbrmed their vigils; which rites continued to be practised in
England ; and from thence were termed Knights of the Bath. The
first of this order, under the express appellation, was instituted by
Henry 4th, on the 13th of October, 1399. — Maitland's London,

ORDER OF THE THISTLE.

This order was founded in 1540, by James 5th, of Scotland, who
being honoured with the Order of the Garter, from his uncle, king
Henry 8th, of Engjand, with the Golden Fleece, from the emperor,
and tKe Order ofSt. Michael from the king of France, resolved io
be in the royal mode, and so made this order for himself and twelve
knij^hts, in imitation of Christ and his twelve apostles. Then cele-
brating all the festivals of these orders, he set up their arms and
badges over the gate of his palace at Lithgow, joining St. Andrew
vrith them. — Ibid. '

THE ETTHOLOGICAL COMPBlfDIUM* ]|q

ORDER OF ST. ANDREW.

Soine Scotch writers, very fond of antiqnity, not satisfied with
the novelty of this institution, affect to call it the most ancient, as
to its derivation. But for this they have uo better warrant, than
the dream of king Unngus, the Pict, to whom St- Andrew, making
a midnight visit, promised him a sore victory over his foes, the Nor-
thumbrians ; and the next day, St. Andrew's cross appearing in the
air, he made his words good, and the Northumbrians were defeated.
On this story, as they say, king Achains, about the year 800, framed
the Order of St. Andrew, 700 years before James 5th revived it.
He also appointed the knights to wear the image of St. Andrew,
npon a blue ribband, which continued till queen Ann changed it to
green.

ORDER OF THE GARTER,

Instituted by Edward the Third in the year 1350. Some say on
acccopnt <^ good success in a skirmish, wherein the king's garter
was used for a token ; others say that the kinj^, after his great sue-
Gisss, dancing one ni^ht with his queen> and <mier ladies, took up a
^tter which one of tnem dropped, whereat, some of the lords 8mil«
log, the king called out Honi soU qui mal y pense — E\'il to him that
evil thinks ; and said, that ere lon^ he would make that garter of
high reputation ; and shortly after ne instituted the order, in memo-
rial of this event, and gave these words as the motto of the order.
This origin, though frivolous, says Home, is not unsuitable to tiie
manners of the times ; and it is indeed diffipalt by any other means
to account either for the seemingly unmeaning terms of the motto,
or for the peculiar badge of the garter, which seems to have no re-
ference to any purpose either of military use or ornament. The
probability is, that in order to promote the spirit of emulation and
obedience, the kin^ instituted the order of the garter, in imitation of
some orders of a hke nature, religions as well as military, which
had been established in different parts of Europe. The number re-
ceived into this order consisted of twenty-five persons, besides the
sovereign ; and as it has never been enlarged, tnis badge of distinc-
ticm oontinaes as honourable as at its first institution.

COLLAR OF S S.

This collar, which is worn on certain occasions by the Judges of
the wesent day, is derived from Saints Simplicius and Faufltinns,
two Roman senators, who suffered martyrdom under Dioclesian.
The religious society or confraternity of St Simplicius wore silver
collarsoi double SS; between which the collar contained twelve
small pieces of silver, on which were engraven the twelve articles
of the creed, together with a simple trefoil. The image of St. Sim-
plicius hung at die collar, and from it seven plates, representing the
seven gifts of the Holy Ghost This chain, or collar, was worn be-
cause these two brethren were martyred by a stone with a chain
about their necks, and thus thrown into the Tiber. Sir John Fern
says, th^t collars in the 15th century were worn as ensigns of rank,
of which the fashions ascertained the degrees. They were usually
formed of S S, having in the front centre a rose, or other device,
and were made of gold or silver, according to the bearer. He says,
thatknighta only wore collars of S S ; but this is a mistake. At
the marriage of rrince Arthur, son of Henry 7thi in 1507, Sir Ni-

120 ^(^"^B ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

cholas Yanx wore a collar of Esses, which weighed, as the gold-
smiths that made it reported, 800 ponnd of nobles.^ The collar
worn by the Judges is still a collar of S S divested of certain ap-
pendages. — Foabrokes Diet, qfAnUq,

OIIIGIN AND HISTORY OF CROWNS.

In Scripture there is frequent mention of crowns, and the me of
them seems to have been very common among the Hebrews. Hie
high priest wore a crown, which was a fillet of gold placed upon the
forehead, and tied with a ribband of hyacinth colour, or azure blue.
It seems also as if private priests, and even common Israelites, wore
a sort of crown, since God commands Eze kiel " not to take off his
crown, nor assimie the marks of one in mourning." This crown
was no more than a ribbon or fillet, wdth which the Jews and seve-
ral people in the Cast girt their heads ; and indeed the first crowns
were no more than a bandalet drawn round the head, and tied be*
bind, and we still see it represented round the heads of Jnpiter,tfae
Ptolemies, and kings of Syria. The more luxuriant crowns origi-
nated with the Roman Bmperors, who had four kinds, still seen on
medals, viz. a crown of laurel, a radial or radiating crovm, a crown
adorned with pearls and precious stones, and the fourth a kind of
bonnet or cap something like the mortier.

In modem heraldry we have the foUovdng order and description
of the various crowns now in use : —

The Imperial crovm is a bonnet or tiara, with a semicircle of gdd
sapporting a globe with a cross top.

The Bntish crown is adorned with four crosses, between which
are four fleur de lis, which is the crest of France ; it is covered with
four diadems, which meet at a little globe supporting a cross.

The French crown is a circle of eight fleur de lis, encompassed
with six diadems, bearing at top double fleur de lis as the crest.

The Spanish crown is adorned vrith large indent leaves, and co-
vered vtdth diadems terminating in a globe, surrounded vrith a cross*

The crowns of almost all other kings are adorned with laige
leaves, bordered with four, six, or eight diadems, with a globe aad
cross at top.

The Prince of Wales's crown consists alternately of crosses and
fleur de lis, with one arch, in the middle of which is a ball and
cross, as in the royal diadem.

That of all the other sons and brothers of the king of England
consist likewise of crosses and fleur de lis alternately, but without
an arch, or being surmounted with a globe and cross at top.

That of the other Princes of the blood consists alternately of
crosses and leaves, like those in the coronet of Dukes, &c. the lat-
ter being composed of leaves of smallage or parsley : and that of a
Marquis of flowers and pearls placed alternately; an Earl's has no
flowers about the circle like a Duke and Marquis, but only pmnts
rising, and a pearl on every one of them ; a Viscount has neither
flowers nor points raised above the circle like the other superior de-
grees, but only pearls placed on the circle itself, without any limited
number ; a Baron's has only six pearls on the golden border, not
raised, to distinguish him from the Earl, and the number of them li-
mited, to show he is inferior to the Viscount.

• See Gold Coin.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

THE SCEPTRE.

121

The sceptre is of greater antiquity than the crown. The Greek
tragic poets pot sceptres into the hands of the most ancient kings
they ever introduce.

Among the Rolnans, the sceptre was first ased by Tarquin the
Blder. We are informed by Le Gendre, that the sceptre bume by
the first race of the French kings was a golden rod, crooked at one
end like a crosier^, nsed by the bishops in the church of Rome, and
almost of the same height as the king himself.

This pastoral staff, or crosier, is held by the bishops in one hand
when they gi?e the solemn benediction. The custom also of having
this symbol of pastoral authority before the bishops is very ancient.

Regnlar abbots are also allowed to officiate with a mitre and
crosier, except in regard to the Greeks, where none but a patriarch
had a right to the crosier. The sceptre is likewise prominent in the
regalia, or ensigns of royalty, nsed tor the apparatus of a coronation,
as the crown, the sceptre with a cross, that with a dove, St Ed-
ward^s stafip, the globe, and the orb with the cross, four several
swords, 8cc.

ORIGIN OP CORONATIONS IN ENGLAND, WITH AN ACCOUNT
OF VARIOUS CORONATION CUSTOMS.

The first coronation ceremony performed in England, was that of
£dmnnd Ironsides, 1016. Chronology likewise informs us, that the
first sermon preached at any coronation was that of Edward the
Confessor, in 1041 ; and the first who is stated to have been touched
for the king's evil in 1058.

T^e first king's speech said to be delivered was that of Henry Ist,
1107 ; but it is not a little singular that the first coronation feast in
England is observed to be that which was given on the crowning of
Edward 1st, J273.

The oath taken at the coronation of Hague s Capet is recorded as
follows : — " I, Hugues Canet, who by the grace of God will soon
be made king of the French, promise, on the day of my sacre (con-
secration) that 1 will distribute justice according to the laws of the
pe(mle committed to my charge."

Heniy 4th was anointed ?7th February, 1594, at Chartres. He
made his abjurationf on the 25th July preceding, at St. Denis. On
the day of his «aci'«, says Sully, the Hguers ran in crowds to see
him ; they were delighted b)r his noble appearance ; they raised
their hands to Heaven, dropping tears of joy, and they exclaimed
in extacy — Hal Dieule benie.

At the coronation of the Emperors of China, it was customary to
present them with several sorts of marbles, and of different colours,
by the hand of a mason, who was then to address the new Emperor
to this purpose —

CboDse, «)igfaty Sir, under which of these stones
Your pleasure is that we should lay your bones.

They bronght him patterns for his grave stone, that the prospect of

♦ See Crosier,
f Henry 4th of France abjured the Protestant religion.

THE ETTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

death might restrain his thoughts within doe bounds of modesty and
moderation in the midst of his new honours.

The Dey of Algiers is elected from the army ; and as the meanest
person has the same right to sovereipity as the highest, every com-
mon soldier maybe considered as heir-apparent to the throne. Every
person, besides, has a right to vote on. the election ; and this being
conclnded, he is sainted with the word " AUaBarek!'' tha[tis,Qoa
bless yoD, and immediately invested with the caftan, or i«>figF|iB of
royalty : the Cadi addressing him in a con^talatory speech, which
concludes with an exhortation to the practice of justice, eqmty, and
moderation. The Dejs, after their exaltation, generally disdsm
the meanness of wishing to disguise their hombie extraction; on
the contrary, when Mahomet Basha was in possession of tlmt d^-
nity, in a dispute with the deputy-consul of a neighbouring natioo,
he is said to nave thus'fraukiv acknowledged his origin — " My mo-
ther sold sheeps' trotters, and my father neats' tongues ; but they
would have been ashamed to have exposed to sale so worthless a
tongue as thine."

The kin^s of Poland are crowned in the cathedral dedicated to
Saint Stamslaus, a majestic structure in the city of Graeow« and
where are preserved the relics of that saint, the ancient bishop and
patron of the nation ; who being murdered in this church in tiie 11th
century by Boleslaus the Bold, the king and nobles walk in proces-
sion to his shrine the day before the coronation, to expiate die
crime ; and several kings on these and other occasions have oflfeied
vessels of gold and silver at his tomb.

In Turkey, the Mufti, as high priest and patriarch of the Maho-
metan religion, girds on the sword to the Grand Siguier's side,
which ceremony answers to the coronation of our kings ; and here,
perhaps, it may not be amiss to observe, that the mines of Gk^conda,
m the East Indian empire, have, it is said, furnished the principal
diamonds which adorn all the crowns in the world.

THE CRESCENT AS A SYMBOL.

The crescent was the symbol of the city of Byzantium, nowCon*
stantinople,^ which the Turks have adopted. This device of the
Ottoman Empire is of great antiquity, as appears from several n^
dais, and took its rise from an event relatea by Stephens the geo-
grapher, a native of Byzantium. He tells us that Pnilip, the father
of Alexander the Great, meeting with mighty difficulties in caxryisg
on the siege of that city, set the workmen in a very dark night to
undermine the walls, that his troops might enter the place without
being perceived ; but luckily for the besieged, the Moon appearing,
discovered the design, which accordingly miscarried. " tn ac-
knowledgement of tnis deliverance,'* says he, " the Byzantioms
erected a statue to Diana, and thus the crescent became their
symbol."

MEDIATISED PRINCES.

A Mediatised Prince is an unhappy victim of these CcmgresBes,
which, among other good and evil, purged with great e£fect the an-
cient German political system. By the regulations then detenain*
ed on, that country was freed at one fell swoop from the vexatious
and harrassing dominion of the various petty princes who exercised

* See artile Constantinople, &c.

TRB STTMOLOGICAIi COMPENDIUM. X33

absolute sovereignities over little nations of 50,000 sonls. These
independent sovereigns became sabjects ; and either swelled, by
their mediatization, the territoriea of some already powerful poten-
tate, or tranaamted into a state of importance some more fortunate
petty ruler than themselves ; whose independence, through the ex-
ertitma df political intrigue, or family influence, had been preserved
imrii^ate. Tn most instances, the concurrence of these little rulers
in dteir worldly degradation viras obtained by a lavish grant of offi-
cial emoluments, or increase of territorial possessions, — and the
mediatised prince, instead of being an impoverished and uninfluen-
tud sovereign, became a wealthy and powerful subject. But so do-
minant in the heart of man is the love of independent dominion,
that even with these temptations, few of the petty princes could
have been induced to have parted vnth their cherisned sceptres^
bad they not been conscious, that in case of contumacy, the reso-
Intioiis of a diet would have been enforced by the armies of an Em-
peror. As it is, few of them have yet given up the outward and
visible signs of regal svtray. The throne is still preserved, and the
tiara still revered. They seldom frequent the courts of their sove-
reigns, and scarcely condescend to notice the attentions of their
fellow nobilitv. Most of them expend their increased revenues in
maintaining the splendour of their little courts at their ancient ca-
pitalsy or in swelbng the ranks of their retainers at their solitary
forest castles.

Snch, reader, is a mediatised prince, a term constantly appear-
ing, although little understood, in the political morceauxs ofthe(kiy.

ROMAN NAMES.

If yon please to compare, says Camden, the Roman names, that
seem so stately because you understand them not, yon will disclaim
tkem in respect of our meanest names, For what is Pronto, but
beetle-browed ; Coesius, but cats'-eyes ; Paetus, but pink-eyed ;
Codes, one eye ; Naso, bottle-nose, or rather nosey ; Oalla, mag-
got (as Sentonins interpreteth) ; Selo, ape's-nose ; Ancus, crooked-
arm; Pansa, broad-foot ; Strateo, squint eye; Suillius, swine-ear'd;
Capeto, jobber-noU ; Calons, broad-pate ; Crispus, curl-pate ; Flacas,
loIl-eani,or flag-eared ; Labeo, blobber-lip; Scaurns, uiobbed-heel ;
Yams, bow-le^ed ; Pedo, Icmg-shanks ; Marcellus, hammer ; Cilo^
petty-loag-pate ; Chilo, flat- lips. Those great names also, Fabius,
Jjentnlns, Oicero, Piso, Stoto, are no more in our tongue than bean-
man, lintel, chick-pease, pease-cod-man, branch ; for, as Pliny saith,
iheae names were first appropriated to them for skill in sowing
these grains.

FITZ-ROY.

This name, so generally borne by the illegitimate scions of royalty,
was first given to a natural son of Henry the Second : it was con-
sidered a great honour at that period to have a simame, as will ap-
pear by tiie following. In 1110, Henry 2d matched one of his ille*
gitimate sons to a nch heiress of Fitz Aymon. The lady had a
poetical turn : and when the king told her that his son's name was
Robert, she tnus addressed him —

** It -were to me a great sbame,
To have a lord -without twa name."

On which Henry conferred on him the name of Fitz-roy. About
this period, simames began to be nsed by people of rank in England.

G 2

124 '^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM*

PLANTAGENET.

The etymology of this name, which has been borne by onr Ear*
Ush kings of the honse of York, vdll not perhaps be nnacceptabfe.
It is derived from the two words pkmta ffenesta, orgenista^ thatis^
the plant broom. It was first given to Fnike, Earl of Anjon, wh»
lived a hnndred years before the conqnest He having been g^Htj
of some enormous crimes, was enjoined by way of penance to go to-
the Holy Land, and submit to a severe castigation : he readily ac*
qniesced, dressed himself in lowly attire, and, as a mark of hnnu-
hty, wore a piece of broom in his cap, of which virtue this plant is
a symbol, in the hieroglyphic language ; and Virgil seems to con-
firm it, by calling it humilis genista, the humble broom.

This expiation finished, Fulke, in remembrance of it, adopted tiie
title of Plantagenist, and lived many years in honour and happiness.
His descendants accordingly inherited the name, and many succes-
sive nobles of the line of Anjon not only did the same, bat even
distinguished themselves by wearing a sprig of broom in their
bonnets.

STUART.

** Thrice happy he whose name has been well spelt
In the Despatch. I knew a man whose Loss
Was printed Grove, altho' bis name was Grose.'' — Byron,

The name of this truly unfortunate family was originally Steward,
and which was derivea from the following circumstance. After
the murder of Banqhuo, Fleance his son fled into Wales, where he
thrived, and fell in love vdth the Welsh Prince's daughter, by whom
he had a son, named Walter. This Walter flying Wales for mar-
der, was entertained in Scotland, and his descent once known, he
was preferred to be Steward to king Edgar'; fi*om which office the
name of Steward, but altered to Stuart, became the simame of all
his posterity. From this Walter, descended Robert Steward, who
was after, in right of his vnfe, king of Scotland.

PERCY.

It was the custom, in the reign of William 1st, when a town or
castle surrendered, for the principal person to bring and present to
the Conqueror the keys on the point of a spear ; and Holinshead
says, that when Malcolme, king of Scotland, besieged the castle of
Alnwick, in 1092, and had reduced the garrison to the la&t neces-
sity» a young knight, willing to take some hardy enterprise in its
defence, took a swift horse, and without armour or weapon, except
a spear in his hand, on the point of which he bore the keys of the
castle, rode into the camp of the enemy, who supposing he came to
surrender them, received him with joy, and unsuspected led him to
the king. The knight then couched his spear, as if he intended
with reverence to present him the keys ; but watching his opporta-
nity, he urged on his horse, and ran the point into the eye of the
king, killing him on the spot. That done, he clapped spurs to his
horse, and by his swift flight saved his own life. From this cir-
cumstance originated the name of Pierce-eye, then Piercy, but now
Percy.

ALGERNON.

Dnrmgmore than a hundred years, the Normans in England
shaved their faces. W. de Percy (who accompanied Dake Robert

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. |25

tn 1096 to Palestine) was styled on account of sinffnlarity as to this
point, William Alsgemons, or William with the Whiskers. From
this old French name springs Algernon^ a favourite appellation in
the noble family of Percy.

CECIL.

The troe name, observes Aubrey, is Sitstilt, an ancient Mon-
mouthshire family. 'Tis strange they should leave off an ancieut
British name for a Roman one, whicn I believe. Mr. Verstegan did
put into their heads, telling them they were derived from me Ro-
man Cecilli.

CHARLES MARTEL.

Charles Martel, famed as the founder of the abbey of St. Dennis,
and as grandfather of Charlemagne, derived his simame from the
use of that death dealing instrument, the Martel, which in the days
of knighthood, says Dr. Meyricke in his " Ancient Armour," was
amcNig the offensive arms of chivalry.

JOHN OF GAUNT.

J<^ of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, famed for his stature, strength,
and prowess, son of Edward 3d, and brother to the Black Prince,
was so called, because he was born at Ghent in Flanders ; Ghent
is pronounced Gand, from whence came the corruption of Gaunt.

FAMILY OF BOURBON.

Henry, Prince of Beam, afterwards Henry 4th, was bom 13th
Dec 1553, and was the immediate heir to the crown of France, on
the possible extinction of the house of Valois, in the person of the
reigning monarch and his younger brothers^ the dukes of Anjou and
Alencon. The latter diea in 1584, and the former, Henry 3d, being
assassinated in 1589, the Prince of Bearn then ascended the throne
as Henry 4th. This young prince was the son of Anthony defiour-
Ikwi, duke of Vendome, and Jane D'Albert, queen of Navarre, who
by this marriage gave the title of king to her husband. Anthony
was descended from Robert, sixth son of St. Louis, the ninth of
that name, and the ninth king of France, from Hugh Capet, the first
of tiie third race of the Frencn monarchs.

Robert, who was born in 1256, piarried Beatrice of Burgundy, the
daughter of Agnes, heiress of the house of Bourbon, in consequence
his son lioms took the name of Bourbon, and with that title was
created duke and peer of France.

As ^e sovereignties of France, Spaiin, and the two Sicilies, &c.
are now in different branches of tiie nouse of Bourbon, and the for-
mer frurther secured by the coronation of Charles 10th, this account
of the origin of that house may not, at this particular period, be
thought superfluous.

THE ST. ALBAN*S FAMILY.

The first ancestor of the St. Alban*s family was the eldest son of
king Charles the Second, by Mrs. Eleanor Gywnne, better recol-
lected under the familiar appellation of M ell Gwynne. He was
first created Earl of Burford by his royal sire, and afterwards Duke
<if St. Alban's, and Grand Falconer of England.

126 '^^^ ETYMOlX)GICAIi COMPENDIUM.

DUK£ OF LEEiiS.

The ancestor, who laid the foandafion of this noble family, wag a
yoimg man named Osborne, who served his apprenticeship to Sir
William Hewit, lord mayor of London in the reign of Qoeen Eliza-
beth. Sir William lived on London Bridge, was a |>in-makeiv *id
his daughter, daring Edward Osborne's apprenticeship, accidejiially
fell from her father's window into the Thames, and Osborne pl™M
after the yomig lady, and saved her life at the risk of his own. Tius
act mnch added to the favourable opinion which the master had fir
tile apprentice, and as soon as the latter had served his time. Sir
William Hewit said to him, " Osborne, you are a deserving yondi,
and have faithfully served me iotr seven yeinrs. I am tmder oonaider-
able obligations to you ; you have «aved the life of my oi^ daaglAer
at the peril of your own. Yoa have therefore the best claim to ^;
the is at your service if yon choose to accept ef her i« marxiage,
and the most considerable part of what I am possessed of a^B
hereafter be yours." Osborne gladly accepted the generous ofler,
and the eldest son of that mfunage was Hewit Osborne, who was
knighted b^ the Earl of Essex, under whom he served in Ireland,
for nis services in the field The family soon after became ennoUed.
Thomas Osborne, the first duke of Tieeds. was prouder of the cir-
cumstance of his ancestor having acquired wealth and station by hisT
honesty and intrepid spirit, than he was of any of the sabseqneot
services of the family, and once related the circumstance with con-
scious pride to Charles the Second.

ORIGIX OF VABIOUS NOBLE FAMILIES.

The Marquis Comwallis is lineally descended fi-om ThomasCSom-
wallis, merchant, who was sheriff of London, 1378

The house of Wentworth was founded by S. W. Fitzwilliam,
who was an alderman of Iiondon, and sheriff in 1506 ; lie was a re-
tainer of Cardinal Wolsey, and knighted by Henry Sth, for his at-
tachment to that orelate in misfortune. He built the greater port of
the present churcu of Undershaft.

The Earl of Coventry is descended from John Coventry, mercer
and lord mayor in the year 1425; he was one of the execntoci of
the celebrated Whittington.

Laurence de Bouveries married the "daughter of a silk mercer at
Frankfort on the Maine, and settling in England laid the foandatioD
of the house of Radnor.

The ancestor of the Earl of Essex was Sir William Capel, lord
mayor of London in 2503.

The ancestor of the Ear1 of Dartmouth, Thomas Legge, or .LeggpA,
a skinner, was twice lord mayor — in 1347 and 1354, and lent KSig
Edward 3d no less a sum than 3002. for his French war.

Sir William Craven, merchant tailor, and lord mayor of London,
was ancestor of the present Earl Craven.

The Earl of Warwick is lineally descended from William Ore-
ville, a citizen of London, and ^ flower of the wooistaplecs.*'

Thomas Bennett, mercer, dieriff in 1594, and lord mttvor«f Lon-
don 1€03, laid the foundation of the fortunes of the Earls «f Tank-
erville, who are lineally descended from him.

The ancestor of the Earls of Pomfret veas Richard Formoor, who
having amassed a splendid fortune as a citizen in Calais, came to

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

127

Bnglandy and raffered attaint onder Heoy 8th, and did not recover
hispropertv till the 4th of Edward 6th.

Tne Earl of Damley owes the first elevation of his faniHy to John
Bligh, a London citizen, who vras employed as agent to the speca-
lations in the Irish estates fiirfeited in the rehellioa in 1641.

John Cowper, an aldenuan of Bridge Ward, and sheriff in 1561^
was ancestor c^Barl Cowper.

The Earl of Romne j is descended from Thomas Maraham, alder-
man, who died 1624.

Lord Dacres' ancestor. Sir Robert Dacres, was banker to Charlea
1st, and although he lost 80,000/. by that monarch, left a princely
fortune to his descendants.

Lord Dormer is descended from Sir Michael Dormer, lord mayor
in 1541.

Yisconn^ Dudley and Ward's ancestor was William Ward, a
goldsmith in London, and jeweller to the consort of Charles Ist.

Sir Rowland Hill, who was lord mayor in the reign of Edvrard
6th, was ancestor of Lord Berwick, Lord Hill, and ^ all the Hills in
Shropshire !"

UTERAf^ 6IGNIFICATI0N OF THE PRINCIPAL MALE AND
FEMALE CHRISTIAN NAMES ;

WITH THB LAK0UA6E8 FROH WHICH THST ABE BBKIVEB.

Aaron, Hdnreuf, a mountain
Abel, Heb. yanity
AtMRaham, Heb. father of many
Absalom, JEFeb* father's peace
Achilles, Greek, a freer from pain
Adam, lUb. red earth
Adolphoi, Saxon, happiness and

help
Adriain, Latin, helper
Alfege, Sax, always merry
Alan, British, swift like a grey-
hound
Albert, Sax. all bright
Aldred, Aur. dread of all
Alexander, Gr. a helper of men
Alfred, Sax. all peace
Alfiric, German, all rich
Alphonso, Gothic, our help
Alwin, Sax. winning all
Ambrose, Gr» inmiortal
Amos,*JBe6. a burden
Andrew, Gr. courageous
Andronicus, Gr. a conqueror of

men
Anselm, Ger, a defender
Anthony, Lot. flourishing
Apelles, Gr. not black at all
Archibald, Ger. a bold observer
Arnold, Ger, a maintainor of ho-
nour
Arthur, Brit, a strong man
Augustus, or Augnstin, Lot* vene-
rable, grand
Baldwin, Ger. a bold winner
Bardnlph, Ger. a famous helper
Bamaby, Heb. a prophet's son
Bartholomew, jEr«6. the son of him
who made ms waters to rise

Basil, Gr, Idndly

Beaumont, i^e/icA,a pretty mount

Bede^ Sax. prayer

Beavis, Fr. fair to look upon

Bei^amin, Beb, the son of a right

hand
Bennet, Lat, blessed
Bernard, Ger. bear's heart
Bertram, Ger. fair, illustrious
Blase, Gr. sprouting forth
Bonaventure, Italian, good ad-
venture
Boniface, Lat, a well-doer
Brian, Fr. having a thundering

voice
Cadwallader, Brit, valiant in war
Caesar, Lat. adorned with hair
Caleb, Heb. a dog
Cecil, Lat. dim sighted
Charles, Ger. noble spirited
Christopher, Gr. bearing Christ
Clement, Lat. mild tempered
Comrade, Ger. able counsel
Constantine, Lat. resolute
Crispin, Lat, having curled leeks
Cuthbert, Sax. known famously
Daniel, Heb. God is judge
David, Heb. well beloved
Demetrius, Gr. sprung from the

earth
Denis, Ch". beloi^ing to the god of

wine
Dimstan, Sax. most high
Edgar, Sax. liappy honour
Edmund, Sax. happy peace
Edward, Sax. happy keeper
Edwin, Sax. happy conqueror
Egbert, Sax. ever bright

128

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Eleazer, He&. tbe God of help
Eldred, Sax. terrible
Elijah, H^ Grod, the Lord
Elisha, Heb. the salvation of God
Emmanuel, Heb. God with us
Enoch, Heb. instructed or dedi-
cated
Ephraim, Heb. fruitful
Erasmus, Gr. lovely, worthy to be

loved
Ernest, Gr. earnest, serious
Esau, Heb. completed
Ethelbad, Sax. nobly bold
Ethelbert, Sax. nobly bright
Ethelfred, Sax. noble peace
Ethelfred, Sax. noble in counsel
Ethelstan, Sax. a noble jewel
Ethel wald. Sax. a noble keeper
Ethel wold. Sax. a noble governor
Evan or Ivon, Brit, the same as

John
Everard, Ger. well reported
Eugene, Gr, nobly descended
Eusebius, Gr. religious
Eustace, Gr. standing- firm
Ezekiel, Heb. the strength of God
Ezra, Heb. a helper
Felix, Lat. happy
Ferdinand. Ger. pure peace
Fortunatus, Lat. happy
Francis, Ger. free
Frederic, Ger. rich peace
Gabriel, Heb. the strengtii of God
Geoffrey, Ger. joyful
George, Gr. a husbandman
Gerard, Sax. all towardliness
German, Lat. a near kinsman
Gervase, Ger. all sure
Gideon, Heb. a breaker
Gilbert, Sax. bright as gold
Giles, Gr. a little goat
Godard, Ger. a godly dis|)osition
Godrey, Ger. God's peace
Godwin, Ger. victorious in God
Griffith, Brit, having great faith
Guy, Fr. the misleloe shrub
Hannibal, Pwiic, a gracious lord
Harold, Sax a champion
Hector, Gr. a stout defender
Henry, Ger. a rich lord
Herbert, Ger. a bright lord
Hercules, Gr. the glory of Hera or

Juno
Hezekiah, Heb. cleaving to the

Lord
Hilary, Lat. merry, cheerful
Horatio, Ital. worthy to be beheld
Howel, Brii. sound, or whole
Hubert, Ger. a bright colour
Hugh, Dutch, high, lofty
Humphrey, Ger. domestic peace
Jacob, Heb. a snpplantfer ^
James or Jacques, beguiling
Ingram, Ger. of angelic purity
Joab, Heb. fatherhood
Job, Heb. sorrowing
Joels Heb. acquiescing

John, Heb. the grace of the Lord

Jonah, Heb. a dove

Jonathan, Heb. the gift of the Lord

Joscelia, Ger. just

Joseph, Heb. addition

Joslas, Heb. the fire of the Lord

Joshua, Heb. a Saviour

Isaac, Heb. laughter

Israel, Heb. prevailing with God

Judah, Heb. confession

Kenard, Sfix. of a kind nature

Kenelm, Sax. a defence of his klii'^

dred
Lambert, Sax. a fair lamb
Lttnoelot, Si>anish, a little lance
Laurence, Lat. crowned witii

laurel
Lazarus, Heb. destitute of help
Leonard, Ger. like a lion
Leopold, Ger. defending Ike

people
Lewellin, Brit, like a lion
Lewis, Fr. the defender of the

people
Lionel, Lat. a little lion
Lodo uric. Sax. the defence of the

people
Lucius, Lat. shining
Luke, Gr, a wood or grove
Malachi, Heb. my messenger
Mark, Lat. a hammer
Marmaduke, Ger. a mighty didce

or lord
Martin, Lat, martial
Matthew, Heb. a gift or' present
Maurice, Lat. sprung of a Moor
Meredith, Brit, the roaring of the

sea
Michael, Heb, who is like Grod \
Morgan, Brit, a mariner
Moses, Heb. drawn out
Narcissus, Gr. a daffodil
Nathaniel, //e6. the gift of God
Neal, Fr, somewhat black
Nicolas, Gr. victorious over the

people
Noel, Fr. belonging to one^s na-
tivity
Norman, Fr. one bom in Nor-
mandy
Obadiah, Heb. the servant of the

Lord
Oliver, Lat. an ol ive
Orlando, Ital. counsel for the land
Osmund, Sax. house peace
Oswald, Sax. ruler of a house
Owen, Brit, well descended
Patrick, Lat. a nobleman
Paul. JjOt, small, little
Percival, Fr. a place in France
Peregrine, Lat. outlandish
Peter, Gr. a rock or stone
Philemon, Gr. saluting
Philip, Gr. a lover of horses
Phineas, He >. of bold countenance
Ptolemy, Gr. mighty in war
Quintin, Lat belonging to five

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

129:

, contracted from Radolph,
andal orRanulph^Jlaj:. pure

and, Ger, quiet peace
in, l£e6. the son of vision
Id, Ger. a lover of purity
•d, iSc/x. powerful
t, Ger. mmous in counsel
, Ger, strong counsel
nd, Ger» counsel for the land
Lot. reddish
on, Heb. peaceable
n, Heb, a little son
>l, Heb, heard by Crod
Jeb. desired

ian, Gr. to be reverenced
n, Heb, hearing
, Heb. obedient
»&, Gr, a crown or garland
n. Sax. very high
ens, Syriac, a breast
aid. Sax, bold over the
le

ore, Gr. the gift of •God
osius, Gr. given of God
liilus, Gr, a lover of God
18, Heb, a twin
an, Ger, faithful
ly, Gr. a fearer of God
XT Tobias, Heb, the good-
of theJLK>rd
im, Lat. sorrowful
ine, Lat, powerful
t, iMt. conquering
, Lat. living
3, Lat. courteous
r, Ger. a wood master
a, Ger. -a conqueror
m, Ger. defending many
(US, Syr. innocent
>y, Heb. remembering the

3e, Syr. having an inheri-

lah, Heb, the justice of the

I, Heb, the father's joy
e, Ger. a princess
., Gr, good
Gr. cliaste
1, Gr. the truth
» Gr. hunting
Uicia, Ger, noble
limelia, Fr, a beloved
inue, or Hannah, Ueh, gra*

la, Lat, a fair altar

a, Lat, lilce gold

a, Lat, foreign or strange

:e, Lat, making happy

eta, Lat. blessed

e, Gr, bringing victory

, Gr. bright or famous

e, Fr, fiur

Bona, £af good
Bridget, Irish, shining bright
Cassandra, Gr. a reformi r of mcfa
Catharine, Gr. pure or clean
Charity. Gr. love, bounty
Charlotte, Fr, all noble
Caroline,/emtiti»e of Catcius, the
Lathi of Chartes, noble spirited
Chloe, Gr. a green herb
Christiana ,Gr. belonging to Christ
Cecilia, Lat. f^om Cecil
Cicely, a corruption of Cecilia
Clara, Lat. clear or bright
Constance, Lat. constant
Damaris, Gr, a little wife
Deborah, Heb. a bee
Diana, Gr, Jupiter's daughter
Dorcas, Gr. a wild roe
Dorothy, Gr. the gift of Gk)d
Drusilla, Gr. dewy eyes
Dulsabella, Lat. sweet and fair
Eadith, Sfix. happiness
Elefinor, Sax. all fruitful
Eliza, Elizabeth, Heb, the oath of

God
Emily, corruptedfrom AmeUa
Emma, Ger. a nurse
Esther, Hesther, Heb, secret
Eve, Heb. causing life
Hunice, Gr. fair victory
Eudola, Gr. prospering in the way
Frances, Ger, free
Gertrude, Ger, all truth
Grace, Lat. favour
Hagar, Heb. a stranger
Helena, Gr. alluring
Jane, softened from Joatiy or
Janne, the feminine of John
Janet, Jeannette, little Jane
Joyce, Fr. pleasant
Isabella, Span, fair Eliza
Judith, Heb. praising
Julia, Juliana,/e/»inine of Julias
Kunigunda, Get , the king's favour
Lettice or Letitia, Lat, joy or

gladness
Lois, Gr^ better
Lucretia, Lot. a chaste Roman

lady
Lucy, Lat.femifdne of Lucius
Lydia, Gr, descended from Lud
Mabel, Lat. lovely
Magdalene or Maudlin, Syr. mag-
nificent
Margaret, Ger. a pearl
Martha, Heb. bitterness
Mary, Heb. bitter
Maud or Matilda, Gr. a lady of

honour
Melicent, Fr. sweet as honey
Mercy, English^ compassion
Mildred, Six. speaking mild
Nest, Brit, the same as Agnes
Nicola. Gr.fenUnine oflHcolas
Olympia, Gr. heavenly
Orabuis, Lat. to be entreated
Pamel, or Petronilla, little Pel«r

130 THE BTTMOliOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Patience, Lat, bearing patientiy Sabins, Lot. Bfrwag Crom tike S«-

Paalina, Lat./anUuneof' Puuiimtt bines

Penelope, Gr» a turkey Salome, Heb, perfect

Persia, Gr. a destroying Sapphira,Gr.like a sapphire stone

Philadelpliia, Or. brotherly love Sarah, Heb, a princess

Philippa, Gr* feminine of Pbiiip Sibylla, Gr. the counsel of God

Fboebe, Gr. the light of life Sophia, Gr. wisdom

HiyUis, Gr, a green bough Soppronia, Gr. of a sound mind

Priscilla, LeUi. somewhat old Susan, ftusanna* Beb. a lily

Prudence, Lat, discretion Tabitba, Sj/r, a roe

Psyche, Gr. Uie soul Temperance, Xo/. moderatioQ

Racliel, Seb. a lamb TheodoMia, Or. given by God

Rebecca, He^. &t or plump Trypbosa, Gr. delicioua

Rhode, Gr, a rose Trypheua, Gr. delicate

Rosamund, Sax. rose of peace Vida, Erse,femMae qf David

Rosa, Lat. a rose Ursula, Lat, a, female bear

Rosedeer, JBng. a fair rose Walbnrg, Sax. gracioos

Rosabella, Ital. a fair rose Winifred, Sax. winning peace

Ruth, Seb, trembling Zenobia, Gr. the life of Jopiter

•

•ir*^»«

SECTION VIII.

ANCIENT AND MODERN GAMES, FIELD SPORTS,
AND OTHER AMUSEMENTS.

PLAYING CARDS.

It is ^m rally believed, that Cards were invented for the amuse-
ment ot one of the early kings of the line of Bourbon ; but this be-
lief is erroneous. Who the man was that invented these instmments
of amosemeni and felly is not known, neither can we tell in what
age they were inveiited. Our knowledge is limited to the coontrr
whence they come, viz. Egypt The colours are two, red and black,
which answer to the equinox. The suits are four, answering to tbe
four seasons. Their emblems formerly were^ and still are in Spain :
— ^for the heart, a cop, the emblem of winter — the spade, an acorn,
the emblem of autumn — a club, the trefoil^ tbe emblem of summer—
the diamond, a rose, the emblem of spring. The twelve court eards
answer to the twelve months, and were formerly depicted as tiie
signs of the eodiac. The fifty-two cards answer to the fi%4«o
weeks in the year. The thirteen cards in each suite to the Mimber
of weeks in a lunar quarter. Hie aggregate of the pips caieulaAed
in the following manner, amoupt to the number of days in a year :—

d5 Amount in each suite
4 Soitee

1^ Court cards multiplied by 10

12 Number of court cards

13 Nqwdi>er of each wiX^

Total 365

THE JBTYMQLOGICiJL COMPWDIVll. l31

6AMB OF WHIST.

** Stand ftirther, ^rl, or get yon gond
I ahrays lose when you lo«% on, —
Naf^ madam, give me leave to sair,
'T va« yau AbaA threw the fame avay t

Spa^KUo, here, has got a mai%,

A thud may know it in the ^artc;

I ifOASS tha hand, it s^dom ^If,

I wish some folk would jpaxe their o«Us l-^^Sit>yt*

Playinff cards have been termed by tbe rigid morab'st the
Devil*8 'Bo€^La^ No dotrbt, the mis-nse of them has been creative of
much misery and mischief. As an amusement, however, they have
cheered the captive, enliif«ned the sick room, and have ^ven life
and booyaiM^ ioHie doneatic circle. The Christmas hehdbys are
pUotifoUy soppUed with ?#Bnd games for the diversion of the yoang,
while the old ffrandmothfrs are deeply interested in tht pegs of a
cribbage-board by a cliimney comer. All-fours belong to the ero-
cer'a Imck parlour ; cassino to the drawing room ; while sober whist
is the every-day and eveiy-body's amusement who understand, or
even mis-understand it. This game is of Spanish origin, and was
first introduced into this country at the marriage of Poilip 2d and
Mary. The name carries with it its own derivation, being a game
that requires a strict silence, f<nr, as its Requisite, is a nice caicula-
tiiso, and an on^Bsturbed memory, so the least talking or distoi^nce
distracts tiie attention* and consequently, produces bad play, and to
those whose memories are tiie weakest, the loss of the game. —
Hence it has been termed whist ! i e. be silent.

PQPE JO AS.

The Pope Joan Board makes its appearance on Christmas Eve,
and cootinaes for some time after, to amase the domestic circle, old
and yonng. But what the origin of the term is^ few it is presumed
know, it tbefiefore, is here given.

Pope Joan was oalled JoonStb. Platina saith, she was of Ensiish
extraction, bat born at Mentz ; who^ having disEuised herself like a
man, travelled with her paramour to Athens, where she made such
proffress in learning, that coming to Rome, she met with few tiuit
conld equal her, so that on the death of pope Leo 4th, she was
chosen to succeed him ; but being got with child by one of her do-
meaticSf her trayel came upon her, between the Colossian Theatre
and St Clements, as ^e was going to the Lateran church, and died
opoQ the place, having sat 2 years, 1 montSi« and 4 days, and was
buried there vrithout any pomp. He owns, that for shame of this,
the popes decline going ihrou^h this street to the Lateran ; and that
to avoid the like error, when any pope i^ placed in the Porphyry
Chair, his genitals are felt by the yoip^^eat deat^ait, through a hc^
made for that pmpose ; but he supposes the reason of that to be, to
put him in mind that he is a man, and obnoxious to the necessities of
nature ; and he calls the seat, Sedes Stercoraria.

^ So Cardinals they say do grope
At t'other end the new made ^ope.**— fTiMNdra^.

132 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

GAME OF CHESS.

The etymology of the word chesSf k like the origin of the game,
somewhat ancertain, but is supposed to be derived from the Persiao
schah, which signifies king. The Italians call it scacchi; the Ger-
mans, schachsptU, and the French, echees, from some of which, we
may have taken our word check. The pawn seems to have been
evidently so called, after tibe peon^ tvhile the rook, though more ge-
nerally termed a castle, took its name from the Persian rukh, which
is the corresponding piece ; and it is remarkable, that in all the lan-
guages here enumerated, the word mat, or fnate, is preserved^ and
a term is used corresponding with the scluihmat of the Persiana;

BACKGAMMON.

Of this game we have no cine to its origin; at any rate, we can
give our readers the derivation of the term: viz. oxit of bach, little,
and cammatcn, battle, sprang Backgammon

ARCHERY.

** And thou, peculiar weapon of oar land.
Graceful, yet sturdy bow."

The bow and arrow are of Scythian origin, and were first intro-
duced into England in the reign of Egbert, the Saxon. It was not,
however, used as a marshal weapon until the reign of Edward the
First The period at Mfhich the long bow had attained its meridian
fame, may be fixed in the reign of Henry 5th, whose archers destroyed
the whole French cavalry, clothed in complete steel, with^their yard
long arrows. At the battle of Flodden-field, likewise, the Eng-
lish archers made sad havoc. As to the amusement, the bow
was extremely fashionable in the reign of Henry 8th ; and Holins-
head reports, that the prince shot as well as any of his guard. After
the siege of Devizes, in the civil wars, 1647, the bow, as a militarv
weapon, was entirely laid aside. During the reigns of Charles 2a,
and James 2d, the amusement was continued, and the Artillery
Company, and Finsbury Archers, then so celebrated, have survived
to the present time ; but vrith the exception of these societies, till
within these last fifty years, the bow was scarcely known. It de-
rived its name of archery from the bow, being when dravm, in the
shape of an arch.

MORRIS DANCE.

The term Morris Dance is derived from, or rather, is a corruption
of, Morisco Dance, and was introduced from Spain, by John of
Gannt, duke of Lancaster.

FIVES AND FIVES' COURT.
«< Tost and retost, the ball incessant flies.**

A game so called, because when first played, in the reign ofElisa-
beth, there [was five competitors in it ; and not^ as generally sup-
posed, from the hand which strikes the ball, consisting of four fingers
and a thumb, vulgarly called a " bunch of fives."

The place so celebrated in the annals of pugilism, derives its
name from the circumstance of its being once equally famed for the
gameof Five«.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 133

GAME OF RACKETS.

The French palm-play, consisted in receiving the ball, and driving
it back again with the palm of the hand, similar to our game of Fives.

Anciently they played Rackets with their naked hand, then with
a glove, which, m some instances, was lined ; afterwards they bound
cords and tendons round their hands, to make the ball rebound more
forcibly ; and hence, says St Foix, the Racket derived its origin.

DANCING.

** Hail, loveliest art ! thou canst all hearts insnare.
And make the fairest still appear more fair.
Hence with her sister arts, shall dancing claim

. An equal right lo universal fame ;
And Isaac's rigadoon shall live as lon^
As Raphael's painting, or as Virgil's song,^—Jenyns,

Dancing, applied to harmonize the motions of the body, to teach
an easy gesture, and a graceful attitude, is highly useful, and the
poet's numbers have thus been attuned to its eulogy.

To trace the origin of dancing would be a difficult task. That it
was nsed by the Jews, in their religions rites, there can be no question
of; for we are informed, that " David danced before the Lord with
all his might, until his linen Ephod came off.'' It passed from the
religious ceremonies of the Jews to the Egyptians, and afterwards to
the Greeks and Romans, with whom it was a principal part of the
worship of their gods. It was afterwards adopted in many Pagan
nations ; and Christians ultimately, in Popish countries, celebrated
certain festivals, particularly the Sacrament of the Passion of our
Lord, with dancing. Socrates learned to dance at an advanced
time of life ; it is no wonder, therefore, that such honourable mention
is made of dancing by his disciples, Plato and Xenophon. The
people of Sparta and Crete went to the attack, dancing. On the
other hand, Cicero reproaches Galbinus, a consular man, with having
danced. Tiberius expelled the dancers from Rome ; and Domitian
excluded several members from the senate, for having danced : but
ihe acts of these imperial despots, may be considerecl rather as the
suggestions of caprice and folly, than as the dictates of wisdom and
virtue.

Our ancestors used to keep the sjport up till midnight, and it was
an indi^>ensable accompaniment oi weddings. The monks used to
dance in their dormitories. Swords, called Dancing Rapiers, were
worn in the dancing schools ; which schools existed in the Univer-
sities, in Evelyn's time. In the grand rebellion, a eleigyman was
chained with having taught, in the pulpit, that we ought to learn to
dance, and that if we could not dance we were damned.

The London servants, in the 1:2th century, used to dance before
their m'aster's doors. Hawkins notices dancing to a bagpipe, played
by a domestic ; and that no dance times are known so early as 1400 ;
•* Sellenger's Round,** to be traced nearly to Henry 8tli, being the
oldest. In the most ancient dances, a man and woman danced to-
gether, holding each other by the hand or arm; and a ktss was the
established fee of the lady's partner. In the time of queen Elisa-
beth, at a solemn dancing, were first the grave measures, (as now
minuets), then the corrantoe^ and golfiards ; at length to french-
m<Hre, or trenchmore, and the cushion dance, after which all the
company danced, lord and groom, lady and kitchrn-maid, without
distinction ! Before the reign of Francis 1st, they danced in France

134 THE BTTMOIiOGICAL COMPENDIUM*

to fife and dram. Cor3ratt notices, that the brother to the doke of
Onise, and his gentleipen, danced comntoes and lovaltoes in Ihe
coiart of an inn«

FANDANGO.

This far-famed dance, so peculiar to the Soath AmencanSy of
which unriters have said so much, and which has recently been im^
ported iptp this coontnr, is intended as a dumb representation of
courtship. The masic oegins at first slow and monotonous, but gra-
dually increases from andante to aUeero. The gentleman com-
mences by pursuing the lady quietly and gently, who retreats in the
like manner, making short circles, and turning on her heel at each
time that her partner approaches, quickening ner step and evolu-
tions as the tune of the music increases, anfu she perceives that he
seems inclined to give up the pursiut ; re^^entance follows, and the
pursuer is in his turn pursued, making similar retreats, and the same
oircnmvolutioBS, that the lady so recently practiced ; until at last,
relenting, he tnras to meet her, and they approach each other more
closely ; and being apparently reconciled, auike three or low {|9cb-
liar stamps with their leet, bow to «ach other, and retire to vieir
seats literally exhaatted, amidatthe acclamations of the by-standns.

SKAmi9G.

Skaitiqg was first introduced into this eoontry firom HoUand, at
fKfk early period, and the Doich introdmsed it firom LaplaBd.-<-
S^te or ucait, m the Oeraaa, signilyiDg to glide along a aoMoth
surface. The Dutch are allowed to be the first skaiters is Ea-
ilppe; Uie farmer's daaigfaters frequently skaiting on the canals
to the market towns, with milk, eggs, butter, &c. in baskets, on
4beir heads. FitEstephens, who wrote in the reign of Henry 3d,
thus notices it : ^ when tiiat great moor, which washes Moor-
fields,'^ at the north wall of the city is frozen over, great com-
panies of young men go to sport upon the ice, and bind to their
shoes, bones, as the legs of beasts, and hold stakes in thek
hands, headed with diaip iron, which sometimes they strike a^|ahist
the ice, and the« men go with speed, as doth a bird in the air, jv
darts shot from some warlike engine."

^Sometimes, two men set themselves at a distance, and nmone
against another, as it were at tilt, witii these stakes, wherewith one,
or both parties, are thrown down, not without some hurt to their bo-
dies, and after their fall, by reason of their violent motion, are car-
ried a good distance one from another. Thus do the yonog men
ei^eroise themselves in connteifeit battles, that they may bear the
hroat more strengiy when they come to it in good earnest.''

BVLL-9AITIN6 IN ENGLAND.

** In Idncolnshire, where virtuous worth
Does raise the minstrelsy, not birth;
Where bidb do choose the boldest king
And ruler, o'er the men of siring."— ffurfi^ra*.

The first bull-bait in this country was held at Stamford, in Ldo-
colnshire, about the year 1209, and was introduced from the follow-
ing circumstances :

^Earl Warrenare, lord of thetown,*standinguponthe walls of the

* See Moorfieldp.

THE SXYJAOIO6ICAX4 CQUPSjmiVH, 136

castle, observed two bnlls fKbtiiiJ:, nntil the batcher's dogs inter-
posed and porsaed one of &m throof h the town, wbich sight so
pleased his lordship, that he g9.ve the meadow where ihe fray began,
to the boicheFS of the town, to be osed as a comnuMi after the lirst
grass was mown, on condition that they should find a nuul InUl the
Qsy six weeks be&re Christmas-day, for the conttniiaBce of that sport
for ever."

BEAR-BAITING.

** We read, m Nero^s time, the Heathen,
^^ hen they destroy'd the Christian brethren.
They se w'd them in the skins of bears.
And then set degs about their ears t
From -wlience, no doabt, th* inreation came
Of this lewd Anti-Chrktian came.

This cmel and unmanly amusement is of African anpn, asd was
iotrpduced into Europe by the Romans,

" For authors do affirm it came
From Isttimiau, or Nemean game.

iiong, Jbowever, as it disgraced tbe continent, the Romans, to their
Qi«4it, id not introduce it here ; judging, it is presamed, that ^«r
aoDMSCisilors were of themselves savage enongh. The first we sead laf
bear-baiting in England, was in tiie reign of lung Mo, at AsHby-
4e-la-Zowm, where " thys straynge passtime 'was inti«daced by
84»e Italyans for his highness's amusement, wherewith he «nd hid
cQQii vwre highly delyghted."

CATS.

** E'en now I see« descending Arom his throne,
Thy venerable Cat, O, IVhittington ♦♦»

Cats were hrought into England from thfs island ofCvpms, hj
ne foreign merchants, who came hither for itin. In the old Welsh

laws, M kitten from iAs birth tUl it could see« was valued at a penny ;
wh«i it i^sgan to-mause, two pence ; and alter it bad killed mice, at
fioiir-pence, ^M^ vm^ the price of a calf! Wild cats were kept by
our a»cient kings ler bunting. The officers who had the charge of
these cats, seem to have had appointments of equal consequence
wHk the^Wfisteias «f the king's hounds ; they were called caUUores,

DOGS.
** Every dog has his day."

The bull-dog was originaily from Italy; jthe gKeyhoand and the
beagle^ as well as the fox-hound, are pecnliar to Britain. This
country was once famous fi)r the export of dogs : they are thus de-
scribea in a passage of Appian.

^ There is a kind of dogs of migMy fiMne
For hunting, worthy of a foirer frame,
By painted Britons brave in war they Ye bred.
Are beagles call'd, and to the chase are Jed ;
Their bodies small, and of so mean a shape,
YouM think them cnrsihat under tables gape.**

The blood- hound was once pecntiar to Uiis country, bat now are
seldom met with, save in the West India Islands, partifvIaHy St.
Donmgo and the island of Bt Lucie.

136 THE EtYMOLOOICAL COMPENDIUM.

HAWKING.

** Say, will ike falcon, stooping from above,
Smit with her varying pliunage, spare the dove ? — Pope.

Hawkinp, acoordmg to Beckman, was known to the Greeks and
Romans ; itig origin, in England, cannot be traced till the reign of
kiiu^ Ethelbert, the Saxon monarch, in the year 760, when he wrote
to Germany for a brace of falcons. In the reign of James Ist, Sir
James Monson is said to have given a thousand oonnds for a cast of
hawks. In the reign of Edward 3d, it was made felony to steai a
hawk ; to take its eggs, even in a person's own ground, was punish-
able vnth imprisonment for a year and a day, together with a fine at
the king's pleasure. In former times, the custom of carrying a hawk
on the hand, was confined to men of high distinction,* so that it was
a saying among the Welsh, ^ you may know a gentleman by his
hawk,-]- horse, and greyhound." Even the ladies in those days,
were partakers of this gallant sport,- and have been represented in
sculpture with hawks on their hands- See " Bewick's British Birds,"
vol. L p. 26. It is recorded tiiat a falcon belonging to a duke of
Cleves, flew out of Westphalia into Prussia in one day ; and in the
county of Norfolk, a hawk has made a flight at a woodcock near
thirty miles in an hour. Some of the larger kind have been taught
to fly at the wild boar and the wolf.

With this view, they should be accustomed to feed, when yonng,
from out of the sockets of the eyes of a wolf or boar's head, the whole
skin of the animal being stuffed, so as to make it appear alive.
While the bird is feeding, the falconer begins to move the figure
gradually, in consequence of which, the bird learns to fasten itoelf
so as to stand firm, notwithstanding the precipitate motions which
are gradually given to the stuffed animal; he would lose his meat if
he quitted his hold, and therefore he takes care^ to secure himself.
When these first exercises are finished, the skin is placed on a cart,
drawn by a horse at fall speed ; the bird follows it, and is particu-
larly eager in feeding ; and then, when they come to fly him in the
field, he never fails to dart on the first beast of the kind he discovers,
and begins to scoop out the eyes. This puts the animal to such dis-
tress, that the hunters have time to approach and dispatch it with
their spears. — See Hees't Cyclopoedia.

This species of inhuman education, would be more honoured in
the breach than the observance. The grand seignior usually keeps
6,000 falconers in his service. The French king had a grand
falconer.

The duke of St Albans is hereditarjr Grand Falconer of England.
St. Albans seems to have been a ravourite place for hawking.
Shakspeare says,

** Ride unto St. Albans,
Where the king and queen do mean to hawk,**

And at this place was printed, by Caxton, a Treatise on Hunting,
Hawking, and Heraldry. Strutt, in his Sports and Pastimes, men-
tions an historical fact, related by Hall, who informs us,that HenrySth,
pursuing his hawk on foot, at Hitchen, in Hertfordshire, attempted,
with the assistance of his pole, to jump over a ditch that was half

* See Origin of St. Alban's family.

f.'' It can be no more disgrace to a great lord^to draw a fkir pic-
ture, than to cut his hawk's meat. "^Peac/tam.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 137

fall of modd^water ; the pole broke, and the king fell with his head
into the mad, where he would have been stifled, had not a footman,
named John Moody, who was near at hand, and seeing the accident,
leaped into the ditch, and released his msgesty from his perilous
situation ; " and so," says the honest historian, ^ Ood in hys good-
nesse preserved him."

SWANS.

Swans were first brought into England by Richard the First, firom
Cyprus. It is a bird that has ever been held in great esteem inEng-
land, and by an act of Edward 4th, none eicept the son of a king
was permitted to keep one, unless possessed of five marks a year ;
and by a subsequent act, taking their eggs, in like manner, as those
of the hawk, was punished with imprisonment for a year and a da:y,
and a fine at the king's will.

In Coke's Reports, part 7tb, in the case of swans, it is remarked,
''that he who stealeth a swau, in an open and common river, lav^nlly
marked, the same swan shall be hung in a house by the beak, and
he who stole it, shall, in recompence thereof, give to the owner so
much wheat as may cover all the swan, by putting and turning the
wheat upon the head of the swan, until the head of the swan be co-
vered with wheat"

Nigroquecygnum et vara avis in terris, is a proverb now exploded.
Two black swans were placed as a great curiosity in the gardens of
Mai Maison ; they bred, and the produce were sent to prince Eugene
Beauhamois, at Munich. Some time after, the female died, and a
white swan was put in the lake to supply her place, but neither time,
nor the snow-wnite charms of his new companion, had the least
effect upon the pride of the sable monarch; he turned from her with
disgust, not suffering her to approach him, and prefers living in per-
petual widowhood to forming a miss-alliance.

Black swans, it is ascertained, are any thing but uncommon at the
Cape of Good Hope, and indeed, may now be met with in various
parts of England, so that the above proverb, ^ a black swan is a rare
thing on the earth," is no longer applicable.

GAMING.

" ' Hunc alia decoquit."— Pertfitt*.

Him the fallacious die consumes.

This vice is coeval with amusement, for however trifling the
stake, when the passions become excited, it has no bounds. Perni-
cious gambling may be said to have been introduced into England
with cock-fighting, a notice of which, follows this. To discharge
their gambling debts, the Siamese sell their possessions, their fami-
lies, and at length themselves. The Chinese play night and day,
till they have lost all they are worth, and then they usually go and
hang themselves. «

Such is the propensity of the Japanese for high play, that they
were compellea to make a law^ that whoever ventures his money at
play, shall be put to death.

ui the islands of the Pacific Ocean, they venture even their
hatchets, which they hold as invaluable acquisitions, on running
matches. ** We saw a man," as Cook writes in his last voyage,
** beating his breast, and tearing his hair, in the violence of rage, for
having lost three hatchets at one of these races, and which he had
purchased with nearly half his property." A strong spirit of play

|3g THE ETYMOliOCHCAIi COMPBUDEUM.

Gharacteiisea a Malayan. After haviimr resigned eveiy thing to titf
good fortune of the winner, he is reduced to a horrid state of de^e-
ration; he then loosens a certain lock of hair, which indicates war
»b4 destruction to all the raving gamester meets. He intoxicates
bjinself with opium, and working himself up to a fit of phrenzy, be
bites and kills all that comes in his way. But, as soon as ever ^
lock is seen flowing, it is lawful to fire at the person, and to destroy
him as fast as possible. It is this which our sailors call ^ to ran
a Qwck*" Thus Dryden writes :

*' Frontless, and satire-proof, he scours the streets.
And runs an Indian Muck at all he meets.**

The ancient nations were not less addicted to gaming. To t^olatot
tha more modem ones were a melancholy task: there is ha^ly a
family in Europe who cannot record, from their own domestic aums,
the dreadful prevalence of this unfortunate passion. Affection bu
felt the keenest lacerations, and genius been irrecoverably lost, by a
wanton sport, which dooms to destruction the hope^of families, and
consumes the heart of the gamester with corrosive agony.

'* Accept this advice, you who sH down to play.
The best throw of the dice, i» to tkurow them away.**

COCK-FIGHTING.

Cock-fighting, as a sport, was derived from the Athenians, on flbe
following occasion. When Themistocles was marching his army
against the Persians, be, by the way, espying two cocks figfatotf,
caused his armv to stop, and addressed them as follows. ^ l^hola,
Aese do not fignt for their household gods, for the monuments of their
ancestors, nor for glory, nor for liberty, nor for the safefy of thfir
d)ildren, but only because the one will not give way to tbe other."
This so encouraged the Grecians, that they fought strenuouslT, and
detained the victory over the Persians ; upon which, cock-m^itiqg
was, by a particular law, ordained to be annually celebrated^ &e
Athenians.

Caesar mentions the English cocks, in his Commentaries ; but die
earliest notice of cock-fighting in England, is by Fitzstephens, the
monk, who died 1191. He mentions this as one of the amusements
of the Londoners, together with the game of foot-balL

An ingenious writer says —

^ Cock-fightmg is a despicable amusement, and plainly qpento all
the objections against boxing, withoiA having any thing to say kx
itself. Cruelty and cowardice notorionsly go together. In cock-
fighting they are both at their height. If any body means to be con-
vraced, let him look at Hogarth's picture of it, and the faces concerned.
Would the gambler in that picture, the most absorbed in the hope of
winning, ever forget liis own bones, as be does those of the brave
animals before him ? Cock-fighting has been in use among nati<ms
of great valour, our own foe one ; but it was the barbarons, and not
the brave part of the national spirit that maintained it, and one that
had not yet been led to think on the subject Better knowledge pnti
an end to all excuses of that sort.

When Roger Ascham, (who saw nothing in romances, but '^qpen
manslaughter and bold bawdry,'^) grew old and feeble, he changed
his love for archery into a passion for this sneaking amusement We
never heard but oi one imaginative person who was a cock-^^^ter ;
and such an odd imagination is his, and so strange are the ends
which these cock-fighters come to, that he is now a tnorvilft^-
prc^essor in a Scotoh university ! This, it must be confessed, is a
saving grace beyond old Roger Ascham." ^

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. |09

QUOITS.

This game^ no donbt, is of great antiquity, and was known to the
ancient Greeks, for we find in Homer's Iliad, at least in Pope's iraos-
lation of it, book xxiii. line 973, the following:

^* Then burlM the hero, thundeHng on the ground
A mass of iron, (an enormous round),
Whose weight and size the circling Greeks admire.
Rude from the furnace, and but shap*d by fire.
Let him whose might can hurl this bowl, arise.
Who further hurls it, take it as his prize.*'

FOOT BALL.

Sir Frederick Morton Eden, in the Statistical Acconnt of Seot-
iaocl, says, that at Scone, in the county of Perth, the game of foot-
ball is a prominent amusement ; and that it is a proverb in this part
of Hie conntry, " all is fair at the ball of Scone." Sir Frederick
goes on to sav, that this castom is supposed to have had its origin in
the days of chivalry ; when an Italian is reported to have come into
this part of the country, challenging all the parishes, under a certain
fienaaty, in case of declining his challenge.

All the parishes declined this chalienge, excepting Scone, which
beatihe mreign^, and in commemoratioa of this gaUuint actioa, ^
fame was institated.

ORIGINS AND ANTIQUITY OF VARIOUS JUVENILE

AMUSEMENTS.

** Children and youth engage my pen,
*Tis labour lost to write for men.*'

Trochus, in antiquity, denotes the exercise, or the game of the
koop. Itie hoop was of iron, five or six ieet in diameter, set en the
inside with a number of iron rings. The boys, and young men, used
to whirl this along, as is now done at school with modem hoops, di>
recting it with a rod of iron, having a wooden handle, which the
Romans called raditts. The clattering of the rings served partly as
ftjQotice for persons to keep out of the way. Horace, in his Art of
Poetry, mentions the hoop as one of the manly sports. Strutt says,
the Iboop is a pastime of uncertain origin, but much in practioe at pre-
tiexit» mad especially in liondon, whejre the boys appear with uieir
hfJOf^ in the pablic streets, and are acnnetimes very troublesome to
tfaoM vho are passing through them. Addison says, I have seen at
lEUmuf, an wtique staiue of time, wii;h a wheel, or ho<^, of marble,
in his hand.

Skipping,

This amusement is probably very ancient It is performed by a
rope held by both ends ; that is, one in each hand, and thrown for-
wards or backwards over the head and under the feet alternately.
In Ate 4i^ -season, a hop-stem stripped of its leaves, ts used instead
of a rope Boys often contend for «kill in t^e ^me, and he who
passes the rope about most times witboat intenrqption is the con-
queror. 1Mb also, was an amasement practised by the Romans.

The Top,

The Top was used in ancient days by the Grecian boys; it was
also well known At Rome in the days of Virgil, And with os as early,
at hMgtf as the (bnrteeoth centary.

140 "^B ETTHOLO^CAL COMPENDIUM.

Duck and Drake*

This is a very sillv pastime, though inferior to £ey/ in pcnnt of anti-
qaity. It is callea, in Greek, eposirakismos, and was anciently
played with flat shells, which the boys threw into the water, and he
whose shell rebounded most frequently from the surface, bef<Mre it
finally sunk, was the conqueror.

Marbles,

Marbles seem to have been used by the boys as substitates for
bowls ; formerly nuts and round stones were used.

It is said of Augustus, when young, that by way of amosemen^ he
spent many hours in playing with little Moorish boys, cum nuciinSf
with nuts. We are also familiar with the innocent terms of rii^
taw, three holes, and knuckle down, if you please, mud or no mud.
Oh ! happy days !

Hopping, and Sliding on One Leg.

Hopping is derived from the Anglo Saxon, hoppan, which sigmfies
to leap, or dance. Hence, dancings, are in the country called H(qps.
The word in its original meaning is preserved in Orass^hopper.

These are both very innocent amusements, and were practised by
the Grecian youth ; one they called akinetinda, which was a struggle
between the competitors who should stand longest motionless upon
the sole of his foot; the other, denominated ascoliasmos, was dancing
or hopping upon one foot ; the conqueror being he who could hop the
most n-eqoently, and continue the performance longer than any of
his comrades; and this pastime is alluded to by an English author,
in an old comedy, wherein a boy, boasting of his proficiency in va-
rious school games, adds,

**■ And I luyp a good way upon my ime legge.'*

Shuttle-Cock,

Shuttle-cock is a boyish sport of long standing; it appears to have
been a fashionable pastime among grown persons in the reign of
James the First, and is mentioned as such in an old comedy, "The
Two Maids of Moretlacke,** printed A.D, 1609, of that time, wherein
it is said, *' To play at Shuttie-cock, methinks, is ti^e game now."
And among the anecdotes of Prince Henry, son to James the F^,
is the following : ** His Highness playing at shittle-cocke with one
farr taller than himself, and hytting him by chance with the shittle-
cocke upon the forehead, " this is,'* quoth he, ''the encounter of Da-
vid with Goliath.'^

Tetter'totter, or Seesaw,

Tetter-totter, or see-saw, an amusing, but sometimes a dangerous
game, so well known to rustic lads and lasses, and mentioned by Gay :

" Across the fallen oak the plank I laid.
And myself pois'd against the tottering maid ;
High leap'd the plauk, adown Buzoma fell."

Cross and Pile, or Head or TaU.

Cross and Hie, or, with us, " Head or Tail,"|was formerly played
at conrt. Edward the Second was partial to this, and such like fiivo*

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 14|

loas diversions. In one of his wardrobe rolls we meet with the fol-
lowing entries :

" Item, paid to Henry, the kinj^s barber, for money which he lent
to the king to play at Cross and Pile, five shillings. Item, paid to
Pires Barnard, usher of the king's chamber, money which ne lent
the king, and which he lost at Cross and Pile ; to Monsieor Robert
Watteville, eight-pence."

Anciently the English coins were stamped with a Cross on one
side. This game is evidently derived from a pastime called ostra-
ckinda, known in ancient times to the Grecian boys, and practised
by tibem on varions occasions ; having procured a shell, it was seared
over with pitch on one side for distinction sake, and the other side
was left white ; a boy tossed up this shell, and his antagonist called
white or black, and his success was determined by the white or black
part of the shell being uppermost

DERIVATION OF OLYMPIAN GAMES.

The Olympian Games, derive their names from the public games
celebrated every fourth year at Olympia, in Peloponnesus. These
games were instituted in honour oi Japiter, bat at what time, or by
whom, is not known. Ailer they had been neglected and discon«
tinned for some time, they were restored by Iphitos, king of Elis, in
the year B. C. 776 ; and it is from this date that the Olympian periods
are reckoned in chronology.

SECTION IX.

RE]^URKABLE CUSTOMS, &c. &c.

DUELLING.

Although frequent and bloody were the single combats of the age
of chivalry, yet the present system of duellingby challenge, takes its
data from Francis the First of France, who, sensibly mortified by
the repeated defeats his armies had met with, from those of his im-
perial rival, Charles the Fifth, emperor of Germany, wrote the lat-
ter, challenging him to meet him in single combat, and thereby
decide their differences, and put an end to the bloodshed and de-
vastation which had ensued from their rivalship. Charles, however,
was too much of a politician to accept the challenge. Another
writer says :

" Duelling is one of the most common amongthe few relics of bar-
barous usage. The introduction of pistols has brought with it no
small share of burlesque and cowardice. In close fighting, a man
entered the lists with a heart prepared either to conquer or perish ;
and^ therefore, only those who were characterized for courage, ven-
tured to the contest But different, far different, it is with the pistols.
Any recreant coward dares to challenge on the smallest offence to
hit honour — and why? Because those handy fectotaras ; those tO"

1^ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COBIPSlfDIUM.

concilers of nothings— y'dept seconds, either omit to charge with
ball, or recommend the principals, by a preconcerted arrangement
between them, to fire wide of the mark.

Now, this can be deemed nothing short of arrant knavery and
cowardice ; for he who possesses tnie conrage or bravery, will take
care to exert them only when actually necessary, and when excited
by some momentous circumstance. He will look over triffes widi a
becoming and di^ified demeanour, and will never presume to speak
of his high spirit in an egotistical manner."

This is all well as far as it goes, and may be particularly app^
cable to gentlemen of the Stock Exchange ; but, let this writer re-
member, that the pistol puts the weak man on a par with the strong;
the timid with the powerful ; and the delicate, although brave man,
on a footing with tne cowardly bully. There is no doubt, however,
that duelling in any sense, would be more honoured in the breach
than the observance.

giving' the lie.

The great afiiront of giving the lie, arose from the phrase, " thoa
liest,*^ in the oath taken by the defendant in jadicial combats, before
ei^aging, when charged with any crime by the plaintiff; and Francis
the First, of France, to make current his giving the lie to the empe-
ror, Charles the Fifth, first stamped it with infitmy, by saying is a
solemn assembly, that he was no honest man that would bear tiie lie !

HONEY-MOON.

It was the custom of the higher order of the Teutones, an ancient
people who inhabited the northern parts of Germany, to drink Mead,
or Metheglin, a beverage made with 'honey, for thirty days after
every wedd ing. From this custom^ comes tfie e xpression> " to spend
the Honey-moon."

CHURCHING OP WOMEN.

This practice, like many other Christian usages, undoubtedly took
its rise from the Jewish rite of purification enjoined by the law of
Moses. In the Greek church, tne time of performing this office is
limited to the fortieth day after delivery; but in the western partA of
Enrope, no certain time is observed. The usual time with us, is a
month lifter delivery; bein? an office in the Liturgy, containing a
thanksgiving which it strictly appoints, and is as universally observed
in every other Christian country.

CONFIRMATION.

The antiquity of this ceremony is, by all ancient writers, carried
so high as the apostles, and founded upon their example and practice.
Ib the primitive church, it used to be given to Christians immediately
after baptism, if the bishop happened to be present at the solemnity.
Among the Greeks, and throughout the East, it still accofl^>anies
baptism; but the Romanists make it a distinct and independent
sacrament Seven years is the stated time for confirmation, altboogb
they are sometimes confirmed before, and sometimes after that age.
The order of confirmation in the church of England, does not, how-
ever, determine the precise age of the persons to be confimed.

THE Kf TMOL06ICAI< COMPENBIUH. 143

USE OF.EYERGREENS AND MISTLETOE AT CHRISTMAS.

** Christmas, the joyous period of the year !
Now bright with Holly, all the temples strew,
With Laurel green, and sacred MisUtoeJ"

The custom of decking onr habitations with evergreois^ has existed
from the very establishment of Chrislianity, and^as nnquestioiMibly
derived from the like practice of our Pagan ancestors. ** Trimmiiig
of the temples," says Polydore Virgil, *' with hangyngs, flowresi,
bonghes, and garlendes^ was taken of the heathen people, whicbe
decked tbeir idols and honses with such arrav." The Celts wad
Qoths were alike distinguished for the respectful veneration which
they entertained for the Misletoe, and for the solemn rites with which
they gathered it about that period of the year, when the sun ap-
proached the winter solstice. The Druids were particularly famed
for the distinguished regard they paid to the Misletoe of the Oak ;
they attributed to it numerous virtues. At certain seasons of the
year^ especially at Yule Tide, or Christmas, they were accustomed
to slather it with great solemnity, and to sacrifice two white bullocks,
that had never been yoked, (not till then), having their horns bound
op. It was cut from the tree with a golden bill, or pruning knife, by
a priest, habited in a white vestment, and was received in a white
woollen cloth ; many orations were then said over it, and the cere-
mony being deemed complete^ the Sacred Plant was preserved for
use with religious care.

The Druids had an extraordinary veneration for the number three,
and on this principle, says Vallances, in his grammar of the Irish
language, it was, that Misletoe was held so sacred by them, since
not only its berries, but its leaves also, grew in clusters of three,
vnited on one stalk. ^ The inhabitants of Elgin, and the shire (»
Moray, in Scotland, according to the account written by the Rev.
Mr. I^aw, are accustomed, at the full moon, in March, to cut withes
of the mistletoe, or ivy, and making circles of them, to keep all the
year^ pretending therewith to cure hectics and other troubles. As
the ivy is dedicated to Bacchus, so should the mistletoe be to Love ;
not, however, to the chaste Eros, but to the sportive Cupid. The
sacred .regard given to it in Pagan and Druidical rites has long been
temunated ; but it is still beheld with emotions of pleasurable inte-
rest, when hun^ up in our kitchens at Christmas ; it gives licence to
seize the soft kiss from the ruby lips of whatever female can be en-
ticed or caught beneath. So custom authorizes, and it enjoins also,
that one of the berries of the mistletoe be plucked off after every
salute. Though coy in appearance, the chariest maid, s^ this season
of festivity, is seldom loth to submit to the established usage ; espe-
cially when the swain who tempts her, is one whom she approves.

DRINKING HEALTHS.

" Health my Lord King, the sweet Rowena said.
Health cried the Chieftain, to the Saxon maid ;
Then gayly rose, and midst the concourse wide,
KissM her hale lips, and placed her by his side.
At the soft scene such gentle thoughts abound.
That health and kisses 'mongst the guests went round ;
From this the social custom took its rise.
We still retain, and must for ever prize."

Different are the versions that relate to the antiquity of this cus-
tom. The first health which we hear of in history, Js, however,

* See Shamrock as Irish badge.

144 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

ascribed (in the words of the story), to the pertinent and sensible
Rowena, a beautifal daughter of Hengistus, general of the Saxons;
who, having the Isle of Inanet given him by Vortigem, for assisting
him against the Picts and Scots, obtained as mach ground as be
could encompass with an ox's hide, to build a castle ; which, being
completed, hejnvited Vortigem to snpper. After the entertainment
Hengistus called his daughter Rowena, who entered with great dig-
nity and magnificence, carrying a golden bowl, full of wine, in her
hand, out of which she drank, and in the Saxon language said, "Be
ofhealth, LordKing!" To this Vortigem replied, " Drink health !"
The story adds, that Vortigem, enamoured with Rowena's beaqtv*
married her in a short time after, and gave her father the ^^me
kingdom of Kent Other origins have been given for this custom.
See origin of the phrase *' I pledge you ;" also origin of phrase " A
Peg too low !" The one just given, however, may plead seniority.

BAPTISM.

Grotins is of opinion, that baptism had its origin from the time of
the deluge, after which, he thinks it was instituted in memory of the
world having been purged by water ; and some think, that it was
added to circumcision, soon after the Samaritan schism^ as a mark
of distinction to the orthodox Jews. It is, however, generally agreed
on, that the Jews practiced this ceremony on their proselytes after
circumcision, long before the coming of Jesus Christ. In the primi-
tive times, the ceremony was performed by immersion, as it is to
this day in the oriental cnurches, agreeably to the original significa-
tion of the word, which means dipping, or plunging. The practice
of the western churches, is to sprinkle the water upon the head or
face of the person to be baptized, except the church of Milan, in
whose ritual it is ordered, that the head of the infant be plunged
three times into the water. A trine immersion was used first, and
continued for a long time.

This was either to signify the three days our Saviour lay' in the
grave, or the three persons in the Trinity ; but it was afterwards laid
aside, because the Arians used it.

There are abundance of ceremonies delivered by ecclesiastical
writers, as used in baptism, which are now laid aside, though there
are not wanting those who contend for their re-admission. It ap-
pears, that in the primitive times, none were baptized but adults,
though several learned men contend, that infants were admitted to
this sacrament.

Formerly there were great disputes whether baptism of heretics
was valid ; the general opinion ran for the affirmative, provided it
was conferred in the name of the Trinity ; and, therefore, they al-
lowed that given byjaymen, or even by women, in case of necessity.
It was the doctrine of many of the fathers, that baptism washed
away all previous sins, and that there was no atonement for sins
committed after baptism. On this account many deferred that sa-
crament till they were arrived at the last stage of life, and were
pretty safe from the danger of sinning any more. This they termed
clinic, signifying death-bed baptism.''

HAND FISTING.

Hand-fisting was an ancient custom, as a substitute fmr marriage,
by joining hands which lasted for a year; when, if the parties were
agreeable, it was renewed. The children, (if any) were kept by
the inconstant.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 145

BIDDENDEN CAKES.

The small town of Biddenden, in Kent, which is about four miles
from Tenterden, is famons for a costum of jpying to the parishioDers,
and even strangers, on Easter Snnday, 1000 cakes, impressed witih
the %are of two females joined together. The origin of tihe custom
is thns related.

In the year 1100, at Biddenden, in Kent, were bom Elisabeth and
Marv Chnlkhnrst, joined t(^ether by the hips and shoulders, and
wfaoliredinthat state Thirty-foor Years ! ! at the expiration of which
time, one of them was taken ill, and after a short period, died ; the
surviving one was advised to be separated from the corpse, which
she absolntely refased, by saying these words, " as we came toge-
ther, we will also go together," and about six hours after her sister's
decease, she was taken ill and died also. A stone near the rector's
pew, marked with a diagonal line, is shewn as the place of their
interment.

In Old English Characters,

The moon on the East oriel shone, through slender shafts of

shapely stone.
The silver light, so pale and fkint, shewed the twin sisters

and many a saint.
Whose images on the glass were dyed ; mysterious maidens

side by side.

The moon-beam kissed the holy pane, and threw on the

pavement a mystic stain.

It is further stated, that by their will, they bequeathed to the
chordiwardens of the parish of Biddenden, and their successors,
for ever, certain pieces or parcels of land in the parish, containing
abont 20 acres, wnich is hired at 40 guineas per annum ; and that
in commemra^tion of this wonderful phenomenon of nature, the rolls,
and abont 300 quartern loaves, and cheese in proportion, should be
given to the poor inhabitants of the parish.

KISSING THE POPE'S FOOT.

This custom, and that of kneeling to sovereigns, was introduced
by Dioclesian. Thence also the custom of a vassal kneeling to his
lord in homage. Kissing the hands of great men, was a Grecian
custom.

CROSS BUNS.

<* While seasons keep rolling, and ages glide by,
lAke cloads in their circuit, beneath the blue sky,
Shall the proud sons oi wealth bid the poor man begone^
Whom the sun-beams of luxury never shone on ?
Oh, no! nor the cryy however simple it runs,
The cry on Good Friday of ** Buns, hot cross bunsJ*^

The &tfn,like a relic of truth, brings to mind.
How the mighty Rbdeeher once died for mankind !
Idke a record portrays where the sceptic waves toss,
How he bled, and for man, on the soul-savin^ cross !
Oh! blame not the cry, then, though simple it runs,
The cry on Good Friday of " Buns, hot cross buns,'*

The infidel shudders that ne'er shook before.
When death points the dart that proclaims he's no more.
To that GK>d prays for help he had dared to deny.
And calls for foi^veness with life's latest sigh !
Ob I blame not the cry, then, though simple it runs.
The cry on Good Friday of** Buns^ hot cross 6miw.'*

148 ^"1^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

knowledge in the occalt sciences informs him, that the child tiien
bom is destined to become his wife : he endeavours to evade the de-
crees of fate, and to avoid so ignoble an alliance, by variom attempts
to destroy tibe child, hot -which are defeated. At length, wmn
grown to woman's estate, he takes her to the sea side, intending to
drown her, bat relents ; at the same time, throwing a ring into tike
sea, he commands her never to see his face again on pain of deatib,
unless she shall produce the ring.

She afterwards becomes a cook in a gentleman's family, and finds
the ring in a tod-fish, as she is dressing it for dinner. The marria^
takes place of coarse. The scene of this ballad is laid in Yorkshire.

PIN MONEY.

Pins were acceptable new year's gifts to the ladies, instead of tike
wooden skewers which they used till the end of the fifteenth cen-
tury. Sometimes they received a composition in money ; and hence
allowances for their separate use, is still denominated ** Pin-money*''
Oloves were customary new year's gifts. They were more expen-
sive than in our times, and occasionally a money {nresent was ten-
dered instead ; this was called ^ Glove-money.''

NEW YEAR'S GIFTS.

Fosbroke, in his valuable ^Encyclopedia of Antiquities," adduces
various authorities to show, that congratulations, presents, and visili,
were made by the Romans on new year's day. The origin, he sayi,
is ascribed to Romulus and Tatins, and that the osual presents were
figs and dates, covered with leaf gold, and sent by clients to patrons,
accompanied with a piece of money, which was expended to par-
chase statues of deities.

** The next to this is Neve Yeares day
Whereon to every frende.
They costly presents in do brinf.
And New Yeares Giftes do sende.
These giftes the husband gives his wife.
And fatiier eke the childe.
And maister on his men bestowes
The like, with favour milde.

THE WEDDING FINGER, EMBLEMATICAL OF MATRIMONIAL

UNION.

There are few objects amongst the productions of art, contem-
plated with such lively interest by ladies, after a certain age, as the
simple and nnadomed annular implement of Hymen, y'clept the
Wedding Ring ; this has been a theme for poets of every ciQfl>re ;
for geniuses of every wing, from the dabbling duckling to the aohx
eagle. The mouldy antiquary can tell the origin of the custom with
which it is connected, and perchance whv a ring is roond, and ac-
count for many circumstances concerning the ceremony of the circlet,
on tiie most conclusive evidence, amounting to absolute coigectmnl
demonstration ; amidst all that has been said and written in reference
to the rinff, I believe the more lovely part engaged in the mystic
matter, the taper residence of this ornament has been n^ected ;
now, this is rather carious, as there are facts belonging to the ring
finger, which render it in a peculiar manner an appropriate emblem
of matrimonial union ; it is the only finger where two principal nerves
belong to two distinct trunks ; ttie thumb is supplied with its princi-
pal nerves from the radial nerve, as is also the fore finger, the middle

THB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

149

finger, and the thmnb side of the ring finger, whilst the ulnar nerve
fomisnes the little finger and the other side of the ring finger, at the
pcnnt or extremity of which, a real onion takes place ; it seems as if
it were intended by nature to be the matrimonial finger.

That the side of the ring finger next the little finger is supplied by
the ulnar nenre, is frequently proved by a common accident, that of
atriking the elbow agamst the edge of a chair, a door, or any narrow
hard substance ; tiie ulnar nerve is then frequentlv struck, and a
thrilling sensation is felt in the little &iger, and on tne same side of
the ring finger, but not on the other side of it — Anatomicus Junior.

MARRIAGE BY PROXY, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THAT
CEREMONY IN THE EARLY AGES.

In marriage by proxy, it was formerly the custom for the proxy to
introduce his right leg ujp to the knee into the bed of the princess
whom he married. Louis de Baviare, who married the Princess
Marie de Bourgogne, daughter of Charles, Duke of Bourgogne, in
the name of Archduke Maximilian of Austria, performed this cere-
mony. The object of the ceremony was to render the marriage more
certain, it being supposed that the Piincess who had submitted to
this kind of approacn on the part of man, could not depart from her
engagement and take another husband.

It is said that the Emperor Maximilian was married by proxy to
Anne de Bretagne, who, nevertheless, afterwards married Charles
the 8th of France, her marriage with Maximilian never having been
consummated. But, from a scruple of conscience, or some other
cause, historiuis relate, that it was necessary to have recourse to
the arguments of many Uieologians, and to examples drawn from holy
writ, before the lady could be brought to listen to the proposition of
her marriage with Charles the 8th.

If the early historians may be believed, the first marriage by
proxy was that of Clovis of France with Clotilde ; Aurele having, it
IS said, married Clotilde at the court of Bourgogne, in the name of
Clovis, his master, bv giving her a ring and other pledges of a legi-
timate marriage. The ancient practice of placing the proxy's leg
in the bed of the bride is long smce discontinued.

It existed, however, in Poland in the time of Herera, who, in
speaking of the marriage of Cardinal Radzivil with the Archduchess
Ann of Austria, says, that the proxy of king Sigismund the 3d slept
completely armed at the side of the new queen, in conformity with
the ceremony, que les lieyes de Polonia ental caso accastitmbran.

A king's proxy is usually a prince of his blood ; if he be not, he
is not allowed to take the hand of the princess, but only to place his
by the side of her's.

GIYINO QUARTER.

Bog, — ^He prays you to save his life ; he is a gentleman of good
house, and for his ransom he will give you tvo hundred trowns.

PUtoi.—TeU him my fury shall abate, and I
The crowns will take.
As I suck blood, I will some mercy shew. — Henry bth.

This custom, so well known in warfare, had its origin in an agree-
ment between the Dutch and Spaniards, that the ransom of an officer
or soldier should be Uie Quarter of his year's pay. Hence to beg
quarter, was to offer a quarter of their pay for personal safety ; and
to refuse quarter, was not to accept the offered ransom.

150 THE BTYHOLOGICAL COafFENDIUM.

LORD MAYOR'S DAY.

liord Mayor's day in LoBdon was first made annual in the year
1214. Until that period^ the chief magistrate was appointed ior'lifr.

Before the alterations of the style in 1572, the Lord Mayors of
London came into (^ce on the 29th October, on which afreomit it
would seem that, ever since 1800, the Lord Mayor's day oodit to
have been on the 10th of November instead of the 9th, the cmTer-
ence between the old and new style being 12 days.

LORD MAYOR'S SHOW.

This show, says Hone in his ^ Ancient Mysteries," is the only state
exhibition in the metropolis that remains as a memorial of the great
doings in the time of the pageants. In a cmrious description oi flie
show as it was managed in 1575, it is related, that ^ to make way in
the streetes, certa^^e men were employed, apparalled like deveUs
and wylde men, with skybbs and certain beadells.''

The number of persons who dined at Gnildhall was 1000, all at
the charge of the mayor and the two sheriffs. ^ This feast (the writer
continues) costeth 4002. whereof the mayor payeth 200/. and each
of the sheriffs 100/. Immediately after ayner mey go to thedimvh
of St. Panle, the men bearynge staff-torches and targetts, which
tcMTches are Ughted when it is late, before they come from eyenynge
prayer." In 1585, there were children in the procession, who per-
flomfied the city, magnanimity, loyalty, science, the country, and
the river Thames ; they also represented a soldier, a sailor^ and
nymphs with appropriate speeches. The show opened with a moor
on the back of a lyuz. On Sir Thomas Middleton's mayoralty, in
1613, the solemnity is described as unparallelled for the cost, art,
and magnificence of the shows, pageants, chariots, morning, noon,
and night triumphs.

In 1665, the city pageants, after a discontinuance of about fear-
teen jrears, were revived. Edmund Gayton, the author of the de*
scription for that year, says, that '^ our metropolis for these planetary
pageants was as famous and renowned in foreign nations, as fix
their faith, wealth, and valoar. In the show of 1659, an European,
an Egyptian, and a Persian, were personated. On Lord Mayor's
day, 1671, the king, queen, and duke of York, and most of the no-
bihty, being present, there were sundry shows, shap^, scenes,
speeches, and songs in parts ; and the like in 1672 and 1673, when
the king again graced the triumphs. At the alteration of the style,
the Lord Mayor's show, which had been on the 29th of October,
was changed to the 9th of November."

In 1687, the pageants of Sir John Shorter, knt as Lord Mayor,
were very splendid. He was of the company of goldsmiths, and
out of compliment to their patron saint, Dunstan, who was himself
a goldsmith, they had a pageant representing the miracle of Dun-
stan and the Devil.

" St. Dunstan as the story goes.
Once pull'd the devil by the nose
With red-hot tongs, which made him roar.
That he was heard three miles or more,'*

The last Lord Mayor who rode on horseback at his menroralty
was Sir Gilbert Heathcote, in the reign of queen Anne. The mo-
dem exhibitions, bettered as they are by the men in armomr, have
no pretensions to vie with the grandeur of the London triumphs.

rfiE ETYBffOLOOlCAL COlfPENDIUM. ^51

Even Oog and Magoe, who were then only made of wicker-work
and pasteboard, yearly graced the procession, and when that emi-
nent annual service was over, remotmted their old stations in Ooild-
hall, tOi, by reason of their very great age, old time, with his anxi-
liaries, the city rats and mice, had eaten up all their entrails.
The first Lord Mayor's pageant was in the reign of Henry 6th,

145a.

FREEDOM OF ALNWICK.

When a person takes up his freedom in the town of Alnwick, he
is oUiged, by a clause in the charter of that place, to jump into an
adjacent bog, in which sometimes he must sink to his chin. This
custom is said to have been imposed by King John, who travelling
this way, and his horse sinking fast in this hole^ took this method of
punishing the people of this town for not keeping the road in better
Ofdor.

LONDON CRIBS.

In file time of Henry 6th, an antiqaarian writes, that London cries
consisted of--fine felt hats and spectacles; pease, strawberries,
cherries, pepper, saffron, hot sheeps'-feet, mackarel, green-pease,
ribs of beef, pie, &c. In the Pepysian library are two very ancient
sets (rf^cries, cat in wood, with inscriptions ; among others are, ^ buy
my rope of onions, white Sir Thomas's onions ; rosemary and bays ;
bread and meat for poor prisoners ; ends of gold and silver ; mark-
ing stones ; a mat for a bed ; maids hang oat your Ughts ; marrow-
bcMBies : ells or yards ; hand-strings or hand-kercher battons ; small
coal penny a peck ! I have skreens at yoor desire to keep your
bntey from the fire,^ &c. &c.

Formeriy it was a practice to set the London cries to music, re-
taining their peculiar musical notes. These cries, that have been
so loi^ famed in the annals of narsery literature, and without which,
to flie social part of society, London would lose one of its peculiar
charms, have to the squeamish long been a source of complaint ;
their tender nerves and susceptible ears would have every social
sonnd^ut to silence, and every unlacky vright who presumed to
earn his bread by the exercise of his luqgs sent to the treadmill !
To please them —

**-It were a delicate stratagem, to shoe
A troop of horse with felt,— ru pat it in proof.'*

Shakspeare.

MASQUERADES.

The first masquerade given in England upon the foreign plan,
uniting, after the Venetian fashion, elegance with rude mirth and
reveliy, was by the queen of Charles the First ; but as it was un-
fbrtnnately fixed for a Sunday, the populace loudly complained of
the profanation of the Lord's day, in front ci the banqueting house,
Whitehall. A scuffle ensued between the soldiers and the people,
in which half a dozen of the latter were killed, and two or mree of
the guards. This produced a general dislike of the queen, which
afterwards aggravated every other imputation that was cast upon
tiiat unfortunate lady, as well as created a violent p<midar, and
sometimes magisterial, opposition to masquerades generally ibr near
a century.

3^52 ?l^ BTYMOLOOICAIi COMPENDIUM.

ORIGINAL DINNERS.

Id 1609, Christian, Elector of Saxony, defrayed for 1600 guests,
yrho, at the sound of the tnimpet, saw the table covered. Tike
Elector himself remained at table six hours ; and tliat time nothing
was done bat to contend which of the party shoald eat the most
and drink the largest. The custom of feasting was not confined to
the great ; all ranks participated in the sensual propensity, against
which sumptuary laws proved wholly unavailing. In the town of
Munden, in Brunswick, it was ordained, that the dinner should not
last above three hours, and that even a wedding feast shoald not
exceed twenty-four dishes^ allowing ten persons to every dish.

LADIES APPEARING AT COURT.

Anne of Brittany, wife of Charles 8th, and Louis 13th, kings of
France, v^as the first who introduced the fashion of ladies cq[>pearing
publicly at court This fashion was introduced much later in Eng-
umd, when, even down to the revolution, women of rank ne^er ap-
peared in tne streets witiiout a mask. In Scotland the veil <Mr i^aid
continued much longer in fashion, and with which every woman was
covered.

SMOAKING WITH PIPES AND TAKING SNUFF.

Aubrey says, after alluding to tobacco being first brought into
England (1533), " They had first silver pipes. The ordinary sort
made use of a walnut shell and a straw. I have heard my grand-
father say (says he) that one pipe was handed from man to man
round the table." A pamphlet on the Natural History of Tobacco,
in the Harleian Miscellany, says, *' The English are said to have
had their pipes of clay from the Virginians,** who were styled bar-
barians ; and the ori^n of manufacturing tobacco into sunn is tiios
given to the sister kmgdom. " The Irishmen do most conmionly
powder their tobacco, and snuff it up their nostrils."

Reader ! if thou art a snuff-taker, peruse the following calculation
of the waste of time : it is from the pen of the late Earl Stanluqiw;

" Every professed, inveterate, and inciuable snuff-taker,'' says
his Lordship, '' at a moderate computation, takes one pinch in ten
minutes. Every pinch, with the agreeable ceremony ot blowing and
wiping his nose, and otiier incidental circumstances, consumes li mi-
nute. One minute and a half oat of 10, allowing 16 hours to a snuff-
taker a day, amounts to 2 hours and 24 minutes out of every natural
day, or 1 day out of 10. One day out of every 10, amounts to 36
days and a half in a year. If we suppose the practice to be conti*
nued 40 years, 2 entire years of the snuff-taker's life are dedicated
to tickling his nose, and two more to his blowing of itw'' The waste
of constitution attendant on this nauseous practice is shewn under
the article Nicotiana.

HOWLING AT IRISH FUNERALS.

The Irish howl at funerals originated frOm the Roman outcry at
the decease of their friends, they hoping thus to avmken the soul,
which they supposed might lie inactive. The preficuB of the an-
cients.

THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 153

GRACE AT MEAT.

The table was considered by the ancient Oreeks as die altar nf
friendship, and held sacred ; and they woold not partake of any
meat, till they had offered part of it, as the first fruits, to their gods.
The ancient Jews ofiered up prayers always before meat, and from
their example the primitive Christians did the same.

GOOSE ON MICHAELMAS DAY.

The jo3rfal tidings of the defeat of the Spanish armada arrived on
Michaelmas day, and was commonicated to queen Elizabeth whilst
at dinner partaking of a goose. Hence the origin of eating that sa-
vory dish on Michaelmas day — a day

** When geese do bleed at MichaePs shrine."

WELCH LEEK, AS A BADGE OF HONOUR.

Upon (he first of March King Cadwallo met a Saxon army in the
field. In order to distinguish his men from their enemies, he, from
an a4j<nning field of leeks^ placed one in each of their hats ; and
having gained a signal and decisive victory over the Saxons, the
leek became the future badge of honour among^ the Welch, and
particularly worn on the 1st of March, or St, David's day.

SHAMROCK AS THE IRISH BADGE OF HONOUR.

The wild trefoil was very highly regarded in the superstitions of
the ancient Druids, and has still medicinal virtues of a particular
kind accredited to it by the more remote Highlanders of Scotland,
where it is culled according to the ancient rites.

" In the list of plants," says a Scotch statistical writer, " must
be reckoned the aeamrog, or the wild trefoil, in great estimation of
old by the Druids. It is still considered as an anodyne in the dis-
eases of cattle ; from this circumstance it has derived its name,
seimh, in the Gaelic, signifVing pacific or soothing. When gather-
ed, it is plucked with the lefl hand.^ The person thus employed
most be silent, and never look back till the business be finished."*

This is the seamrog, or ahamrog, worn b^ Irishmen in their hats,
as O'Brien says, '' by veay of a cross on Saint Patrick's day in me-
mory of this great saint" It is said, that when St Patrick landed
near Wicklow, to convert the Irish in 433, the Pagan inhabitants
were ready to' stone him; he requested to be heard, and endeavour-
ed to explain God to them, as the Trinity in Unity, but they could
not understand him ; till plucking a trefoil, or shamrog, from the
ground^ he said, " Is it not as possible for the Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost, as for these three leaves, to grow upon a single stalk?"
" Then,*' says Brand, " the Irish were immediately convinced, and
became converts to Christianity ; and, in memory of which event,
the Irish have ever since worn the shamrog, or shamrock, as a badge
of honour.

ELECTION RIBBONS.

These party emblems were first introduced March I4th, 1681.

The •* Protestent Intelligencer^ states, after mentioning the Parlia-
ment, that was held at Oxford this year, ** on which occasion, the

* Kirkmichael, Banffs. Statist. Ace. zii.

154 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

representatives of the city of London assembled at Guildhall on the
17th of March, for the purpose of commenciDg tiieir journey. Many
of the citizens met them there, intending to accompany them pert of
their way, together with others who were deputed to go to Oxford,
as a sort of council to the city members. Some of our ingenious
London weavers had against this day contrived a very fine fency,
that is, a blue satin ribband, having these words plainly and legibly
wrought upon it, ' No Popery,' ' No Slavery,* which being tied up
in knots, were worn in the hats of the horsemen who accompanied
oar members." Such was the origin of wearing ribbands on elec-
tioneering occasions.

PERAMBULATING PARISHES ON ASCENSION DAY.

This custom is of considerable antiquity. Spelman thinks it was
derived from the heathens, and that it is an imitation of the feast
called Terminalia, which was observed in the month of February,
in honour of the god Terminius, who was supposed to preside over
bounds and limits, and to punish all unlawful usurpations of land.

In making the parochial perambulations in this country on Ascen-
sion Day, the minister, accompanied by the churchwardens and pa-
rishioners, used to deprecate the vengeance of God, by a blessing
on the fruits of the earth, and implore him to presence the'rights w
the parish. This custom is thus noticed by Withers in his Em-
blems : —

** That every man might keep his own possessions.
Our fathers used in reverent processions,
(With zealous prayers and many a praisefol cheer).
To walk their parish limits once a year ;
And well known marks (which sacrilig>ious hands
Now cut or break) so border'd out their lands.
That every one distinctly knew his own, /

And many brawls, now rife, were then unknown."

In Lyson's '* Environs of London," in the Churchwarden's Book of
Children, there is the following : —

1670. Spent at perambulation dinner - - - £3 10
Given to the boys that were whipt - 4
Paid for poynts for the boys - - - 2

THE PASSING BELL.

Men's deaths I tell by doleful knell.
Lightning and thunder I break asunder.
On Sabbath all to church I call.
The sleepy bead I raise from bed.
The winds so fierce I do disperse.
Men's cruel rage I do assuage.

The passing bell, so called, because the defunct has passed from
one state to another, owes its origin to an idea of sanctity aftached
to bells by the early Catholics, who believed that the sound of these
holy instruments of percussion actually drove the devil away from
the soul of the departing christian.

** Come list and hark, the bell doth toll
For some but now departing soul,
Whom even now those ominous fowie.
The bat, the night-jar, or screech owl.

THE ETTlffMiOeiCAL COMPEMDIinf. 155

Jjament ; hark ! I bear tbe wilde wolfe hovle
In this black nig-ht that seems to scowle,
. AU these nur Majck book shall enscrole.
For hark ! still stiU the bell doth toll
For some but now departing soul***
' Rape of Lucrece.

CHIMES.

* ** How sweet the toneful bells reffpontiye peal !
As when at opening murn, the fragrant breeze
Breatin on iibe trembling sense of wan disease.
So piercing to my heart their force I feel !

And hark ! with lessening cadence now they fall.

And now, idon^ the white and level tide.

They fling their melancholy music wide ;
Bidding me many a tender thought recall

Of summer days, and those delightful srears
When by my native streams, in life's fair prime.
The monmftil magic of their mingling chime

First wak'd my wondering childhood into tears !

But seeming now, when all those days are o'er,
The sounds of joy once beard, and heard no more."

Beades the common yr&y of tolling bells, there 18 also rindog,
which is a kind of chimes nsed on varions occasions in token of joy.
T^is ringing prevails in no country so much as in England, where
it is a kind of diversion, and, for a piece of money, any one may
have a peal. On tins account it is that England is called the ^ ring-
ing islfind." ^ #

Chimes are something very different, and much more musical ;
there is not a town in all the Netherlands without them, being an
invention of that country. The chimes at Copenhagen are one of
the finest sets in all Europe ; but the inhabitants, from a pertinacious
fondness for old things, or tlie badness of their ear, do not like them
so well as the old ones, which were destroyed by a conflagration.

OUTLAWRY.

Some may derive the antiquity of Outlawry from Cain, who, for
the murder;|of his brother, ^vas, as it were, out of the protection of the
law; or, as' the ancient English would say, "a fnendless man;"
however, sJthough we cannot ascend so high as Cain, certain it is,
that this kind of punishment is very ancient, for Caesar, speaking of
the Druids, saith thus — " Whoever he is that obeys not their sen-
tence, they forbid him their sacrifices, which is amongst tiiem the
most grievous of punishments; for they who are thus interdicted,
are accounted in the number of the most impious and wicked, — ail
people shunning them^ and refusing their conversation, lest they
should receive damage by the infection thereof; nor is justice to be
afforded them at their desire, nor any honour allowed unto theuL"

firacton describes the nature of our English ontlavnry thus: —
" When any person is outlawed justly, and according to tne law of
the land, let us see what he suffers by this his outlawrv, if after the
first summons he doth not appear. First, therefore, be it known,
he forfeits his country and the kingdom, and becometh a banished
man ; such an one as the English call utlaugh, but anciently they

• Written at Ostend, July 23, 1787.

1^ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

had yfoni to call him ^ a friendless man/' whereby it seemeth he for-
feiteth his friends, so that if after sach outlawry and expulsion, any
one shall willini^ly ^ve him food, and entertain him, or knowingly
converse with him m any sort whatever, or shall shelter him and
hide him, he is to undergo the same punishment as the person out-
lawed ought to do, which is to lose all his goods, and also his life,
unless it please the king to be more merciful to him," &c.

CARVING AT TABLE BY LADIES.

This custom, Verstegan says, originated among our Saxon ances-
tors ; and the title of lady sprung from this office, as htford, or loaf-
giver (now lord), was so called from his maintaining a number of
dependents ; so leaf-dian or Unf-dian, i. e. loaf server, is the origin
of lady, she serving it to the guests.

GAMMON OF BACON AT EASTER.

Drake, in his ^ Shakspeare and his Times,'' says, the custom of
eating a gammon of bacon at Easter, still maintained in some parts
of England, is founded on the abhorrence our forefathers thought
proper to express, in that way, towards the Jews at the season of
commemorating the resurrection.

EASTER HUNT AT EPPINO.

Fitzstephen informs us, that the banting at Epping and round
London at Easter time, commenced in 1226, when king Henry 3d
confirmed to the citizens of London, free warren, or libertv to nnnt
a circuit about their city, in the warren of Staines, Hainhault* fisrest,
&c. ; and in ancient times the lord mayor, aldermen, and corp(Hra-
tion, attended by a due number of their constituents, availed toem-
selves of this right of chace in solemn guise.

From newspaper reports, it appears that the office of Common
Hunt, attached to the mayoralty, is in danger of disuetude. The
Epping hunt seems to have lost the lord mayor and his brethren in
their corporate capacity, and tiie annual sport to have become a far-
cical show.

PETER PENCE.

In 1720, Ina, king of the West Saxons, went to Rome, and made
the Pope a present of the tax, since called Peter Pence, or Rome
Scot It was called Peter Pence, because it was to be paid on the
feast of St " Peter ad Vincnla ;" it was given for maintaining an
English school at Rome, though future popes pretended it was a
tribute due to the see of Rome from this nation.

NIGHTLY WATCH.

The curfew bell was commanded by William the Conoueror to
be nightly rung at eight o'clock, as a warning, or commana, that all
people should then put out their fires and lights, and continued
throughout the realm till the time of Henry 1st, when Stow says,
^ that it followed, by reason of warres within the realme, that many
men gave themselves up to robbery and murders in the night"
^ It appears that the city of London was subject to these disorders
till 1263, when Henry 3a ccnumanded watches to be kept in the ci-

* What is now called Epping Forest, was formerly a part of the
Forest of Hainhault.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 157

ties and boroagh townes for the preservation of the peace, and fur-
ther, that if from that time any murder or robbery was committed,
the town in which it was done should be liable to ue damages there-
of. Snch was the origin of the Nightly Watch.

PRESENTATION OP LORD MAYOR OF LONDON TO
THE LORD CHANCELLOR.

King John granted to the citizens of London a charter, impower*
ing them to choose their own mayor, yet by the same power they
were generally obliged to present him to the king for his approba*
tion^ or, in his absence, to his justiciary ; this custom still remain-
ing, he IS yearly presented to the lord chancellor, which many of
the citizens regard as a needless ceremony : 'twill not be improper,
says Maitland, to acquaint all who are of mat mind, that this con •
firming power is so essential, that without it, a mere stranger could
act as well.

COUNTING OF HOB-NAILS, Ac.

The year 1335 is memorable for a little city incident, which has
contnTed to transmit its remembrance to our times, by means of an
annual ceremony at swearing in the sheriff, September 30, before
the cursitor barons of the exchequer, which is performed with much
solemnity by one of the aldermen, in presence of the lord mayor,
who goes into, and continues in the court covered. One Walter le
Brain, a farrier, obtained a grant from the crown of a certain spot
of ground in the Strand, in the parish of Clement Danes, whereon
to erect a forge for carrying on bis business. For this the city was
to pay annually an acknowledgement, or quit rent, of six horse
shoes, with the nails appertaining, at the King's Exchequer, West-
minster. The forge and manufactory exist no longer, but the ac-
knowledgement, after a lapse of so many ages, continues still to be
paid.*

BONE-FIRES.

In earlier times they made fires of bones in commemoration of
John the Bi^tist, who, it is said, drove away manv dragons when in
the wilderness by the barniog of bones — ^ of which they have a great
dislike.'' From this circamstance our bone-fires, although made of
wood^ derive their cognomen.

FEAST OF ASSES.*

The feast of asses in France was held in honour of Balaam's ass,
when the clergy, at Christmas, walked in procession, dressed so as
to represent the prophets. Suppressed early — ^before 1445.

BENDING THE KNEE.

Bending the knee, at the name or mention of Jesus, was first or-
dered by the Reman Catholic church in the year 1275.

HOAXING.

The first hoax of a modem kind on record was practised by a wag

in the reign of Queen Anne. It appeared io the papers of that time.

** A well dressed man rode down the king's road from Ftdham, at

• Hunter.

]58 1*^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

a most farioas rate^ commanding each tarnpike to be thrown ouen,
as he was a messenger, conveying the news of the qneen's snaden
death, l^e alarm instantly spread into every quarter of the city ;
the trained bands, who were on their parade, desisted from their
exercise, farled their colours, and returned home, with their arms
reversed. The shop-kt^epers began to collect their sables, when
the jest was discovered — not the author of it"

GOES OF LIQUOR.

The tavern called the Queen's Head, in Doke's Court, Bow Street,
was once kept by a facetious individual of the name of Jnpp. Two
celebrated characters, Annesle^ Shay, and Bob Todrington, a spoit-
ing man (caricatured by old Dighton, and nicknamed by mm the
" knowing one," from his having converted to his own use a iaigp
sum of money intrusted to him by the noted Dick England, who was
compelled to fly the country, having shot Mr. Rolls in a duel, which
had a fatal termination), met one evening at the above place, went
to the bar, and asked for half-a-qnartem each, with a IHtle oold
water. In course of time they drank foOT-and- twenty, when Shav
said to the other, " Now we'll go." *' O no," replied he, ** we'll
have another and then go." This did not satisfy the Hibernians,
and they continued drinking on till three in the morning, when they
both agreed to go, so that under the idea of going they made a io^
stay, and this was the <Nrigin of drinking or calling for Groes ; bat
an<rther, determined to eke out the measure his own way, used to
call for a quartern at a time, and these in the exercise of hu hnnoor
he called stays,

TARaiNG AND FEATHERING.

This custom, which had grown into dis-use until just prior to the
old American war, when it was revived with great avidity to the
cost of our custom-house officers on the other side of the Atlantic,
takes its data or origin from the following : —

Holinshead says, that in the reign of Richard Goeur de Lion, it
was enacted, " If any man be taken with theft or pickery, and
therein convicted, he shall have his head polled, and hot pitch
poured on his pate, and upon that feathers of some pillow or cndiion
shaken aloft, tnat he may thereby be known as a thief, and at the
next arrivals of the ships to any land, be put forth of the company
to seek his adventures without all hope of return to his fellows."

LAW OF SHIPWRECK.

** A wreck, a wreck ! resounds along the strand
And man becomes a tiger for the prey.*'

By the act of 3d of Edward 1st, cap. 4, and 4th of the same king,
cap. 2, it is enacted, that if a man, a dog, or a cat, escape alive out
of any ship, such ship shall not be deemed a wreck. On the 6th
December, 1824, the ship Dart, of Sunderland, drifted into Ports-
mouth, wiiiiout a soul on board ; a live cat, however, being found in
the cabin, she escaped becoming a droit of the admiralty^ and was
given in charge of the sheriff, to be delivered to the owners.

FEES, WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
The vile custom of taking; fees at Westminster Abbey is of very

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 159

ancient date. Shirley allades to it in his pleasant comedy, called
*' The Bird in a Cage," when Bonomico, a moiintebank, observes :

«• I talk as glib,

Methinks, as he that farms the monuments.

The dean and chapter, however, in these days, were less eior-
bitant in their demands, for the price of admissioa was but one penny
to tiie whole.

The present dean and chapter, in reply to an order of the Heose
of Commons for a return of tneir receipts arising firom the exhibition
(^ the monuments, &c. observe —

" This grant was made to the chapter in 1597, on condition, that
receiving the benefits of the exhibition of the monuments, they should
keep the same monuments always clean," &c.

Receipts office years.

1821 £ 648 11 11 1823 £1664 13 9

1823 2317 9 3 1824 Ift29 5

1825 £1585 5

SPITAL SERMON.

Tliis sermon, yearl^r preached on Easter Monday at Christ Chnrch.
Chrisf 8 Hospital, derives its name from the priory and hospital of
oar blessed lady, St Mary Spital, situated on the east side of
Bishopsgate Street, with fields in the rear, which now form the su-
burb, culed Spital-fields. This hospital, founded in 1 197, had a
large church-yard with a pulpit cross, from whence it was an an<
cient custom, on Easter Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, for
Hermons to be preached on the resurrection before the lord mayor,
aldermen, shenfis, and others, who sat in a house of two stories (or
that purpose, the bishop of London and the prelates being above
them. In 1594, the pulpit was taken down and a new one set u|>,
and a large house for the governors and children of Christ's Hospi-
tal to sit in.* In April 1559, queen JBlizabeth came in great state
from Sl Mary Spital, attended by a thousand men in harness, with
shirts of mail and croslets, and morris pikes, and ten great pieces
carried through London onto the court, with drums, flutes, and
trumpeta sounding, and two morris dancers, and two white bears in
a cart.i' '^^ §JP^ sermons were, after tiie restoration, preached
at St. Bride's, Fleet Street, but have been since removed to Christ
Church, Newgate Street

LION SERMON.

A merchant of London,^ about two centuries ago, went on a voy-
age to Afirica ; the ship was wrecked on the coast, and all perished
.save himselE Exhausted and deeply impressed with his melancholy
situation, he lay stretched on the shore, when to his suiprise and
fright he saw approacliing him an immense lion ! Petitioning the
Almightv to spare his life, he vowed, in return for such a boon, to
give on nis arnval in England a part of his wealth to the poor of his
parish ; likewise to perpetuate his miraculous escape (should it he

* Stowe. f Mailland.

X Sir John Oager, who was lord mayor of London in 1646.

IQQ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

permitted him), to leave a certain sam* for the preaching of a ser-
mon on the day on which it occurred. The tradition states, his
prayer was heard, the lion looked on him and passed him : he shortly
after had the gratification to see a vessel approach ; he was takeo
on board, arrived in London, and fulfilled his vow. At the paridi
chorch of St. Catherine Cree, in Leadeohall Street, what is called
the Lion Sermon is preached, on the day of the aforesaid miracaloiu
escape.

Mighty monarch of the forest

Noble Nature beats through thee ;

All thy actions prove thee honest,

Courageous, merciful, brave, and free.

MAY-POLES.

The May-pola is up

Now give me a cup ;
ril drink to the garlands around it ;

But first unto those

Whose hands did compose
The glory of flowers that crown*d it.

Herriek.

London in former times abonnded with Maj- poles, — they were
called shafb. Jeffirey Chancer, writing of a vam boaster, hatn these
words, alluding to a shaft in Comhill near to the church of St An-
drew Undershaft-|-

** Right well aloft, and high yon bear your head.
As you would bear the great shaft of Comhill *^X

This shaft, or May-pole, was kept in an alley in the vicinitj-,
called Shafl Alley ; and on tiie 1st of May was brought out, dhressed
with flowers and birds' eggs, and reared up near unto the church,
amid the shoutings and rejoicings of the lookers-on.

At Gisor's Hail (Gerrard's) also, was a long shaft, and which was
supposed by the ignorant to be the staff of one Geraldus a giant, bnt
which in fact was nothing more than a May- pole, that was wont to
be yearly brought out on the 1st of May, and placed before the
door.^

A processional engraving, by Vertue, among the prints of the
Antiquarian Society, represents a May-pole, at a door or two west-
ward beyond

** Where Catherine Street descends into the Strand."

Washin^n Irving says, " I shall never forget the delight I felt
on first seeing a May-pole, It was on the banks of the Dee, close
by the picturesque old bridge that stretches across the river from
the quaint little city of Chester. I already had been carried back
into former days by the antiquities of that venerable place ; the ex-
amination of which is equal to turning over the pages of a black let-
ter volume, or gazing on the pictures in Froissari The May-pole
on the margin of that poetic stream completed the illusion. My

* 20s, to the Minbter— 2j. 6d, to the Clerk^U. to the Sexton.

f See St. Andrew Undershaft.

i Formerly Comhill extended thus far. % Stowe.

THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM-

161

fancy adorned it witii wreaths of flowers, and pec^led the green
bank with all the dancing revelry of May day.

" The mere sight of this May-pole gave a glow to my feelings, and
spread a charm over the country for ue rest of the day ; and as I
traversed a part of the fair plains of Cheshire, and the beantifiil bor-
ders of Wales, and looked from among swelling hills dovm a long
green valley, through which ' the Beva wonnd its wizard stream,'
my imagination tamed all into a perfect arcadia. One can readily
imagine what a gay scene it most have been in jolly old London,
when the doors were decorated with flowering branches, when every
hat^ was decked with hawthorn ; and Robm Hood, Friar Tncl^
Maid Marian, the morris dancers, and all the other fantastic masks
and revellers were performing their antics abont the May-pole in
every part of the ci^." ^

The May-{)ole is of Roman origin, and formed part of the Games
of Flora, bat it is mere coiijectare as to the period when it was first
introduced into this country.

WHIPPING OF APPLE TREES.

There are various customs still prevalent in honour of the goddess
Pomona, whom it was said presided over fruit. Among others, is
that of vvhipping the apple trees, in order that they may produce a
plentiful crop. This custom is still observed at Warkingham in
Siorrey. Early in the spring tiie boys go round to several orchards
in the parish, and having performed the ceremony, they carry a
little bag to the house, when the good woman gives them some meal
or oatmeaL

EATON MONTEM.

** But -weak the harp now tuu'd to praise
When fed the rapturM sig-ht.
When i^eedy thousands eag-er gaze,
Devour'd with deep delight.

When triumph hails aloud the joys

Which on those hours await ;
When Montem crowns the Eaton boy's

Long fam'd triennial fete."

The triennial custom of the Eton scholars parading to^ Salt-hill,
and distributing salt, originated in the early days of monkish super-
stition, when the friars used to sell their consecrated salt for medi-
cal purposes.

SWEARING BY BELL BOOK, AND CANDLE.

This originated in the manner of the Pope's blessing the world
yearly, from the balcony of St. Peter's at Rome. He holds a wax
t^[>er ugfated, a Cardinal reads a curse on all heretics, and no sooner
is the last word uttered, than the bell tolls, and the Pope changes
the curse into a blessing, throwing down his taper among the people.

EASTER.

Easter-day is distinguished by its peculiar name, through our
Saxon ancestors, who at this season of the year held a great festival,
in honour of the goddess Eastor, probably the astarte of the Eastern
nations. The French call this festival paques, derived from the
Oreek pascha^ and Hebrew peaech, i. e. passover, and whence we
have the English paschal, as applied to the lamb in the last supper.

The earliest possible dky whereon Easter can happen is the 22d

154 '^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

been an expedient of Philip the Lonff, in 13]6« for the ezclogion of
the daughter of Lewis Hahn, from inheriting the crown.

Father Daniel, on the other hand, maintains^ that it is quoted bf
authors more ancient than Philip the Long, and th<it Glovis is tin
real author of it This law has not any particular regard to tin
crown of France : it only imports, in general, that in Salic land no
part of the inheritance shall fall to any female, but the whole to tibr
male sex. By Salic lands, or inheritances, were anciently denoted
among us, all lands, by whatever tenure held, whether noble cr
base from the succession whereto women were excluded by the
Salic law ; for they were by it admitted to inherit nothing bat nore-
ables and purchases wherever there were any males.

VOWS.

Among the ingenious contrivances of papal authority and poKc^,
we learn from Erasmus, that vota or vows had been introduced m
the thirteenth century, under the pontificate of Boniface the BLefatii.

Those who refer the origin of this practice to the council of Guil-
cedon, speak of vota, of a more simple and dispensable kind; but
under Boniface these solemn acts were enjoinea on princes, to an-
swer the designs of ecclesiastical policy, and were not only obliga-
tory, but indefeasable. When tiie mind of a powerful but oigotted
prince was agitated between hope and fear, on the bed of si^ness,
or on the eve of battle, he was informed that the prayers of tiie
church would be efficacious ; but those prayers could only be em-
I^OTed by the priest, qr listened to by the saint to whom ibej were
addressed, on certain prescribed conditions. A monastery was to
be erected for a new order of religious votaries, or an extensive do-
main was to be alienated to those already established. Such is the
origin of most of the convents, abbeys, and other temporalities of
the papal church.

COIN OF DORT.

Upon the coin of Dort^ or ])ordrecht, in Holland, is a cow, under
which is sitting a milk maid. The same representation is in relievo
on the pyramid of an elegant fountain in mat beautiful town. Its
origin is from the followiug historicsd fact :

When the united provinces were struggling for their liberty, two
beautiful daughters of a rich farmer, on their way to the town, with
milk, observed, not far from their path, several Spanish soldi^s,
concealed behind some hedges. The patriotic maidens pretended
not to have seen any thing, pursued their journey, and as soon as
they arrived in the city, insisted upon an admission to the burgo-
master, who had not yet leflt his bed ; they were admitted, and re-
lated what they had discovered. He assembled the council, mea-
sures were immediately taken, the sluices were opened, and a
number of the enemy lost their lives in the water. The magistrates,
in a body, honoured the farmer with a visit, where they thanked bis
daughters for the act of patriotism, which saved the town ; they after-
wards indemnified him fully for the loss he sustained from iae inun-
dation ; and the most distinguished young citizens, vied with each
other, who should be honoured with the hands of those virtuous
Milk-Maids.

ARMS OF THE COBBLERS OF FLANDERS.

The emperor Charles 5th, being curious to know the sentiments
of his meanest subjects concerning himself and his administration,

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDUIM: if^

often went incog, and mixed himself in such companies and conrer-
sations as he thought proper. One pight, at Arossels, his boot re-
quiring immediate mending, he was directed to a cobbler. Unluckily,
it ham>ened to be St Crispin's Day, or holiday, and instead of find-
ing me cobbler inclined for work, he was in the height of his jollity
among his acquaintances. The emperor acquainted him with what
he wanted, and offered him a handsome gratuity. " What friend !"
says the fellow, " do yon know no better than to ask one of our craft
to work on St Crispin ? Was it Charles himself, I'd not do a stitch
ibr him now ; but it you'll come in and drink St Crispin, do and wel-
come ; we are as merry as the emperor can be." The emperor
accepted the offer: but while be was contemplating their rudej^ea-
snre, instead of joining in it, the jovial host thus accents him * " What,
I suppose jou are some courtier politician or other, by that contem-
platiTe phiz ; but be you who, or what you will, you are heartily
welcome : drink about, here's Charles the Fifth's health." " Then
yon lore Charles the Fifth?" replied the emperor. ** Love him!"
says the son of Crispin ; "aye^ aye, I love his long-noseship well
enough ; but I should loVe lum much better, would he but tax us a
little less ; but what have we to do with politics ? round with the
glasses, and merry be our hearts." After a short stay, the emperor
took his leave, and thanked the cobler for his hospitable reception.
"That," cried he, " yon are welcome to ; but I would not have dis-
hcmoored St Crispin to-day to have worked for the emperor."
Charles, pleased vrith the good nature and humour of the man, sent
for him next morning to court You must imagine his surprise to see
and hear his late guest was his sovereign : he feared his joke upon
his long nose must be punished with death. The emperor, however,
thanked him for his hospitality, and as a reward for it, bade him ask
for what he most desired, and take the whole night to settle his sur-
prise and his ambition. Next day he appeared, and requested that,
for the future, the cobblers of Flanders might bear for their arms,
a boot foith the emperor^s crown upon it. That request was granted,
and, as his ambition was so moderate, the emperor bade him make
another. " If,** says he, ^ I am to have my utmost wishes, command
that, for the future, the Company of Cobblers shall take place of the
Company of Shoemakers." It was, accordingly, so ordained : and,
to this day, there is to be seen, a chapel in Flanders, adornea with
a boot and imperial croum on it : and in all processions, the Com-
pany of Cobblers take precedence of the Company of Shoemakers.*

SELKIRK ARMS.

A singular custom is observed at Selkirk, on the conferring of the
freedom of that borough. Four or five bristles, such as are used by
shoemakers, are attached to the seal of the burgesses' tickets. These
die new made burgess must dip in his wine, m token of respect for
the ** Soulters of Selkirk." This ceremony is on no account dispensed
with. The ancient and received tradition affirms, that the Soulters
of Selkirk distinguished themselves in the battle of Flodden, eighty
in number, and headed by the town clerk, they joined their monarch
on his entry into Englana. James, pleased vrith the appearance of
this gallant troop, knighted the leader, William Birdom, upon the
field of battle, from which, few of the men of Selkirk were destined
to return. They distinguished themselves in the conflict, and were

* European Magashie.

l^ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

as he ifl represented in the act of writing^ with an itr, or cow> by hn
side, whose horns are conspicnoas.

PECKHAM FAIR.
" Rare doin^ at Camberwell."— '* All holiday at Peckham."

Peckham is said to be onl^ a continuation of Camberwell, and not
a district fair ; yet^ there is a tradition, that l^ing John, banting
there, killed a stag, and was so well pleased with his sport, that be

S anted the inhabitants a charter for a fair. It may be inferred froai
e ^ right merrie'' humour of this monarch at the close of his sport,
that it was somewhat in di£ferent style to that of Henry 5th ; for be, ,
** in his beginning thought it meere scofferie to pursue anie fallow "
deere with hounoes or greihonnds, but supposed nimselfe always to
have done a sufficient act when he bad tired them by his own travell
on foot." *

MAY FAIR.

The locality adjacent to the west end of Piccadilly derhres it»
name from a celebrated /air formerly held here, which commenced
on the first of May, and from whence it was called May Fair.

Mr. Carter, the antiquary, says, in a communication to his ▼aloed
friend, the venerable Sjlvanus Urban, and which is dated March 6di,
1816. Fii)y years have passed away since this place of amusement
was at its highest attraction : the spot where the fair was held, still
retains the name of May Fair, and exists in much the same stete as
at the above period : for instance. Shepherd's Market, and hoiues
surrounding it, on the north and east sides, with White Horse Stre^
Shepherd's Court, Sun Court. Market Court. Westwards, an open
space extending to Tyburn, (now Park Lane) since built upon, in
Chapel Street, Shepherd's Street, Market Street, Hertford Street,
&c. ; southwards, the noted Ducking Pond, house, and gardens,
since built upon, in a lar^e ridiug-school, Carrington Street, (die
noted Kitty Fisher lived in this street), &«. He then proceeds to
enumerate the amusements of the fair, such as dramatic perfom-
ances, duck-hunting, fireneating, sausage-eating, prize-fighting, cud-
gelling, ass- races, bull- baiting, ^nnmg for a hat, mnning &r t«
shift, and various other amusements, which the Londoners in those
days amused themselves with.

STOURBRIDGE FAIR.

Fuller relates, Stourbridge Fair is so called, from Stonr, a litde
rivulet, (on both sides whereof it is kept) on the east of Cambridge,
whereof this original is reported.

A clothier of Kendal, a town characterized to be lanijicii gloria
et industria pracellens, casually wetting his cloth in water^ in hifi
passage to London, exposed it there to sale, on cheap terms, as the
worse for wetting, ana yet, it seems, saved by the baxgain. Next
year he returned again, with some other of his townsmen, {HPofierii^
drier and dearer cloth to be sold. So that within a few years, hither
came a confluence of buyers, sellers, and lookers-on, which are the
three principals of a fair.

In memori£l thereof, Kendal men challenge some privilege in that
place, annually choosing one of the town to be chief, bef<HPe whom

* Holingshead.

THB RnmiOLOOlCAIf COMFERIBIUM. f^

an antic sword was carried with some mirthful solemnities, disused
of late, since these sad times, which pnt men's minds into more
serioos employmeats. This was aboat 1417.

ASTLETTS PRIZE WHERRY.

Formerly, Philip Astley, the celebrated proprietor of the theatre,
called after him, was accastomed to give fire- works, ob our late
venerable monarch's birth-day, from bu^es moored in the centre of
the Thames, offStajMfate, when the performances of the theatre
were over. An accident, however, happening on one occasion, and
many Uves being lost, they were discontinued, and a Prize Wherry
gireB away every anniversary, till a year or so after Mr. Astley's
death, when the old custom was done away with.

DOOGETT'S COAT AND BADGE.

The first of Angast has long been famed for the rowing match ibr
" Doggett's Coat and Badge" ; so called, from Thomas Doggett, the
actor, who died 1721. He left a sum of money, vested in tne Ilsh-
mcmger's Company, for the annual purchase of a waterman's coat,
and silver baoge, to be rowed for on the first of Aagust, by young
watermen, who had finished their apprenticeship ; betwixt Old Swan
Steirs, London Bridge, and the Old Swan at Cnelsea. Such is the
origin of this annual custom:

RIDIirO THE BLACK LAD.

A singular custom prevails at Ashton-undet-Lyne, on Easter
Monday. Bvery year, on that day, a rade figoreof a man, made of
ao old sait of clothes staffed with rags, hay, &c., is carried on a
horse through all the streets. The people who attend it call at every
public house, for the purpose of begging liquor for its thirsty attend-
ants, who are always numerous. During its progress the figure is
shot at from all parts. When the joamey is finished, it is tied to
tiie market cross, and the shooting is continued till it is set on fire,
and falls to the ground.

Tida custom, it is said, originated with one c^the Ashetons, who
possessed a considerable knded property in this part of Lancashire.
Be was Vice Chaneellor to Henry 6th, who exercised great severity
on bis own lands, and established the ^ool or f^uhi riding. He is
said to have made his appearance on Easter Monday, clad in black
armour, and on horseback, followed by a numerous train, for the
purpose of claiming the penalties, arising from the neglect of farmers
clearing their corn of the " carr gnlds." * The tenants looked upon
this visit with horror, and tradition has still perpetuated the prayer
that was offered for a deliverance from his power :

•* Sweet Jesu, for thy mercy's sake.
And fur thy bitter passion ;
Save us from the axe of the Tover,
And from Sir Ralph of Asheton "

It is alledged, that on one of his visits on Easter Monday, he was
shat^as he was riding down the principal street, and that the tenants
took no trouble to find out the murderer, but entered into a subscrip-
tion, the interest of which was to make an effigy to his memory. At
tile present day, however, the origin is never thought of, and the
money is derived from publicans, whose interests it is to keep up the
custom.

* Com MacygoUU
I

170 THE BTYMOLOGICAL COMPBNIMUllr

RIDING STANG.

This is a eostom peculiar to the north of England ; its (»igin, faon*-'
ever, is nncertain. The Stang is a CowlstafF; the Cowl is a ivater
vessel, borne by two persons on the Cowl-«<<(^, which is a stout pole
whereon the vessel hangs. " Where's tkeCowUsit^ " cries Ford's
wife, when she purposes to get Falstaff into a large bock basket,
with two handles ; the Cowl-staff, or Stat^, is produced, and being'
passed through the handles, the fat knigbt is bom off by two of Ford*i»
men. A writer in the Oentleman's Magasine, 1791, says, that "in
Westmoreland and Cumberland^ on the first of January, mnltitedes
assemble early in the morning with baskets and Stangs, and who-
ever does not join them, whether inhabitant or stranger, is inrae-
diately mounted across the Stang, and carried, shoulder height, to
ike next public house, where sixpence liberates the prisoner "

Riding the Stang is adopted in V orkshire, amon«r the lower orden.
on the discovery of any frailty, on the side of either man or wife.
A stang is then procured, on which ** a good natnred firiend" mom^,
and is borne through the streets in the dusk of the evening, on the
shoulders of two men, preceded by a man carrving a lanthoni. At
every 50 yards, or so, tney make a halt, when me exalted penonage
roars out somewhat similar to the following :

Good neighbours attend, while I you harangue,

Tis neitiier fop your sake, nor my sake.

That I ride the Stang.

But it 18 for the wife of Oliver Gray

That I ride the Stang.

This oration being concluded, the mob hurrahs, and after repeat*
ing it in different places, proceed to the residence of the firail <nie«
where they conclade with hootings and jeerings, and then disperse.

ROAST PIG!
** A flower — cropped in its prime.^'

Elia, maintains, that of all the delicacies in the whole eatable
world. Roast Pj^ is the most delicious and delicate. " I speak,**
he says, " not ofyonr grown porkers, things between pig and pork,
those hobydehoys, but a young and tender suckling, UBKler a moon
old, guiltless as yet of the stve, with his voice as yet not l»oken, but
something between a childish treble and a grumble, the mild fore-;
runner, orproelndium of a grunt."

Elia, quotes from a Chinese MS. that roast pig, like a great many
other important discoveries, was purely accidental, as follows, vii.
^ the swine-herd, Hoti, having gone out into the woods one nMMrning,
as his manner was, to collect mast for his hogs, left his cottage ia
the care of his eld(*st son. Bo-bo, a great lubberly boy, who, beii^
Ibnd of playing with fire, as yonnkers of his a^e commonly are, let
gome sparks escape into a bundle of straw, which, kindling quickly,
spread the conflagration over every part of their poor mansum, ml
it was reduced to ashes. Together with the cottage, (a sorry ante-
diluvian makeshift of a building, yon may think it) what was of much
mqre importance, a fine litter of new-farrowed pigs, no less than nine
in numbf'r, perished. China pigs have been esteemed a luxury all
over the East, from the remotest periods that we read of. K>bo,
was in the utmost consternation, as you may think, not so much for
the sake of the tenement, which his father and he could easily build
up again with a few dry branches, and the labour of an hour or two^

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 171

«t any time, as for the Ion of the pigs. ^ While he was thinkiog what
he shonld say to his father^.and wringing his hands over the smoak-
ing remnants of one of those untimely sotferers, an odoor assailed his
nostrils, onlike any scent which he had before experienced. What
coald it proceed from? not iirom the burnt cottage ; he had smelt that
smell before : indeed^ this was by no means the first accident of the
kind, which had occurred through the negligence of this unlucky
yoniw fire-brand. Much less did it resemble that of any known herb,
weed, or flower. A premonitory moistening at the same time over-
flowed his nether lip. He knew not what to think. He next stooped

away with his fingers, and for the first time in his life, (in the world's
life indeed, for before him no man had known it), he insted—erack-
iing! Again he felt and fumbled at the pig. It did not bum him
so mach now, still he licked his fingers from a sort of habit The
truth, at length, broke into his slow understanding^, that it was the
pig that smelled so, and the pig that tasted so delicious ; and, sur-
rendering himself up to the new-born pleasure, he fell to tearing up
whole handfuUs of toe scorched skin with the flesh next it, and was
cramming it down his throat in his beastly fashion, when his sire
entered, amid the smoaky rafters, armed with a refaribntorv cudgel,
and fincUng how afiiiirs stood, began to rain blows upon the young
rogue's shoulders, as thick as hailstones, which Bo-oo heeded not,
any more than if they had been flies. The tickling pleasure which
ha experienced in his lower regions, had rendered him quite callous
to any inconveniences he might feel in those remote quarters. His
father might lay on, but he could not beat him from his pig. Bo-bon
in Uie afternoon, regardless of his father's wrath, and with his scent
wonderfully sharpened since morning, soon raked out another pig,
and fairlv rending it asunder, thrust the lesser half bv main force
into the nsts of Ho-ti ; still shouting out, "Eat, eat, eat the burnt pig,
father .: only taste ; O Lord \** with such like Irarbarous ejaculations,
cramming all the while as if he would choke. The narrative relates,
that Ho-n trembled everv joint while he grasped the abominable
thi^g, 'wavering whether he should not put his son to death fm an
nnnatnral young monster, when the crackling scorched his fingers,
as it had done his sons, and applying the same remedy to them, he
in his turn tasted some of its flavour, which, make what sour moutibs
he woold for a pretence, proved not altogether displeasing to him.
In conclusion, (for the manuscript here is a little tedious), both fa-
ther and smi fairly set down to the mess, and never left off till they
had dispatched all that had remained of the litter. Bo-bo was
^ctly enjoined not to let the secret escape, for the neighbours
wimld certainly have stoned them for a cou|de of abominable
wretches, who could think upon improving the good meat which God
had seat them. Neverthe less, strange stories got about It was ob-
served, Ho-ti's cottage was burnt down now, more frequently than
ever. Nothing but fires fi'om this time forward. Some would break
oat in broad day, others in the night-time. As often as the sow far-
rowed, so sure was the house of Ho-ti to be in a blaze ; and Ho-ti
Inmseff, which was the more remarkable, instead of chastising his
son, seemed to grow more indulgent to him than ever. At length
they were watched, the terrible mystery discovered, and father and
son smnmoned to take their trial at Pekin, then an inconsiderable
asnn-town.

I 2

172 "l^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Evidence was given, the obnoxions food itself prodaced in court,
and verdict about to be pronoaoced, when the foreman of tiie jury,
begged that some of the burnt pig, of which the cnlprits stooa ao>
cosed, might be handed into the jury box. He handled it, and tiiey
all handled it, and bnming their nngers, as Bo-bo and his fatiier haa
done before tiiiem, and nature prompting to each of them the said
remedy, against the face of all the tacts, and the clearest charge
which jndge had ever given — to the surprise of the whole court,
townsfolk, strangers, reporters, and all present ; without leaving the
box, or any manner of consultation whatever, they brought in a si-
multaneous verdict of Not Guilty.

The judge, who was a shrewd fellow^ winked at the manifest ini-
quity of the decision ; and when the court was dismissed, went
privily, and bought up all the pigs that could be had for love or mo*
ney. In a few days his lordship's town-house was observed to be
on fire. The thing took wing, and now there was to be seen fires in
every direction. Fuel and pigs grew enormously dear all over die
district. The insurance offices, one and all, shut up shop. People
built slighter and slighter every day, until it was tearea, that me
very science of architecture would in no long time be lost to the
world. Thus this custom of firing houses continued, till in process
of time, says the manuscript, a sage arose, like our Locke, vThomade
a discovery, that the flesh of swine, or indeed of any other animal,
might be cooked, (burnt, as they called it) without the necessity of
consuming a whole house to dress it They commenced with a grid-
iron ; then came the string and the spit. By such slow degrees,
continues the manuscript, do the roost useful, and seemingly ihe most
obvious arts, make their way among mankind !

COUNSELLOR'S FEES.

Counsellor's fees were not known till the reign of our £dward;3d*
The counsellors up to that period were considered as holding, hono-
rary situations. It is true, they had a certain stipend from the crows,
but it was "no cure, no pay," as regarded thwr client

Up to the rei^n ailudea to, the king generally presided, (especiaUy
Edwurd the First, who was called our English Justinian) 4n the
King's Bench ;* hence the honour of pleading before the sovereign,
was considered in a measure equivalent to a golden fee. It was at
the latter end of this monarch's reign, that ^ving fees were first pnfi-
tised. The custom, however, had prevailed long before io other
countries. The translator of the Hedaya, (a Commentary on the
Mussulman Laws) in his preliminary discourse, mentions, among
the most celebrated lawyers of India, (native) one Aboo Yoosaf,
wiio flourished about A.D. 750. He not only acquired a high d^ree
of fanif* by his legal knowledge^ but also amassed a very conaidft-
able fortune in the space of a few years. He is reported to have
beeti a person of great acuteness, ready wit, and prompt in expe-
(lieikts ; of which a remarkable instance is recorded in the Negaristaa.
whereby he obtained^ in one night, fees to the amount of 50,000 gold
denars, at a round computation, 20^000/. ! What would some of
our celebrated lawyers say to this ? Their paltry fees of two or
three hundred guineas, would have been mere drops in the bucket of
Aboo Yoosaf.

* See origin of term Banco Regis.

THB ETTM<MiOOIGAL COMPEMDIiniL 173

BE COURCT PRITOiEGB.

The privilegv, wliieh t&is family eigoy, of standiBg before the kfnft
omrerea, was granted, it is said, by king John, in 1308 ; in oonse^
qoence of one of that fiunily having vanqoished a foreign kni^t who
hmA challenged every cbort in Eiirope, and up to that penod had
oMiied off every farareL

COURTING ON SATURDAY NIGHTS.

Bven in eities, amid the more bosy haonts of men, on tt Satnrday
evening, we toast " Sweethearts and Wives," and ^s arose out ot
the cooatry oooftings on the night of the sane day. It was an an-
cient pracnre to cease from all servile labour at three o'clock on
Satmrday diltemoon, and to attend evening prayers preparatory for
the ensuing Sabbath. This vigil offered a convenient opportunity
for conrtisg, which custom conitinaed after religious obsenrunces had

WILLS.

Roman Wills were sealed by seals applied after they had pierced
the deeds, and had passed the linen envelojpe three nmes through
the holes, a method established in the time ot Nero, against forgers,'
and adopted in Germany and Gaul, where it remained till the mid-
dle age. Outside the will, were written the names of those who had
affixed their seals.

Upon the first pa|fe, or left hand tablet, were written the names
of the principal neirs ; upon the second, or right hand tablet, the
names of the legatees. To this Horace alludes. The Greek wills
were signed and sealed in the presence of the magistrate. Cicero
shews how easjr of detection were the Roman testamentary tablets.
Anrio-Saxon wills were written on three copies, each to match, like
a tuly, and after being read over in ihe presence of various persons,
were severally consigned to tiie separate custodies, and this custom
eontinoed to the Imk and 16th centuries ; for then Lord Maurice
Berkeley, before he went alnroad, left three several wills in the
custody c^ three several friends, lest any one should be lost
■ EKi Uange, mentions wills written on wood, or bark ; the latter in
699. Chmxh chests were the depositaries of wills. From tihe
Norman CkNiaaest, they had been generally written in Latm ; bat iu
the reiffn of Ectward the Third, English was used. Wills were made
so far Sack as the reign of Henry 1st, (says another writer) in 1100 ;
there was no law, however, to make them binding. Wills to devise
lands were first established bu law, in the reign of Henry 8th, and
universally so, as to all real and moveable property, at theRestoration.

The first will of a Sovereign of England, on record, is that of
Rfohard 2d, in 1399.

There is little doubt, but wills originated with the Egyptians, al-
though, not used in Europe till ages after. ' ,

MOURNING.

Mourning, among the ancients, was expressed by very different
signs, as by tearing their clothes, wearing sackclotn, laj^ing aside
crowns and other ensigns of honour ; thus Piatarch, in his life of Cato,
relates, that from the time of his leaving the city with Pompey, he
neither shaved his head, nor, as usoal, wore the crown or garland.
A public grief was sometimes testified by a general fast. Among

I 3

174 THE ETYMOLOOrCAL COMPENDIUM.

the Romans, a year of mooming was (nrdained, hj law, for womeir
who had lost tneir husbands. In pnblic mourning, Uie shops of
Rome were shot op ; the senators laid aside their latidavian robes,
the consuls sat in a lower seat than nsoal, and the women pot aside
all their ornaments.

The colours of the dress, or habit, worn to signify grief, are dK*
ierent in different countries. In Burope, the ordinary eok»r fer
mourning is black; in China it is white, a colour that was the moon-
ing of the ancient Spartan and Roman ladies ; in Turkey it is Mae,
or violet ; in Egypt, yellow ; in Ethiopia, brown ; and kings and-car'
dinals mourn in purple.

^ Every nation and country gave a reason lor their w>eariB^ the par-
ticular colour of their mourning : black, which is the pnvatioo of
lidit, is supposed to denote the privation of life ; white is an emblem
of purity ; yellow is to represent, that death is the end of all human
hopes, because this is the colour of leaves when they fall, and flowers
when they fade ; brown denotes the earth, to which the dead retara ;
blue is an emblem of the happiness which it is hoped the deceased
enjoys ; and purple, ot violet, is supposed to express a miztnre v^
sorrow and hope.

The custom of mourning for the dead in durieks and bowlings, i»
of great antiouity, and prevails almost universally among: ti^ fat-
lowers of Manomet

INTERMENTS AND CHURCH-YARDST.

** We read their monuments— we sigh— and while
We sigh, we sink, and are what we deplored:
Ijamenting, or lamented all our lot.**

Agreeably to the Old Roman Law of the Twelve Tables, the
places of inhumation of the ancients, were universally ezclodedfrom
the precincts of their cities. In England, church-yards- for burial,
are not of earlier date than the year 750, and the moderns would
have done well if they had followed the custom of the anciento, in
burying not within the city, but without its walls.

Clemens is of opinion, that the tombs of the Atheneans, (see ar*
tide Mausoleum) were tiie origin of all their temples. He says, the,
fbrst place of worship in the Acropolis of Athens, was the Sepulchre
of Cecrops ; upon which spot the Parthenon was afterwards erected.

The ceremonies of sepulture vary with most nations, and have un>
dergone various changes even in this country. Spelman savs.
^ much more joyous was the ceremonv of sepulture among the Anglo-
Saxons than that of marriage. The bouse in which the bodjr Lay till
its burial, was a perpetual scene of feasting, singins, dancug, and
every species of not. This was very expensive to the family of the
deceased ; and in the north it was carried so far, that the corpse was
forcibly kept unburiedby the visiting friends, until they were certain
that they had consumed all the wealth that the deceased had left
behind nim, in games and festivity. In vain did the church exert
itself against such enormities. The custom had prevailed during the
times of Paganism, and was much too pleasant to be abandoned by
the half Christians of the early centuries.**

One extreme, however, begets another; symbols, relics, and mi-
racles followed. Happily, enlightened Christianity has. in a great
measure, abolished the frequent representations of mortality in all its
shapes, and the silly ornaments of ^ death's head and marrow-bones,**
adopted by former ages in the decorations of their sculptured m&>
noments, and of ik&ar ecclesiastical buildings. These arvse in the

THE BTTMOLOGICAL COHFBimiUli. 175

ttonkuih days of bigotry and snpentitioii ; the deluded people terri-
fred into a belief, that the fear of death was acceptable to tne great
author of their existence ; contemplating it amidst the ideas the most
horrid and disgosfing ; excited gloom and melancholy in their minds,
and altogether losing sight of the consolatory doctrines of the gospel,
which regard death in no terrible point of view whatever.

Were every place of sepaltnre like onto the celebrated one of
Pere la Chase, (see article under this head) at Paris, how much more
cqnsistent and conformable they woold be with the mild sjpirit of
Christianity ; instead of the disgusting receptacles which cusgrace
every large town in England, and which are strong evidences that
Ujgotry and saperstition have still their strong hold in this boasted
land of liberty and freedom.

HEARSES.

Da Caiqpe says : hearses erected in the church were anciently
conuBon, and the term signified a candlestick, furnished with diffe-
rent lights, and erected at the head of the cenotaph We are told
also, &at about the time of Edward 3d, began the use of hearses,
eonmosed entirely of wax lights, called casira doloris, (keeps of
grieO* Hearses over the grave for a continuance, and with lights,
occur l«i^ before and after. As to moveable hearses, they were of
di^rent forms, and not of so early an origin. The term, as applied
to the vehicle containing the body, was first used in the reign of
William and Mary. So late as the reign of Charles 2d, at the burial
•f a peer, the body was borne on men's shoulders to the grave.

BILLS OF MORTALITY.

Bills of Mortalibr took rise (says Pennant) in 1593 ; in which year
|)Mran a great pestilence, which continued till the 18th of Decemoer,
15§5. Diinring this period they were Iftpt,' in order to ascertain the
noBibfr gfpersf^ who -died : but when the f»la^e ceased, the bills
w^re discontinued. They were resumed again m 1603. At the ori-
ginal institution there were onlv 109 parishes ; others were gradually
added, and by the year 1681, the number was 132. Since that time
i4 more have been added, so that the whole amounts to 146, viz,

97 Withm the Walls.
16 Without the >yaU8.
• ^ Out Parishes in Middlesex and Surrey.
10 in the City and laberties of Westminster.

DIVORCES.

^ *TwaB Tarisian aspect which upset old Troy

And founded Doctor's Commons : I have conned
The History of Divorces^ which, though checquered.
Cans niou's the first damages on record." — Byron*

Rabbi Hillet, (says Basuages, in his History of the Jews) main-
tained, that if a wife let the meat be too much roasted, it was a suf-
ficient reason for a husband to divorce her !

JUDGE'S BOUQUETS.
The i^ractice of judges having a nosegay placed before them, is
not, as M generally imagined, a mere preservation against the close
air of a crowded court, but is the relic of a primitive and antient
custom of the judge holding the bough, or scepter <^ justice, in his
hand : it was formerly called a bouquet, or little bough, whence the
Freuch took their word bouquet for a nosegay.

174 THE ETYMOLOGrCAL COMPENDIUM.

the Romans^ a year of monmiiig was cnrdained, hj law, for womev
who had lost tneir husbands. In pablic moormog, Uie sbopB of
Rome were shot up ; the senators laid aside their laticlavian robes,
the consols sat in a lower seat than nsnal, and the women pot aside
all their wnaments.

The colours of the dress, or habit, worm to signify grief, are dK*
ierent in different coontries. ^ In Borope, the ordmarj eok»r fer
mourning is black; in China it is white, a coloor that was the moon-
ing of the ancient Spartan and Roman ladies ; in Torkey it is bhw,
or violet ; in Egypt, yellow ; in Ethiopia, brown ; and kings and.car>
dinals moorn in por(Me.

^ Every nation and coontry gave a reason for their wearing the par-
ticolar colour of their monming : black, ndiich is the pnvatioo of
liij^t, ift supposed to denote the privation of life ; white is an emblem
of purity ; yellow is to represent, that death is the end of all homan
hopes, because this is the colour of leaves when they fiill, and flowers
when they fade ; brown denotes the earth, to which the dead reion ;'
blue is an emblem of the happiness which it is hoped the deceased
enjoys ; and purple, or violet, is supposed to express a mixture of
sorrow and hope.

The custom of mourning for the dead in diriekff and howfiogs, i»
of great antiauity, and prevails almost universally among: ti^ fat-
lowers of Manomet

INTERMENTS AND CHURCH- YARDST.

** We read their moiMunents— we sigh— and while
We sigh, we sink, and are what we deplored;
Ijamenting, or lamented all our lot.**

Agreeably to the Old Roman Law of the Twelve Tables, the
places of inhumation of the ancients, were univexanlly exclodedinMB.
the precincts of their cities. In England, church-yards- for burial^,
are not of earlier date than the year 750, and the moderns woald
have done well if they had followed the custom of the ancients, in
burying not within the city, but without its walls.

Clemens is of opinion, thht the tombs of the Atheneans, (see ar*
tide Mausoleum) were ike origin of all their temples. He says, the,
first place of worship in the Acropolis of Athens, was the Sepulchre
of Cecrops ; upon which spot the Parthenon was afterwards erected.

The ceremonies of sepulture vary with most nations, and have an-
dergone various changes even in this country. Spelman savs.
** much more joyous was the ceremonv of sepulture among the Anglo-
Saxons than that of marriage. The noose m which the body Lay tilL
its burial, was a perpetual scene of feasting, nngins, dancmg, and
every species of not. This was very expensive to tne family of the
deceased ; and in the north it was carried so far, tiiat the corpse was
forcibly kept unburiedby the visiting friends, until they were certain
that thev had consumed all the weeJth that the deceased had left
behind nim, in games and festivity. In vain did the church exert
itself against such enormities. The custom bad prevailed doriogthe
times of Paganism, and was much too pleasant to be abandoned by
the half Christians of the early centuries."

One extreme, however, begets another ; symbols, relics, and mi-
racles followed. Happily, enlightened Christianity has. in a great
measure, abolished the frequent representations of mortality in tdlits
shapes, and the silly ornaments of ^ death's head and marrow-bones,'*
adopted by former ages in the decorations of their sculptured m&>
noments, and of ik&ar ecclesiastical buildings. These arose in the

THB BTTMOLOGICAL COHFBimiUli. 175

ttonkuk days of bigotry and snpentitioii ; the deluded people terri-
fied into a beliefy that the fear of death was acceptable to tne great
aotluv of their existence ; contemplating it amidst the ideas the most
horrid and disgusting ; excited gloom and melancholy in their minds,
and altogetiier losing sight of the consolatory doctrines of the gospel,
ivhich regard death in no terrible point of riew whatever.

Were every place of sepaltnre like nnto the celebrated one of
Pere la Chase, (see article under this head) at Paris, how much more
consistent and conformable they would be with the mild spirit of
Christianity ; instead of the disgusting receptacles which cusgrace
every large town in England, and which are rtrong evidences that
bigo^ and superstition have still their strtmg hold in this boasted
land of liberty and freedom.

HEARSES.

Da Cange says : hearses^ erected in the church were anciently
common, and the term signMed a candlestick, furnished with diffe-
rent lights, and erected at the head of the cenotaph We are told
also, mat about the time of Edward 3d, began the use of hearses,
conmosed entirely of wax lights, called casira dotoria, (keejps of
grieO. Hearses over the grave for a continuance, and with lights,
accnr loi^ before and after. As to moveable hearses, they were of
different forms, and not of so early an origin. The term, as applied
to the vehicle containing the body, was first used in the reign of
William and Mary. So late as the reign of Charles 2d, at the burial
«f a peer, the hody was home on men's shoulders to the grave.

BILLS OF MORTALITY.

Bills of Mortalibr took rise (says Pennant) in 1593 ; in which year
|>^an a great pestilence, which continued till the 18th of Decemoer,
I&S5. Daring this period they were k^pt,' in order to ascertain the
BHMuber fffpersans who -died : but when the f>la^e. ceased, the bills
w^re discontinued. They were resumed again m 1603. At the ori-
ginal institution there were onlv 109 parishes ; others were gradually
added, and by the year 1681, the number was 132. Since that time
14 more have been added, so that the whole amounts to 146, viz.

97 Within the Walls.

16 Without the WaHs.

^ Out Parishes in Middlesex and Surrey.

10 in the City and Liberties of Westminster.

DIVORCES.

** *Twa8 Tarisian aspect which upset old Troy

And founded Doctor's Commons : I have conned
The History of Divorces^ which, though checquered.
Cans IliGu*s the first damages on record.'* — Byron »

Rabbi Hillet, (says Basnages, in his History of the Jews) main-
tained, that if a wife let the meat be too much roasted, it was a suf-
ficient reaflon for a husband to divorce her !

JUDGE'S BOUQUETS.
The i^ractice of judges having a nosegay placed before them, is
not, as is generally imagined, a mere preservation against the close
av of a crowded court, but is the relic of a primitive and antient
costom of the judge holding the bough, or scepter of justice, in hift
kaod : it was formerly called a bouquet, or little bough, whence the
Freuch took their word bouquet for a nosegay.

176 '^^'^ SnTMOSiOGICAl* COMMOXDIVU.

SECTION X.

ERAS, MONTHS, WEEKS> DAYS, &c.

SUMMER^

<( iTov ctfon^tli veloome Smnmer witb irreat itr•Bffti^
Joyom^ smUinfT in high luatiliood.
Conferring on vu days of longest lengthy
For rest or labour, in town, field, or wood ;**

The word Summer is derived from Sun, or raiher from Hi preva-
lence at the season of the year so named. It was originally Sum-mtr,
or Sun-mer; the latter sellable as in many other iastancesy bdiig
introdaced for the sake oi harmony.

WINTER.

The word Winter is derived from the Wind^ i. t. ike tine of
year when the wind is most prevalent, or boisterous : the t havii^
taken place of the <! ; and the er being merely added to harmonize the

MONTH;

This term, as applied to the twelve divisions of ii^ie yeair, is ^e-.
rived from odr Saxon ancestors, who called it Monat or Mbnath*

JANUARY.

This is the first, and generally the coldest day in the year, says
Hone, in his ^ £very Day Book." It derives its name from Jama,
a deity represented by tfaie Romans vrith two facea, becaase he was
acqaainted with past and fhtare events.

FEBRUARY.

** -^— Then came cold February, sitting
In an old waggon, for he could not ride.
Drawn of two fishes, for the season fitting,
Which through the flood before did softly slide
And swim away ; yet had he by his side.
His plough and hamesse fit to till the ground^
And tooles to prune the trees, before the pride
Of hasting prime did make them bui^eon round.

Spttuer.

Tins month has Pisces, or the fishes for its zodaical sign. Noiaa.
who was chosen by the Roman people to sacceed Romnlas as their
kinjp, and became their legislator, placed it the second in the year,
as it remains with ns, and dedicated it to Neptune, the lord of vraters-
Its name is from FebruOj or FeraUa, sacrificea offered to the gods
at this season.

THB iryiiOLOGICAL CdtiraMDIUIfe 177

MARCH.

•* Sturdy March with browt AiH sternly bent

And armed stroni^ly, rode npon a ram ;
. The same which over Helleapontns swam;
Tet in bis hand a spade he also hent.

And in a ba^ all sorts of weeds ysame.
Which on the earth he strewed as he went.
And fill'd ber womb with flmitAd hope of noarisliment.**

March is the third month of the year ; with the ancients it was the
first : accordinc to HSi, Leigh Htint, ih)m Ovid, the Romans named
it Mars, the god of war, becaase he was the fether of ^eir first princei
As to the deity's natare, March has certainly nothing in common
with it ; for though it affects to be very roagh^ it is one of the best-
natored months in the year, drying up the snjperabondant mixture of
winter with its fierce winds, and thas restonng ns our paths through
the fields, and piping before the flowers like a Bachamd.

APRIL.

** Next came Anesh April, fall of lostyhed.
And wanton as a hid whose home new bads;
Upon a bull he rode; the same which led
Europa floating through th* Argoiick finds:
His horns were gilden all with golden studs.
And iiramished with garlands goodly dight,
Of all the fiiirest flowers and nreshest buds
Which th' earth briufi^s forth; and wet he seem'd in sight
With wars, through which he waded for his love*s delight."

Spenser,

This is the fourth month of the year. Its Latin name is Ap}'ili8y
from AperiOf to open or set forth. The Saxons called it Oster, or
Eastermonath, in which month the feast of the Saxon goddess
EoHft, Easter^ or Koster, is said to have been celebmted.^ April,
with lis, is sometimes represented as a girl clothed in green, With a
garlana of mvrtie and hawthorn buds ; holding in one hand prhn-
roses and violets, and in the other the zodiacal sign .Tauros, or the
boll, into which constellation the son enters daring this month.

MAT.

** Then came fisf r May, the ftiyrest mayd on ground,
Deckt all with dainties ef her season's pryde.

And throwing flow^res out of her lap around :
Upon two brethren's shoulders she did ride.
The twinnes of Leda; which on either side

Supported her, like to their soveraine queene*
Lord ! how all creatures lAught, when her they spide,

And leapt and daunc't as they had ravisht beene I

And Cupid selfe about her fluttred all in greene.**

i^ltenser.

So hath divinest Spenser represented the fifth month of the year,
in the grand pageant which, to all who have seen it, is still present ;
for neither laureate' office, nor the poet's art, hath devisea a spec-
tacle more gorgeous. Castor and Pollux, ^ the twinnes of Leda,**
who appeared to sailors in storms, with lambent fires ontheir heads,
my thologists have constellated in the firmament, and made still pro-

* 8ay«r*i Oisqaisitions.

] 7S THE EfTYMCnLOGICAL COMFEKDItTir.

pitioas to the mariner. Maia, the brightest of the Pleiades, fron
whom 8ome say this month derived its name, is fabled to hfive been
the daughter of Atlas, the supporter of the world, and Plektte, a
sea-nymph.

Others ascribe fts name to its having been dedicated by Romnlos
io the MfjAorea, or Roman senators. Versteran affim»of the Anglo*
Saxons, that ** the pleasant nioneth of May» uiey termed by the name
of TrimUki, because they then milked their kme three times in thr
day.**

JUNE^

* ** And after ber came jolly June arrayM

All in rreen leaves, »% he a player were;
Yet in bw time he wrought aa weU as play'd,

7'bat by his plourh^irons mote rieht weO appeare.
Upon a crab he rode* that him did!bare,

With crooked Grawliug* steps am uncouth pase.
And backward-yode, as bargemen wont to fare

Bendinir their force contrary to their face ;

Like that ungracious crev which faines demurest grace.''

Spenttr*

Mr. Leigh Hunt observes, inhis ** Months," that the name of Jme^
and indeed that of May, gave rise to various etymologies ; but the
most probable one derives it from Jitno, in honoar of whom,, a festi-
val was celebrated at the beginning of the montk He says, it i»
now complete summer :

** Summer is yeomen in.
Loud sing* Cuckoo ;
Groweth seed,
And bloweth mead.
And springeth the weed new."

Our Saxon ancestors called it Weyd-monat, because their beasts
then did weyd in the meadows, l^erstigan says, the Tentonicke
weyd signifies **wadey which we nnderstand of going throagh watrir
places, soch as medows are wont to be."

JULY.

" Then came hot July, boiling like a fire.
That all his garments he had cast away.-

Upou a lyun raging yet with ire
He boldly rode, and made ham to obey ;

lit was the beast that whilom did forray
The Nemoean forest, till the Amphitrionide .

Him slew, and with his hide did him array :)
Behind his backe a sythe, and by his side
Under his belt he bore a sklde circling wide.*'

This is the seventh month of the year. According to ancient
reckoning it was the fifth, and called QuintUis, until Mark Antony
denominated it July, in compliment to Gains Caesar, the Roman dic-
tator, whose name was Julins, who improved the calendar^ and was
bom in this month.

July was called by the Saxons henmonatht which probably ex-
pressed the meaning of the Oerman word hain, signifying wood, or
ixtes ; and hence henmonath might mean foliage mouth. They
likewise called it heymonath, or haymonth ; ^because," says Yer-
stegan^ ^ therein they asnally mowed and made their hay hajnrast f

THE BTYBiOLOGiCAL COMFBKBtUll. 170

and tbey also denomiiiated it lAda-tfiera, meaiiiDg the second Lida,
or second month after tiie san's descent^

AUGUST.

** The eighth, iras Aoffast, bein^ rich array M
In i^armente all of rold downe to the i^und i
Yet rode he not. but led a lovely mayd

Forth by the lily hand, the which w«u crown*d
VVSith eares of Corae, and taVL her liand was found.
^ ^ That wat the righteous virgpin, which of old
UT*d here on earth, and plenty made abound ;
But after wrouf was lov'd, and justice solde,
She left th* unrighteous woild, and was to heav'n extollM.*^

Spenser.

Ao^ust is the eighth month of the year. It was called SextUis
by the Romans, from its being the sixth month in tiieir calendar,
until the senate compKmeotea the emperor Angnstns, by naming it
afrer him, and through them it is by as denominated Angost. Our
Saxon ancestors, according to Verstegan, called it Arn-monatf
(more rightiy barn-moneth) intending thereby the then fiUinf ol*
their bames with corne.

SEPTEMBBR.

** Kezt him September marched eke on foot;

Vet he was heavy laden with the suoyle
Of harvest's riches, which be made his boot.

And him enriched with bounty of the soyle ;
In his one baud, as fit for harvests toyle.

He held a fcnit'e-hook^ and th' other hand
A pair of weights, with which he did assoyle

Both more and lesse, where it in doubt did stand.

And equal gave to each as justice duly scanned.

Sfenser.

This, which is the^ ninth month of the year, viras anciently the
seventh, as its name imjports, which is a compound ofSeptem, seven,
and imber, a shower oi rain, from t^e rainy season usually com-
mencing at this period of the year. '

Dor Saxon ancestors called this month Gerst-moTiat, ** for that
Irarley which tiiat moaeth commonly yeelded was antiently called
f:er9t, the name of barley being given to it by reason of the drinke
therevnth made, caHed beere, and from beerlegh it came io be ber-
ieffhy and from berleg to barley*^ f

OCTOBER.

** Then^ame October, full of merry glee.
For yet his noule was totty of the must.

Which he was treading, in the wine-fat's see.
And of the joyous oyie, whose gentle gust

Made him so froUick, and so full of lust i
Upon a dreadful Scorpion he did ride.

The same which by Dianaes doom unjust
Slew great Orion; and eeke by his side
He bad his plough-share, and coulter ready tyde.'*

Spenser.

This, which is the tenth month |of the ^ear, was called bv oor
Saxon ancestors Wyn monat, wyn signifying wine ; ** and albeit,
they had not anciently wines made in Germany, yet in this season

« I>r« F. Sayen. f Verstegaa.

I i

1^ niB nrviiouMttCAir cousmamm.

had they them frem diven oomtriet adj^nuag.* The dervralieDV
the word October, is by sone luppoeed to have origitwUy been fion
OctaTias Ceesar ; but uaa U very doobtfiiL

NOVEMBER.

'* Next was Norember s be fUl groim and fkt

As fed with lard, and that r^^ht well ini|rl>t aeeme ;

For he had been flttth]^ hogs of late.
That yet his browes with sweat dia reek and ateam ;

And yet the season was full sharp and breem ;
In planting eelie he tooli no small delight.

Whereon he rode, not easle was to deeme;
For it a dreadfU Centaure was in siriit,
The seed of Saturn and fair Nab, Chiron hight.

Spemer,

This, which is the eleventh month of the year, was called by ew
Shixoti anoealors Wmt'^monat, to wit, Wina-moneth, whereby wee
may see, that oar ancestors were in this season of the yeare made
aoqmnnted with blnstering Boreas ; and it was the antient cnsftmiie
f<NF shipmen then to shroud themselves at home, and to give oversea*
farine, (notwithstanding the littleness of their then used voyaces)
nor till blustrini? March had bidden them well to fare.i* They lue-
wise called it Blot-monath, In the Sazen, hlot means blood; and
in this month they killed great abundance of cattle for winter-store,
or according to some, for purposes of sacrifice to their deities.!
The derivation of November u seemingly lost. ^

DECEMBER.

" And after bim came next the chill December ;

Yet he through merry feasting which he maite
And great bon&res, did not tlie cold remember;

His ^aviour^s birth so much his mind did glad.
Upon a shafTgy bearded goat he rode.

The same wherewith dan Jove in tender years.
They say was nourisht, by the Idean mayd;

And. in his hand a broad deepe bowle he beares.

Of which he freely' driaks an health to all liis peers.'*

iij.en$er.

By oar ancestors, December had his due appellation given him in
the name of PFtn^r-moaa^, to wit, Winter-maneth ; but after the
Saxons received Christianity, they then, of devotion to the biitb-
tiroe of Christ, termed it by the name ofheligh-numat, that is to say,
holy'tnoneth. § They also called it mid-winter-monath, and ^uu-
erra, which means the former or first pal. The teast of Thor,
which was celebrated at the winter solstice, was gnil, from iol, or
ol, which signified akt and is now corrupted into. yiUe, This festi-
val appears tor have been oontimied throughout part of Jannaryg
The term December seemeio ha%-e been given te this month at the
period of the alteration of the calendar by the Romans, and is de-
rived from the deQemviir.^

DATS OF THE WEEK.

** Name the day.'*

The diiriaiMi «f thne has been very ably and satiafiictonly ac-
comited far^by s«V9sral.abI« writera, but tney either tatally. neigfect

* Verstegan. f Verstegan. % Dr. F. Sayer.

§ Verstegan. | Dr. F. Say.en*/ f See August.

THB aVYllOXiOGICAI*^ GOMPBMDIUM, ^^

the derivatioii of tlieir iormt, or treat ihtm in a iloYelily Banner.
Tlie dayii of the week have been pfltfticalwly neelectea, for, sA-
thoogh some obscurity may envelope the origin of their cognomens,
yet surely some light may be thrown on the matter.

Mondaif was a day which the Romans devoted to alms-giving ;
Mound signifying a gift, hence the term Maundy or Monday.
Again, for instance, we have our Maundy Thursday,* a day on
which alms is g^ven to the poor. Some construe Mound, a basket,
into which bread or other victuals were deposited for the poor.

Tuesday has more obscurity about it : it is necessary, however,
to observe, that the names of the days have been derived from the
three parties who have, in their turns, had possession of this island.
Hence, it has been supposed that Tuesday has been derived iiom
Tofite,t the brother ot Harold, who joined the Danes in their last
efirarts against this island ; but tins is scarcely probable, fat al-
though he was of immense stature, and performea prodigies of va-
l<»r, he was not deified.

Wednesday is more clear, being derived from Woden, a eele-
brated god of the Saxons, whom they supposed presided over the
destinies of war; hence it was Woden* thday, now corrupted into
Wednesday,

Thursday is derived from another Saxon god, Thor, whom they
also supposed to preside over the destinies of war, but particularly
over the elements, thunder, fightning, &c. ; and firom Thofs-day
came our denomination of Thursday.

Friday,—

*< Friday ! quoth'e, a dismal day,
tChildermass this year was Friday !'*

•Sir John Oldeastle.

This " unlucky day," as it is termed, is wrapt in equal if not more
obscurity than Tuesdav, but is supposed to have a Danish origin,
and derived, it is said (although somewhat loosely), from Freid-
holm, a Danish chief; but this is scarcely to be depended upon.

Saturday, derives its appellation from the SatumaHa of the Ro-
mans,' being a day which they dedicated to feasting and lasci-
viousness.

Sunday, a day which is set apart by the Christian world as one
of rest and prayer, derives its name from that typical representation
of the deity — ^the sun,

** That orb, whose glories shine resplendent,
Above this nether world."

MAY DAY.

" Woods and groves were of May's dressing.
Hill and dale did boast its blessing.'*

^ Our usages on this day retain the character oi their ancient ori-
gin. ^ The Romans commenced the festival of Flora on the 28th of
Agril, and continued it through several days in Mav. Ovid re-
cords the mythological attributes and dedication of the season to
that goddess : —

** Fair Flora ! ncfw attendithy^iportful fieast,.
Of which some days 1 with- design have fAsi;—

A part in April and a part in May
Thou claim'st, and both

command my tnnefol lay ;

* See ttasndjr /fhunday; t See Ihnoeent't Ilfty.

1 80HM hittertans'call him JUti,

1 as Tm fiTYMOLOGtCAL COMPBirDIUll*

'* AnA at the coaftaet of two moaths are thiae
To »\ag of both the doable task be miae*
Circus and sta^e are open now and firee —
GoddeMi ag:aia thy feast my theme most be.
Since new opinions oft delasive are.
Do thou, O Flora, who thou art declare ;
Why should thy poet on conjectures dwell ?
Tby name and attributes thou best can tell.
Thus I :— to which she ready answer made.
And rosy sweets attended what she said ;
Though, now corrupted. Flora be my name.
From the Greek Chloris that corruption came : —
In fields where liappy mortals whilome strayM,
Chloris my name, I was a rural nuaid ;
To prnise herself a modest nymph wiU shun.
But yet a g^od was by my beauty won,*'

FUnm then relates, that Zephyr became enamonFed of her as Bo* '
reas had been, that " by just marriage to his bed,** she was united
to Zephyr, vrho assigned her the dominion over Spring, and ^at
ahe sfovws the earth with flowers and presides over gardens. She
farther says, as the deity of flowers, —

** I also rule the plains.
When the crops flourish in the golden field ;
The harvest will undoubted plenty yield ;
If purple clusters flourish on the vrae.
The presses will abound with racy wine ;
The Jtowering olive makes a beauteous year.
And how can bloomle»s trees ripe apples bear ?
The flower destroyed, of vetches, beans, and peas.
You must expect but small or no increase ;
The gift of honey*s mine, the painftil bees.
That gather sweets tromflotiers or blooming trees.
To scented shrubs and violets I invite.
In which I know they take the most delight ;
A flower an emblem of young years is seen.
With all its leaves around it fresh and green ;
So youth appears, when health the body sways.
And gladness in the mind luxuriant plays."

From these allegorical ascriptions the Roman people wmvhipped
Flora, and celebrated her festivals by ceremonies and rqcncings,
and offerings of spring flowers, and the branches of trees in bkxnn,
which, through the accommodation of the Romish church to the
Pagan usages, remain to us at the present day.

MICHAELMAS DAY, Ac.

The festival of St. Michael and all Angels has been celebrated
with great solemnity by the Christian charch ever since the Wk
age, and vms certainly kept sacred in Apulia as early as 493.

llie dedication of the great church of Mount Oorgano, in Italy, io
St. Michael, gave rise to the celebration of this feaist in the West
It obtained the common name of Michaelmas, and the dedicatian of
■umerons churches at Rome, and other parts of Italy, snbseqoently
took place on this day, a practice followed in other countries.

The churches dedicated to St Michael are usually to be feuad
on elevated spots, in allusion to thisSaint^s having been the highest
of the heavenly host. St MichaeFs Mount, in Cornwall, and that
in Normandy, are confirmations of this remarL

Michaelmas-day is one of the regular quarter-days for settUag
rents : bat it is no longer remarkable for the hospitality which once
attended this anniversary. At MartinmaS; the old qawter-day^ the

TR& nnniOLOC»CAL COHPENDIUIf. 1^ '

landlords used formed^ to enterCain their tenants with geese, then
ooly kept by opulent persons. Bat tiiese birds being esteemed in
peitection early in tne aatamn, most families no^ nave a goose
areseed on St MichaePs day ; f<Mr

At Michaelmas, by custom right divine,

Geese are ordained to bleed at Michael's shrine.

V«*ry many inquiries have been made by antiquaries into the ort>
gin of ** eating goose*^ on this festival, none of which, however, prove
satisfactory, and, in oar opinion, it luul no particalar meaning, ex>
cept that stubble geese are now in perfection. People like to do
things that are pleasant on holydays ; and feasts, botn amons Poly-
theists and Christians, make up a great part of the miscelmneous
customs attached to their callin<(. Oeese are eaten likewise at
Martinmas ; and in Denmark, and other countries, where they are
later in being ready for the taJile, this is usually the time when they
are in vogqe. As matter, however, of antiqaarian information, we .
shall cite the various explanations of this custom from diflferent au-
thors. It has been ascribed to the accidental circumstance of
Queen Biizabeth's^ being at dinner on a goose at the time she
heard of the defeat of the Spanish armada, and that in consequence
she ate of goose every year on that anniversary. In Gatcoigm*
JFJowen we find, —

And when the tenauntes come to paie their quarterns rent.

They bring some fowle at Midsummer, a dish of fish in Lent ;

At Christmas a capon, at Michaelmas a goose ;

And s<nneirhat else at Newyere*s tide, for feare tlieir lease flS« loose.

A writer in The World, No. 10, probably Lord Orford, remark-
ing on the effects of the alteration of the style, says, " When the
reibrmation of the Calendar was in agitation, to the great disgust
of many worthy persons, who urged how great the harmony was in
like old establishment between the holydays and their attributes ;
and what confusion would follow if Michaelmas Day, for instance,
was not to be celebrated when stubble geese are in their highest
perfection ; it was replied, that sach a propriety was merely ima&i-
nary, and v?ould be lost of itself, even without any alteration of tae
Calendar by authority ; for if in it the errors were suffered to |^ on, '
they would, in a certain number of years, produce such a varration,
that we shoidd be moaming for good King Charles on a false thir-
tieth of January, at a time of year when our ancestors used to be
tumbling over head and heels in Oreenwich Park, in honour of
Whitsuntide ; and at length be choosing king and queen for Twelfth
Night, when we ought to be adniring the London 'Prentice at Bar-
tholomew Fair."

It is a popular saying, that " if you eat goose on Michaelmas Day,
yon will never want money all the year round." In the Brituit
ApoUo the proverb is thus discussed : —

Supposing^ now Apollo's sons.
Just rose from picking of goose bones.
This on you pops, jiray tell me whence
The customed proverb did commence.
That who eats goose on MichaeFs Day,
8ha*nt money lack his debts to pay i
This notion, nram'd in days of yore.
Is groundea on a prudent score ;

■W>«MM->4MM

• See Origin of CK>oae on Michaelmas Day.

194 THa mrruoiJO&iCMh coMKimiuMU

JfoTf doobClMt, Hvtf at §nt ^Migned
To make tke people Seasomi miiM ;
That 90 they mii^t ipply their care
To all titose thing^s which needfm were.
And, by a good industrioot hand.
Know when and how t'improTe mehr land.

In Poor RoHn*$ Almanack for 1095, under September, tre fht
ieliowiiig qoiihit lines t —

Oeete now in their prime season are.
Which, if well roasted* are good fiure:
Tet, however, friends, take heed
How too miicli on them yon feed,
^ Lest, when as your tongues run loose.
Tour disconrses do smell of goose.

ALti SAINT'S DAY.

Tills day is thus denomioated in the Calendar, because, it cele-
brates the commemoration of those worthies, whom, on acGoant of
their number, particular days conld not be appropriated to their in-
diridoal honour.

ST. irARTIN*8 UTTLB SUMMER.

In Times Telescope for 1825, we are told that the few fine dajfe
which 8<Hnetimes occur about the t>eginDiDg of Novembetyhava been
denominated ** St. Martin's Little Summer :" to this Shakspeare
alludes in the First Part of King Henry 4th, (Act 1, Scene 3d),
where Prince Henrv says to ^l8taff> *' Farewell, then latter
spcing ! farewell, aUhaUeiDn summer !'' — and in the First Part of
King Henry 6th (Act J, Scene fid), Joan la Pocelle says, —

** Assigned I am to be the English scourge.
This night assuredly the siege I'll raise :
Expect St, Martini Summer, halcyun days.
Since I have entered thus into these wars.'*

ALL SOULS.

So called, becaose the day was set apart to offei* np pray«rs for
sools in Purgatory.

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST'S DAT.

Consecrated wine was anciently sold by the priests on the 2rth
of December, the festival of St John the Bvangeltst, to prevent the
effects of poison, storms, &c. ; because St. John bad been forced to
drink poison.

LADfT DAY.

The Roman. Catholic festival of the annnnciafion is oommoDly
called in England, Lady Day, an abridgement of the old term Our
Lady*s Day^ or the day of otir blessed Lady.

A few years ago, a country gentleman wrote a.Ietter to a lady of
rank in town, and sent it throuj^ the General Post with the follow-
ing address : —

"To

•'TheSSthofM'ardl,

" Folev Place, London.**
.The postman duly delivered the letter at tbe henseef JMy Day,
for whom it was intended.

TUB KTVMQhOQlCAL COMPfiNiMUliw |^

MAtmBT TmJESDAY.

The term Mntmdy, as applfed fo the Thin^dftj before BMter, has
occasioned some bY>id)1e to Antiquaries. One writer conceives
Mamidy to be corrupted from the Mandate of Christ to his dis-
ciples, to break bread in remembrance of him : or, from bin other
mandeite, after he had washed their feet, to love one another.*

With better reason it is conceived to be derived from ih» Saxon
word Mand, which aflberwards became Mauod, a name for basket,
and snbseqaently for any sifit or offering contained in the basket
Thus then Maandy Tharsday, the day precediRg Good t*>iday, on
which the kiftg distribates alms to a certain nnnber of poor persons
at Whitehall, is so named from the Mattnds in which tne gifts were
contained -f

CAMDLE-ATASS DAY.

'ni^ terta. Candle-mass, as applied to a particular season, ori^-
tidted from the ceremony of putting up masses by candle- !i^, for
the fattening of the beasts, in (urder that tliey might be prcmactive
of tallow, nimich being an article of great consumptioo with die Ro-
man Catholic charch. they were desirous of it being plentital.

It is to be noted, that from Candlemass the use of tapers at ves-
pers and litanies, which prevailed throughout the \vinter, ceased
until the ensuing AH Hallow-Mass ^ and hence the origin of an old
English proveA in " Ray's CoUectaon"—

'* On Candlemass day
Tlurow candle and candlestick away.**

TWELFTH DAY;

There is a difference of opinion as to the origin of Twelfth Day.
Brand says, " .that though its customs vary in different countries,
yet they concur in the same end, that is, to do honour to the £ast-
em Magi" Ue afiterwards observes, ** that the practices (^choos-
ing Kioji^ <m twelfith day is similar to a custom that existed among
the aacient Greeks ana R<»nans, who, on the fewtival days of Sa-
titm, about Uiat season of the year, drew lots for kingdoms, and
like kings exercised their temporary authority.'^ The Epiphuiy is
oalled Twelffh Day, because it falls on the twelfth day after Cbrist-
BiBS day. £jai|>hany signifies Manifestation, and is a{)pii^d to this
day becflmse it is the day whereon Christ was manii'esled to the
Gentiles.

QUARTER DAY.

** Relentless, undelaying Quarter-day !

Cold, though in Summer, cheerless though in Spring,

fii liV inter, bleak ; in Autumn, wilhering—
No quarterX dost thou give, not for one day.
But rent and tax enforceth us to pay ;

Or, with a guart^r-stafp, enters our dwelling.

Thy ruthless minion, our small chattels sellmg.
And empty-handed sending us away ! —

* Dunton's British Apollo.

f Archdeacon I9are*s ** Glossary," wherein the various authoritiet
are set forth at large.

X See Giving Quarter.

19Q THE BTYMOLOGICAL COMPEHDIim.

Thee I abhor, although I lack not coin

To bribe thy ** itching paha :** for I behold
The poor and needy whom aharp hunger gnawing

Compels to flit, on darluome nlglit and cold.
Leaving dismantled walls to meet thy claim : —
Then scorn I thee, and hold them tree firom blame.**

If he who ruDs may read, sorely, he who does either, waste not
to know that Quarter da^ is the terminatioo of a quarter of a year,
aod needs no further derivation than what it carries with it ; bat,
however simple this may be, yet the origin, or data from whence
it was made the Rent-day, or day for paying and collecting rents,
may not be so generalW known. It was not till the fiEteentii oeo-
tnry, in the reign of Henry 7th, that rents were paid or ctXLeMi
quarterly ; prior to that period, they were paid by the week, monlb,
<Nr year. His Highness, who was very fond of money, and "wbo^pet-
haps left mwe ready money behind him than any British mooaidi
eitoer before or since, stipulated with his own immediate tenanta,
that thev shoidd pay their rents quarterly ; this system, however,
did not become the law of the land until the Revolution in 1688;
from which period, of course, it became osoal throug^iout the land.

PLOUGH MONDAY.'

The first Monday after Twelfth Day is so called, beoanae the
husbandman then resumes the plough, for the first time after Cliiiit-
mas. On this day , and for some days afterwards, in the northern
counties, particularly Yorkshire, there is a procession of raitic
youths dragging a plough, who, as they officiate for oxen, are called
ploughstots: they are dressed with their, shirts outside of their
jackets, with sashes <^ ribbands fastened on their shirts, and on
their hats. Besides the plou^h-draggers, there is a band of six in
the same dress, furnished with swords, who perform the sword*
dance, while one or more musicians play on the flute or viofin.

The sword-dance, probably introauced by the Danes, dispbyi
considerable ingenuity, not without gracefulness. The dancers ar-
ran^ tiionselves in a ring, with their swords elevated, and their
motions and evolutions are at first slow and simple, but become gn>
dually more rapid and complicated : towards the close, each emit
catches the point of his neighbour's sword, and various movemeBts
take place in consequence ; one of which, consists in jcnning or
plaiting the swords into the form of an elegant hexagon or rose, in
the centre of the ring, which rose is so ftrmly made, that one of
them holds it up above their heads without uodoiog it. The dfiUBce
closes with taking it to pieces, each man laying hold oi his own
sword. During the dance, two or three of the company, called
Toms or Clowna, dressed up as harlequins, in most fantastic modes,
having their faces painted or masked, are making antic ge^nres to
amuse the spectators ; while another set, called madgies or Madgy
PeffSf clumsily dressed in women's cloathes, and also masked, or
painted, go from door to door ratUing old caonisters, in which they
receive money — when they are well paid they raise a huzsa ; when
they get nothing, they shout out " hunger and starvation.*' When
the party do not exceed forty, thev seldom encumber themseWea
with a plough. Egton Bridge has long been the principal rendes*
vous for sword-dancers in the vicinity of Whitby.

THE ETYMOLOGICAIi COMPKNDIVM. lg7

INNOCENT'S DAY.

It was a popular tapentition, wliich, in the remote parts of the
island, is not yet extinct, that no andertaking could prosper which
was l»e^n on that dayof the week on which Childer-mass or lono-
renfs day last fell. The custom is thus alluded to, in the old play,
by some attributed to Shakq>eare, of '* Sir John Oldcastle.**

** Friday, quotha, a dismal day !
ChJldermaas tlus year was Friday.**

Children were flocged by our ancestors not onlv for punishment,
but to fix tfaii^ in their memory. Accordingly, the children were
wfaqiped in their beds on the morning of , 'Innocent's Day, by their
parents, in ** order that the memorie of Herod's murder of the In-
nocents mighte stick the closer." There were also processions of
cbildreB on tiiat day.

LAMMAS DAY.

The first of August received this appellation from the fdbwing
circumstance :•--'* During the superstitious days of Popery, the
priests at this time of the year began to say masses for the sheep
and Iambs, that they might be preserved in the time of the odd
se a son^ being recently deprived of th^ir woolly, covering by the
hands of the shearer. Hence it obtained the name of Lamb siass
Day, and fiv the sake of a smooth pronunciation, contracted as it
now appears."

ST. STEPHEN'S DAY.

■

It was an ancient custom to ^llop horses on Si Stephen's Day,
December 96, until they perspired, and then bleed them, \o prevent
their having any disorders during the ensuing year. This practice
is siqpposed to have been introduced by the Danes. Blessings were
alss implored upon pastures.

ST. THOMAS* DAY.

TIlis day, the Slst day of December, is denominated the shortest
day. At the village of Thornton, near Sherborne, an anoieut cus>
torn exists sommi^ uie tenants, of depositing 5s. in a hole, in a cer-
tain tomb-stone m tiie church-yard, which prevents the lord of the
manor firom taking tythe of hay during the year. This must inva*
rfabhr be done on St. Thomas' Day, before twelve o'clock, or the
privilege is lost

EMBER WEEK.

Bmber Weeks are those in which the Ember days fall. A va-
riety of explanations have been given of the word Ember, but Nel-
son prefers Dr. Marechal's, who derives it from the Saxon word,
imparting a circuit or course : so that these fasts not being occa-
simial, but returning every year in certain courses, may properly be
said to be Ember days, because fasts in course. The Ember daja
are the Wednesday,' iSida^, and Saturday after the first Sunday iu
Lent, and after the 13th of December,

|3g THE BTTHOLOOICACr COMPBIIDIUM.

D0« DATS.

** Shut, shnt the door, ^sod John (tkUpied I said),
Tye up the knocker, lay I*m aick, rm dead,
7%e Dog star rage* ! Pope,

In an ancient calendar preaerred by Bede, the beginning of the
dog^-days imi placed on the ]4tb of Jaty. to. one prefixed to the
Common Prayer, printed in the time of qaeen £lizabeth, they are
said to begin on the 6th of July, and to end on the Gth of September;
and this nvas continned from that time till the restoration, ^en that
book ffas revieed, and the dog^ye omittf d. From that tne tolfaf
conredioB of the Britith Calendar, oar .Akumacks had the b«da-
aing of the dog-darya on the 19th of July, and the end on tfad 90t& af
Aoffiift, hot aisee that coitection, the times of the beginniag aad
end have been altered, aad the former was plained at the SOth el
Jaly, and the latter at the 7th of September. Tba dog-davs hife
been commonly reckoned for about forty days, vis. twenty oays be-
fore, and twenty days after the heliacal rising; and almanack-
makers have usually set down the dog-davs in their almanacks to
the changing time of tiie star's rising ; anil thns they had at length
fiillen considerably after the hottest season of th« year ; till of late,
a irerr prooer alteration had been introduced into the almanacks>and
they nave oeen made to commence vrith the 3d of July, and to ter-
minate with the 1 1th of August. The propriety of this alteration
will be evident, if we consider that the ancients meant to express
by the dog-days, the hottest time of the year, which is commonly
during the month of July, about which month the dog-star rose he-
liacal ly in the time of the most ancient astronomers^ whose obsena-
tioos have been transmitted to us.

Ancient anthers tell us that on the day the canicnla, or do^-aiir,
first rises in the morning, the sea boils, vrine turns sour, dogs btffa
to grow mad, the bile increases and irritates, and all animals gum
languid ;^ and that the diseases ordinarily occasioned in men hj %
are burning fevers, dysenteries, and phrensies. The Romans saeri-
ficed a brown dog every year to Canicnla, at its rising, to appease its
rare. The Egyptians carefully watched the rising of this star, aod
ju^ng bv it of tne swelling of the Nile, called the star the sei^el
and watch of the year. Hence according to their mode of hierogN-
phic writing, they represented it under the fignre of a dog (that futa-
ful animal having been, even in these times, distinguiahed ibr his]^-
cnliar qualities of watching over the affairs of man), or (Mfa man wiUi
a dog's head, and morsbipped him onder the name of Saudis, wboM
fiffore was hung up in all their temples, to give notice of the apj^roach
of the inundation of the Nile.

Darwin beautifully describes this event —

Sailing in air, when dark monsoon inshrouds
His tropic mountains in a night of clouds ;
Or drawn by whirlwinds from the Line, returns
And showers o*er Afrlc all his thousand urns ;
High o*er his head the beams of Sirins glow.
And d<^ of Nile, Anubis, barks bt* low.
Nymphs ! you from cliff to cliff attendant guide
In hendlnng cataracts the impetuous tide;
Or lead o'er wastes of Abjrssinian sands.
The bright ex|ianse to Egypt's showerless lands ;
Her lung canals the sacred waters fill.
And edge with silver everir peopled hill;

THB BTYM0L06ICAL COMPSNDIUM. fgg

Gifrantic Sphinx in circling wavea admire,
^nd Memuon beading o*er his broken lyre,
0*er furrowM glebes and gr«>en HaTaanas swe^.
And towns and temples laugh amid the deep.

hotanic Garaettf Canto 3.

6ULE OF AUGUST.

'he first day of Angast is so called. According to Gobelin, as
month of Aagost was the first in the Egyptian vear, it was called
le, which being latinized makes Gula, a word in tluit language
aiding throat. *' Our legendaries,*' says Brand, ** surprised at
ii^ this word at the head of the month of Angast, converted it to
r oiwn purpose.*' They made out of it the feast of the daughter
lie tribune Quirinns, who they pretend was cured of a disorder in
^oat (gula), by kissing the chain of St. Peter on the day of its
ival. i<orcing the G^ule of the Egyptians into the throat of the
me's daughter, they instituted a festiiralto Gale open the festifal
ofSt Peter ad Vincula.

CRISPIN'S DAY.

** The tweiity-6fth of October,
More Snobs drunk than sober.**

it. Crispin was a shioemaker, and conseqaenfly was chosen by the
ft as their Patron Saint. The Rev. Alban jButler, in his " Lives
he Saints,'' says, *' St. Crispin, and St Crispinian, two glorious
r^jrs, came from Rome to preach at Soissoos, in France, towards
middle of tiie third century, and, in imitation of St. Paul* worked
h their bauds in the night, making shoes, though they wene said
>e nobly born and brothers.* ?

rfais day, in 1415, is famed in the annals of England, as the one
which the memorable battle of Agincourt was fought. In the
y of Henry 5th, Shakspeare assigns the following speech to that
narch :— ;

This day is called, the feast of Crispian :
He that ouUives this day, and comcM safe home.
Will stand a-tip-toe when this day is named.
And rouse him at the name of Crispian :
He, that shall live this day, and see old age.
Will yearly, on the vigil, feast his fkiends.
And say,— To-morrow is St. Crispian ;
Then will h&strip his sleeve, and show his scars.
Old men forget ; yet shall not ail forget.
But they'll remember, with advantages.
What feats they did that day ; Then shall our names,
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick, and Talbot, Salisbury and Glo'ster,—
Be in their Rowing' cups freshly remember'd :
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Criiipin Crispian, shall ne'er go by.
From this day to the ending of the world.
But we in it shall be remembered:
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day ttiat sheds his blood with me.
Shall be my brother ; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition :
And gentlemen in England, now a-bed.
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here ;
And bold their manhood's cheap, while any speaks
That fought with us upon St. Crispin's day.

190 THK BTYMOLOGICAL COMPBHDIUIff.

LOVir SUNDAY.

The Sonday after Easter-day is called liow Sanday, becMse it is
Easter-day repeated, with the church service somewnat abridged or
lowered in the ceremony, from the pomp of the festival the Sonday
before.

INVENTION OF THE CROSS.

Mr. Aadley says, the word Invention sometimes signifies the fiad-
inff a thing that was hidden ; thence the name of this festivaL which
celebrates the alledged finding of the Cross of Christ by St Helena,
who is said to have found three crosses on Mount Calvary^ but tlie
true one could not be distinguished, till a sick woman being placed
on each, was healed by one, which was therefore pronoanced the
True Cross. Mr. Audley quotes, that the custody of the cross una
committed to the bishop ofJerusalem. Every Easter Sunday it was
exposed to view, and pilgrims from all countries were indulged with
ntUe pieces of it enchased in gold or gems. What was most asto-
nishing, the sacred wood was never lessened, although it was per-
EetualTy diminished, for it possessed a secret power of vegetatMm!
libadeoeira says, ^ the Cross being a piece of wood without sense or
feeline, yet it seemeth to have in it a living and everlasting viitae;
for aluough severed, parted, and divided, it still renuuns woole aDd
entire for all that come to reverence and adore it."

ROGATION SUNDAY.

The fifth Sunday fifter Easter is palled Rogation Sunday. The
term Rogation signifies supplication, from the Latin rogare, to
beseech.

Roffation Sunday obtained its name from the succeeding Monday,
Tuesday, and Wednesday, which are called Rogation Days, aiM
vere ordained tnr Mamertus, archbishop of Vienne, in Dauphine;
about the year 469, he caused the Litanies, or Supplications, to be
said upon them, for the deliverance from earthquakes, fires, wild
beasts, and other public calamities, which are alledged to have hap-
pened in his city ; hence the whole week is called Kogation Week,
to denote the continual praying.^

RESTORATION DAY.

This day is so called, from its being the anniversary of the day
whereon king Charles 2d, entered London, in 1660, and re-esta-
blished royalty, which had been suspended from the death of hb
father. It is usual with the vulgar people to wear oak-leaves in
their hats on this day, and dress tneir horses' heads with them.
This is in commemoration of the shelter afforded to Charles by an
Oak, while making his escape from England, after his defeat at
Worcester, by Cromwell, on the 3d of September, 1651.

BLACK 3ARTH0L0MEW.

Mr. Andley sajrs, there is a shocking propriety in the epithet
given to this day (August ^th) for the homd massacres of Protest-
ants, which commenced in the reign of Charles 0th. In Paris oaly,

• Butler.

THE ETYMOI/OOICAIi COMPBKDICM. 19|

ten thoosand were butchered in a fortnight, and ninety thousand in
the provinces, making tcM^ether one hundred thousand. This, at
leivpt, is the calculation ofPerefixe, tutor to Louis 14th, ftnd arch-
biahiop of Paris : o^ers reduce the number much lower.

SICILIAN VESPERS.

This is another of those bloody massacres which so much dittrace
history. It occurred on the 30tn of March, 1282, when the Sicilians
rose on the French, and destroyed ii) cold blood, eight thousand of
them, ll^e signal was the sounding oi the vesper^ or eveping prayer
befi ; and from whence came the term of the Sicilian Vespers.

PALM SUNPAY.

So called in commemoration of boadis, or branches of ]PaIm Trees,
beii^ carrijBd in procession before Christ when he rode into Jeru«
salem.

TRANSLATION O^ SAINTS.

Of tlie origin of the Translation of Saints, a great deal has been
written ; it is, however, generally supposed to take its data from the
following:

In thie year 359, the emperor Constantius, out of a presumed, and
perhaps, not inconsistent respect, caused the remains of St. Andrew,
and 9L Luke, to be removed from their anpient place of interment,
to-the Temple of the T^velve Apostles, at Constantinople ; and from
that example, the practice of searching for the bodies of saints and
martyrs increased so rapidly, that ip the year 386, we find almost the
wfaofe of the devotees engaged in tiiat pursuit. Relics, of course,
speedily became of considerable value ; and as they were all alledged
to possess peculiar virtues, no expence or labour were spared to pro-
vim rach treasures for every^ublic reli^ous foundation. As a speci-
men, the following relics, says Nugent^ m his " Travel^ in Germany,"
mav be seen in the church of Doberan, in the duchy of Mecklenburgh :

A small quantity of flax, which the Virgin Mary had for spinning.

A bundle of hay, which the three Wise Men of the East had for
their cattle, and left behind them ac Bethlehem.

A bone of Ignatias Lloyola, the founder of the Jesaits.

A piece of poor Lazarns's garment.

A Done of St. Christopher's, and the first joint of his thumb.

The shoulder-blade of the said St Christopher.

A piece of linen ploth, which the Virgin Mary wove with her own
hands.

A piece of the head belonging to tl;ie fish mentioned }n Tobit.

The napkin which the bridegroom made use of at the marriage of
Cana, of Oallilee.

Some bones of Mrs. Adams, grandn^pther of an abbot of Doberan.

A hair of St. Jerome's mastachios.

Part of Judas's bowels, which gushed ont as he burst asunder.

The scissors witii which Dalilah cot <^ Samson's hair.

A i^ece of the apron which the butcher wore when he killed the
calf upon the return of the Prodigal Son.

One of the five smooth stones which David pat in his bag when he
ifrnt to encounter the great Ooliah.

A Inranch of the tree on which Absalon) hung by the hair.

llie head of St. Thomas the Apostle,

The head of St Paul.

192 *^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COBfPBNl>IUM.

The head of St. Peter.

A piece of St. Peter's fishing-net

This collection they preserve with asmnch care, ns if it contained
a most valaable treasure. The professor told Mr. Nc^nt, Hiat one
of the principal relics had been stolen in the last centoiy ; and it was
no less than a qoill of the aftgel GahrieVs winj:!

Amemth Peyral, in his mannscript Chronicle of the Popes, says,
that England is remarkable for its nunber of saints, whose bodi^ it
has preserved from corrnption. He observes, there is no soil so
adapted to preserve corpses from corruption, as the soil of this
conntry. Upon this ground, it is suppc^d, perish writers mi|^t
imagine relics more plentiful than otherwise.

CARLING SUNDAY.

Carling Sunday is so called by the lower orders in the north of
England, because it is their custom to eat immense qoantities of
small peas, called curlings, fried in butter and pepper and salt, on
the second Sunday before Easter. This is said, by an old authcH-,
to take its rise from the disciples plucking the ears of com, and
rabtung them in their hands.

SHROVE OR PANCAKE TUESDAY.

** As fit— as a pancaAe for Shrove Tuesday.** Shak-tpemn.

Pancake Day is another name for Shrove Tuesday, from the cus-
tom of eating pancakes on this day, still generally observed. A
writer in the ** Gentleman's Magazine," 1790, sa^s, that Skrice
is an old Saxon word, of which Shrove is a corruption, and aigia-
fies Confession. Hence Shrove Tuesday means Confession Tost-
day, on which day all the people in ei/ery parish through the kug'
dom, during the Romish times, were obhged to confess their sini.
one by one, to their own parish priests, in their own parish chnrchcs,
and that this might be done the more regularly, the great bell in
every parish was rung at ten o'clock, or perhaps sooner, that it
might be heard by all. And as the Romish religion has given way
to a much bf^tter, the Protestant religion, yet the custom <^ ringinf:
the great bell in our ancient parish churches, at least in some of
them, still remains, and obtains in and about London the name of
Pancake-Bell : the usage of dining on pancakes or fritters, and
such like provision, still continues. In *' Pasqnin's Palinodia,"
1634, 4to. it is merrily observed, that on this day every stcHnach

till it can hold no more.

Is fritter-filled, as well as heart can vish;
And every man and maide doe take their iurne
And tosse their pancakes up for feare they huine;
And all the kitchen doth with laughter sound.
To see the pancakes fall upon the ground."

ASH WEDNESDAY.

This is the first day of Lent It is called Ash Wednesday, be-
cause in the Roman Catholic church the priest blessed Ashes oothis
day, and puts them on the beads of the people. These ashes are
made of the branches of brushwood or palms, consecrated the year
before. The ashes are cleaned, and dried, and sifted, fit for the
purpose. After the priest has given absolution to the people, he
prays, ** Vouchsafe + to bless and sanctify -j* these ashes— 4hat
whosoever shall sprinkle these ashes upon them for the redemption
o£ their sins, they may obtain health of body and protection of soul,"

&C.&C.

THB KrTMO]:A)GlCAL COMPBNIHUM. |^

SECTION XL

IRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, VEGETABLES,
FRUITS, PLANTS, FLOWERS,
BEVERAGES, &c.

IfCULTURE, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF ITS PROORESS.

RcMnam were great agricnltnrieits, and it is well known tbey
lany of their great generals from the plough. The cnltnre of
rtk was first called agriculture oat of comjuiment to Agricolo,*
raa very partial to it, and who deroted all his leisure tune fnnn

baiiness, to the pnrsuit of it* The Eg3rptians ascribe the in-
B of agricnltore to Osiris ; the Greeks to Ceres and her son
demos, and the Italians to Saturn, or Janus. Bat the Jews,
Mwe reason, ascribe this honour to Noah, who, immediately
tibe flood, set about tilling the ground and planting vineyards,
■knre has been the delight of the greatest men. We are told,
yras the younger, planted and cultivated his garden, in a great
ire, with his own hands. Hollinshed sa^, when Cesar in-
l ftritain, agriculture was unknown in the inner parts : Hhe in-
lots fed npon milk and flesh, and were clothed witn skins.
I Cesar, (says his history), was of opinion, that agricnltore was
ntroducea into Britain by some ol those colonies from Gaol,
I had settled in the southern part about 100 veurs befinre tho
ion. It appears they were not unacquainted with the ose omT
res* particularly Marie. Pliny tells us, that it was peculiar to
eople of Gaol and of Britain ; that its etfcfcts continneo 80 years ;
that no man was known to marie his fields twice. The eita«
ment of the Ronmns in Britain, produced great improvenents in
altore, insomuch that prodigious quantities of com were an-
y exported from the island ; but when the Roman power began
dine, this, like all other arts, declined also ; and was almost
y destroyed by the departure of that people. Towards the
century, agriculture revived, and received very great improve-
8. In the 15th it seems to have been cultivated as a science,
^« no less honourable than a profitable art, evidentlv held ia
>m among the ancients, and equally valued by the modems.

NATIVE FRUITS OF ENGLAND.

is a curious fact, and but very little known, that the only native
I of England, are blackberries, wild strawberries, crab apples,
sloes. Com, beans, peas, &c. are not even natives of this

This, is a mistake, as the principal Romans took their names
their pursuits— iha« Agricola, from his love of agricultora. See
nn Names* — Ed,

j^ THE STTMOIiOGICAL COMPBNDIUM.

country, but originaUy iDtrodnced from the northern parts of 6er«
many. Asparagos, vmgarly called asparagrass, lettnces, and gieeiii
in fi:eneral, nrom France ana the Netherlands.

Peaches, gra^s, pines, plnmbs, apples, pears, &c. principally
from Italy, Persia, and Greece. The writer diodes to original in-
troduction, as most are well aware, within the last two centuries, we
have had more grafls fix>m France than Italy, &c Hence it arises,
haying no native fruits as it were, that a late spring is desirable in
this country, as t&e least genial warmth will bring them forward, as
in their native climate ; but, as it is too often the case in this country,
to be destroyed by an irregular and uncertain one.

It is now rally established, however, as will be seen fiY>m the fbl-
lowing extracts from a French work on agriculture, that what we
are deficient in climate, is compensated for, by our industry and ait;
and that we are not only as forward now in England as they are in
France, but produce a finer flavoured fruit, and what is more asto-
. ni^ng, but not the less true, in a many instances supply the Frem^
markets, as will be seen from the following statements. •

** All ue world knows," says the French writer, " what a point sf
prosperity agriculture has attained in England, lliat country, wUeh
m &e time of Louis 14th, was in want of horses, and supplied itself
fixxm France, at this day furnishes us with the finest racertf ; so great
pains has she taken to breed them, and so much have we negleiBted
ours.

Our neighbours also, have so perfected their hot-hcrases, tiiat they
precede at Paris by more than a fortnight^ the gardeners of Montredl,
not long ago so celebrated. And let us not think this species of
industry of trifling importance ; we have seen six doasen strawberrief
sold for 10 louis ; ana a bundle of asparagus for 100 firancs, (four
pounds sterling, &c.)

A fact less known, and still more extraordinary, is, that the gar-
deners of London, carry on in France, the trade of prifti€iirs(gnnr-
ers of early fruit and vegetables^. The asparagus, strawtM^rries,
peas, and pineapples, which during winter appear on the tables of
opulence, come to us, for the most part, from cold England, where,
said Caraccioli, ** they only eat one rioe fruit — roasted appUtl^

We, continues the French writer, Know so little how to profit bf
the advantages of our soil and climate, that an Englishman has esta-
blished himself near Rouen to grow roses. He has taken an ««ntfi— >
property, on a nine years lease, and for an enterprize so tranrieaty
he has laid out in buildings, 300,000 francs, (12,500i.) and we may.
judge by the profits, which he has obtained, by sending his flowers
to Great Britain, that his speculation will procure him a considerable
fortune.

RIBSTON PIPPIN.

The late Sir Harry Ooodricke, brought this apple firom Italy, and
as it was first grown in this country, at his residence, Ribstone Hall,
in the county of York, where the original tree remains to this day, it
received the appellation of Ribston, or Ribstone Pippin.

CURRANTS.

Currants, or Corinthian Grapes, so called, because they came firom
Corinth. They were first brought into England in 1534, from the
Ide of Zant, belonging to Venice ; the musk ro^e, and several sorti
of plumbs, came from Italy the same year; they were brought aad
planted by lord Cromwell.

TUB ETTMOLOGICAI.^ COMmVOtt^f . l95

CHBRRIBS.

** See! cherries here, ere cherries yet abound,
With thread so white in tempting aosies ty*d,
Scattering like blooming maid their glances rotund.
With pampered look draw little eyes aside,
And must be bought !

Skentt&ite*

Cherries were' first bronffht into England, amd planted in Keni^ in
1540, where an orchard of ^ acres prodaced lOOOJ. They were first
brooght from Cerasas, (from whence they derived their name), a
city of Capadocia, by Lncnllas, into Italy, so early as the year SS,
It appears they were commonly sold in the streets of London, in
the thne of Lydgate, who mentions them in his poem, called ** Lick-
penny :"

*• Hot pescode own began to cry,
Strawberys rype, and Cheryes in the rjrse."

Vhe ** Onardian** of July 2d, 1713, mentions, that chenie* were
soM tipoii Mticks above 100 years ago.

FILBERT!^

The not, called Filbert, derives its name from I^iillipert^ king of
Frsw^, who was exceedingly fond of them.

YARIOUS FRUITS, &c. IN ENGLAND.

** See varioos trees their various fhiits produce.
Some for delightful taste, and some for use; ,
See sprouting plants enrich the plain and wood.
For physic some, and Dome design'd for food;
See fragrant flowers, with different colours dy'd.
On smiling meads unfold their gaudy pride.*'

Blackmore on the Creation,

In the reign ofElizabeth, Edmnnd Grindall, afterwards arehbishali

of Canterinirv, transplanted here the Tamarisk. Oranges were

brooght here by one of the Carew family. To Sir Walter Raleigh

we are indebted for that osefal root, the Potatoe. Sir Anthony

KMofm first planted Cabbages in this country.^ Hie Fig-tr6ei

plantea by cardinal Pole, in the reign of Henry 8th, are still stehdhg

in Laaabeth. Sir Richard Weston, first broojo^t CIover-gTasb inttf

Englaiid in 1645. The Malberry-tree is a native of Persia, and is

ai^ to have been introduced in IdrO. The Almond was introduced

in 1570, and came from the Bast. The Chesnnt is analiTe of the

South en Europe. The Walnat is a native of Persia, but the time of

its introduction is unknown. The Apricot came firom Amierica,

aboat 1563L The Plom is a native of Asia, and was impioirtfcd into

Europe by tiie Crusaders ; and the Damascene takes its name ^m

the city of Damascus. The Alpine Strawberry was first cultivated

in the kii^s garden, in 1760. The Peach is a native of Persia.

The Nectarine was first introduced about 1562. The Quince, called

Cydonia, firom Cydon, was • cultivated in this country in Gehird's

time. The red Queen-apple, was so called,, in compliment to queen

Elizabeth. The cultivation of the Pear is of great antiquity, for

* In the eftrly part of the reign of Henry 8th, there did not grow In
England, cabbage, carrot, turnip, or any edible root; and even queen
Katherine herself, could not command a sallad, till the king broaght
over a gardener from the Netherlands!

i:2

196

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Pliny mentions twenty different kinds. Most of oar apples came
originally from France. — See Faulkenefs History of Kensington.
Miller mentions eighty-four species of Pear, whose names are all
ennmerated in his Gardener's Dictionary, a work of peat celebrity,
and may be said to have laid the foundation of <all tne horticnharal
iaste and knowledge in England. To the afflictions and exiles of
Charles, we are indebted for many of our best yegetables, whidi
were introduced by his followers from the Continent : thus, by tke
industry of man, are the gifts of the earth transplanted from clini^ to
clime.

** See bow the rising fruits the gardens crown.
Imbibe the Sun, and make hu light, their own.**

Blacktnore,

RAISINS.

Raisius are made from grapes, by cutting the stalk of the buodi
half through, when the grapes are nearly ripe, and leaving them sos-
pended on the vine, till their watery part is evaporated ; and as the
rays of the sun are necessary to effect this, they are called Raisins
of the Sun. They are also prepared by gathering the fruit whea
fully ripe, and dipping it in the ley made of the ashes of burnt ten-
drils ; after which, it is exposed to the heat of the sun, or to that of
an oven, till dry ; the former are reckoned the finest^ and are iffl-
ported in boxes and jars, and the inferior in mats.

GRAPES.

Grapes were first brought to England in the vear 1552 . and planted
at Black-hall, in Suffolk. They were cultivated in Flanders, 1376.
The most extraordinary grape-vine in this country, is tlmtat Hunpton
Court ; it came from Hamburgh.

ORNAMENTAL GARDENING IN ENGLAND.

The ornamental, or more properly speaking, the Dutch style of
gardening in England, was introduced in the reign of William aod
Mary, by the ancestor of the present earl of Albemarle, who was a
Dutchman, and a great favourite of William s. He was created eari
of Albemarle shortly after his arrival in this country. The passion
for flowers preceded that of ornamental gardening. The Dutch
system of straight walks, enclosed by high clipped hedges of yew,*
or holly, at length prevailed : and tulips and hyacinths bloomed under
the sheltered windings of the ^* Walls oflVoy," most ingeniously
traced in box and yew. A taste for gardening, which, however
formal, is found at length to be preferable to the absurd vnnding
paths, and the close imitation of wild nature by art, which modem
garden-makers have pretended to of late years. The learned baron
Maseres used to say, such a garden was to be had every where wild
in summer, and in a garden formality was preferable.

CROCUS.

This flower derives its name from Crocus, a young man, who, as
Heathen Mythology informs us, pined away into a flower, which has
since bore his name.

* The reader may see a good specimen of Dutch gardening at
Hampton Court, which V7as the favourite palace of WiUiam and Mary.

At Bedfont, on the road to Windsor, may also be seen a Crown with
ft. R., shaped in a yew tree.— ^.

THB BTTM0L06ICAL COMPENDIUM. 197

NARCISSUS.

lliis flower deriyes its name from the foHowing mythological cir*
cnmstance. Narcissas, son of Cephisas, a LAnope, was so hand-
•ome, that all the nymphs fell in love with him ; but he slighted them
all. Echo, among the rest, coald not inflaence him to regard her ;
retonnnff, however, one day from the chace, he looked into a foan-
tain, and was so enamonrea of his own beaaty, that he languished
away, and was metamorphosed into a flower^ which from that time
bote his name.

ACANTHA.

** There the Adantha hides its head.**

Acantha, a young and beantifal nymph, who, for having given a
favonrable reception to Apollo, was changed into a plant of the same
name.

THB COWSLIP.

** Cowslip, of all beloved, of all admired !
Thee let me sing*, the homely shepherd's pride;
Fit emblem of the maid I love, a form
Cnaddening the sight of man; a sweet perfome,
Sending its balmy fragrance to the soiu.
Daughter of Spring and Messenger of May,
Which shall I first declare, which most extol.
Thy sovereign beauties, or thy sovereign use 3**

The Cowslip derives its name from a very old and fanciful, bnt
now exploded idea ; that this flower was generated from (he saliva
of the c9W*s lip; to corroborate which, it has been stated, that it is
only found in pastures where milch cows have grazed. It is, how-
ever, known as the YeUow-bell, and is classed vrith the blue and
hare bell, and has made its appearance where the cow was never
known to have been, (denial weather at the commencement of the
year, dbresses the meadows and pastures wi& this favourite of Flora.

THE DAISY.

** There is a flower, a little flower.
With silver crest and golden eye.
That welcomes every changing hour,!
And weathers every sky.

The prouder beauties of the field.
In gay but quiclc succession shine;

Race after race their honours yield.
They flourish and decline.

But this small flower, to nature dear,
While Moon and Stars their courses run.

Wreaths the whole circle of tlie year.
Companion of the bun.

Monigomery,

Passing the eye from the hedge-row to the earth, it lights on the
"wec-tipp'd" emblem of modesty — ^the daisy, song by poets of every
clime where it blows, and so sweetly by our own, ^ Montgomery,"
viiio has designated it the Companion of the Son.
That modest little flower, the daisy, derives its name from day^s
e, arising from the circumstance of unfolding its single beauties at
e **peep o' day,'' and earlier than any other of flora's tribe. —
Flora's Guide.

THE VIOLET.

** There it a flower.

So fveetly fair,
In truelore's boirer.

It bloasdma there ;
Iti smile of ffladneas

And azure ray,
Sids t^looiny aadnew.

Haste faraway!

At early morning.

How sweet to rove.
Where 'tb adorning

The shady ^ rove !
There chastly blooming.

It whif^ffs, ** be
Thou imassuming.

Oh man, liJie me !"

J. E. StabUckmidt,

Violet, violin, violincello, are all derived from vialf ngul^fi^
noeet ; applicable to either soand or smeU : the latter syliablefl beii(
merely to distiuigoisfa, or harmonize.

TUUPS.

'* So beauty fades, so fleets its showy life.
As droops the tul^, clad in all its prld»
Of rich array."

This beaiitifal,l»iit short-lived flower, was first intrndooedintoAii
coBDtry bv lord Arlington, in the reunn of Charles 2d. The tal^
opens with the rising and shots with the setting san. The bdb u
termed by Linneens, the hyhemacle, or winter lod^e of the yooi^
plant, and closes the infant in its folds, which

" In some lone cave, secure pavilion, lies.
And waits the courtship of serener smes.**"-

Tolip-fancying has been carried to great excess. It is related,
tiiat a connoisenr in the fancy, bearing of a person having in his pos-
session a black tulip, instantly ordered his carnage and proceeded
to the possessor's residence ; expressed a deske ip see this rara wtf*
which was instaaUy shown him ; upon which, he immediately offered
100 guineas for the same ! This was r^sed : two hundred was
offered, but refused also ; whereupon, three hundred was bid, and
the bargain stmok. The virtuosi, on getting the tulip in his posses-
sion, immediately cut it in piece-meal, before the astonished grower
of it, exclaiming at the same time, **Now, 1 am the only possessor
of a black tulip in the whole country !** It turned out, that he had
one in his own garden, but as he coaid not endure another to possess
a similar freak of nature, he took this means to insure it.

The names of emperors, kings, statesmen, nobles, and heroes,
have been given to tulips. The cogoomeps of the eminently fair sex,
have also t^en selected as their distinctive appellations ; and it is do
uncommon thing to find in one bed together, Don Joan^and Queen
Charlotte, the Di:dLe of Wellington and the Lass of RichnHHid Hill,
and George the Fourth and Nell Owynn !

The christening of a tulip is generally peribrraed over a bowl of
punch ; tiie oop of the ^ant is floated in the bowl, then taken (rtk
and filled with the jovial tiquor, which is generally drank by sone
of the partv, risking the further christening of their clothes, owing
to the tender fabric of Flora's cup.

THE nmOXiOGICAI^ COMPBlfDIUM. 199

WEEPmo WILLOWS.

** We jpflus a gvlpb fn v/\Ach the wDlows iStp
Their pendant bong^hs, stooping as if to diink.**

The first Weepfaig Willow supposed to baye been pjanti^d in
England, was by Fope, wbicb for a long time was known as Pop€*»
Weeping WiUow. Martyn says, "the famous and admired weep-
ing willow, planted by Pope, which has lately been felled to. me
groond, (1801), came m>m Spain, enclosing a present for lady SofRolk.
mr^ Pope was in compaoj when the covering was taken off; he ob-
served, that the pieces of stick appeared as if they had some vege-
tation; and added, perhaj^ tbey may produce^ something we have
it(k in England. Under tms idea he {)lanted it in his garden, and it
produced tiie Willow Tree that has given birth to so many others.**

PASSION FLOWER;

iPtiis flower, savs the elegant author of the ^ Flora Domestioa,"
lierives its name from an idea, that all the instruments of Christ's
Pbssion are represented in it, viz. — the five wounds, the column or
mllar of scourging, besides the three nails^ the crown of thorns, &c.
Most of the Passion flowers are natives of the hottest parts of Ame-
rica.

DAMASK ROSE.

The Damask Rose was brought into England^ im the year 15^,
from Damascus, by Dr. Linacre, physician to King Henry the 8th.

LILY,. Ac.

• •

The lily came firom the Levant, the jessamine fimn the East U-
diee, the tnbe-fiMe fi'mn Java and Ceylon, the cai^ation and pink
liom Italy, and the aricnla firohi Switzerland. Introduced in the
reigB of Charles 3d.

. HOLLYHOCK.

This is merelv a corruption from Holy-oak, a tree or flower held
m nmch estimaaon by the Lady Abbesses and Nuns of old ; and
which aboonded in the gardens of convents, it being considered by
them as possessing sacred and protecting qualities.

ROSEMARY.

*• Come, funeral flower ! who Iov*st to dwell
Witii the pale corse in lonely tomb.
And throw across the desert gloom
A sweet decaying smell.

Come, press my lips, and lie trith me
Beneath the lowly alder tree ;

And we will sleep a pleasant sleep.
And not a care shall dare intrude
To break the marble solitude.

So peaceful and so deep."

Rosmnary is a small but very odoriferous dirub ; the principal use
of it is to perfume chambers, and in decoctions for washing. Its
hotanical name is roamarintts, so called firom ros, dew, and mariniu,
alhiding to its situation on tiie sea shore. It is seen mantling tibe
rooks (tt'the Mediterranean in winter, with its grey flowers glittering
with dew.

200 THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMffBNDIini.

HOLLY.

** Fairest bloatoms drop with every Uaity
But the brown beauty will like ikoUies last.— <3ajf.

The HoHv, or Ilex, is supposed to derive its name from tiie ie«-
soQ in which it particularly flourishes (Christmas), being kept «
holy by all who profess the faith of Christ. Of this tree iken ue
several species, some of which produce yellow berries and sone
white.

SALADS.

Oil for salads is mentioned in the Paston Letters in 1^6, inwUch
year Sir John Paston writes to his mother, that he has sent hnr
** ^ potts off oyl for saladys, whyche oyl was goode as my^t be wboi
he aelyv'yd yt, and schnld be good at the reseyving yf itt was Mt
mishandled nor mycarryd.** This indicates thiat vegetables ibr the
table were still cultivated in England, although the common opinkn
is, that most of our fruits and garden prodactions were destroyed dn-
ring the civil wars between we houses of York and Lancaster. A
good salad^ however, had become so scarce some years afterwards,
that Katherine, the queen of Henry 8th, is said, on apaiticvlar occa-
sion, to have sent to the Continent to [Hrocnre one. Salad heihs
were common some years afterwards.

POTATOES.

The Board of Agriculture Report tells us (of this most ateftl and
now universally well-known root) that it is a native of Amerioai, aad
was familiar to the Indians before the conquest of Mexico andPera.
It was called by them, amongst other names, ^ openauk ;" and intiis
History of the new-found land Virginia, by Henot (a foMo^ar elSr
Walter Raleigh, and printed in 1588), is described as '^ a kinde of
root of round form, some of the bigness of wallnnts, some hm
greater, which are found in moist and marish grounds, growing many
together one with the other in ropes, as if they were fastened by a
stnng." ^ Being boyled," he says, ^ or sodden, they are Verie ^Dod
meate.'' Gerrard, in his ^ Herbal,^ is the first author wbo gives the
figure of the potato plant. He calls it by the name of " polamm tube*
rosnm,^ which name has been followed by Linneeus and his disci-
ples. Sir Walter Raleigh, after returning from America in 1586, is
said to have first given it to his gardener in Ireland, as a fine fndt
from America, and which he desired him to plant in bis kitchen gar-
den in the spring. In August this plant flourished, and Jn Septem-
ber produced a fruit, but so differedt to the gardener s expectation,
that in an ill humour he carried the potato-apple to his master. ^ Is
this,'' said he, " the fine fruit from America you prized so highly?"
Sir Walter either was or pretended to be ignorant of the matter, and
told the gardener, since that was the case, to dig up the weed and
throw it away. The gardener soon returned with a good parcel of
potatoes. It was cultivated in the gardens of the nobility and gentrv,
early in the seventeenth century, as a curious exotic, and towaros
the close of it (1684) was planted out in the fields, in small patches,
in Lancashire, from whence it was gradually propagated all over (he
kingdom, as well as in France. The reader who is desirous of in*
vestigating the curious qualities which were ascribed to this root ia
queen Elizabeth's days, in referred to what the author of the " Pai^
suits of Literature** calls the ^potato note" of Mr. Collins, at the end
of Shakspeare's ^Troilus andCriBsaida*'' Though tolerably coiBr

THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. SQl

mon, they wen in James the Furst's tune conridered as a great de-
licacy, and are noticed among varioas other articles to be provided
for the queen's household ; the quantity of them was at tnis time,
however, extremely small, and the price what would now be thought
excessive — viz. 3s. per pound.

PLANTING POTATOES IN SCOTIiAND,

Henry Prentice was the first person in Scotland who planted
potatoes, and lived for a long time in the sanctuary of Holvrood
House, and died about twenty years ago at a very advanced age.
He was a bachelor, and lived by himself, and had no near relations,
and being apprehensive that he might want a coffin when he died,
he had one made, which he hung from the roof of his house like a
Jbird-cage'. ^ He had saved a little money from his earnings as a gar-
dener, which he sunk in an annuity witn the magistrates of Canon-
l^ate, (who i^eed to let him have a good grave in their church-yard
m.t^ bargain), and he lived long enough to eat on four times the
original sum. This eccentric and most remarkable character, is
■aid to have soggested to lord Somerville, the culture of potatoes,
who was the first who planted a field.

Chamber's Traditiotu of Edinbro\

CABBAGES.

AccQitting to Evelyn, in his '^Sylva,'* even so ordinary but useful
a lenune as a cabbage, was in 1539 first imported from the Nether-
lapos. Many years after this, it seems, that England viras still snp-
dBed with cabbages from Flanders. BoUein, in his ^Boke of
Simples,'' vmtten in 1562, observes on this vegetable, that '^ it is
good to make pottage withall, and is a profitable herbe in, the comt
mon wealthe, which the Fleminges sell deare, but we have it grow-
inge in our owne gardens, if we would preferre our owne comodityes,**
&C. He adds, '^ there be greate plenty growing between Albrougbt
md Horthwoith, in SufibUe, upon the sea shore." Cauliflowers
were as uncommon near the same time, and sold then and after-
wards verjr high. As late as 1619, two canliflowers cost Ss., and
sixteen artichokes 3s. 4d., prices which would now be deemed ex-
travagant, but they were at that time esteemed rarities, as they still
are in remote parts of the kingdouL

RADISHES, &c.

' BoUein, just auoted, says of this root, in 1562, ^ of radish rootes
there be no small store growing about the famous citie of London,
though they be more plentiful than profitable, and more noysome Uian
nonrishing to man*s nature.'' Of garden productions mentioned in
a MS. of the Steward of Sir Edward Coke, while Attorney General,
between 1596-7, onions, leeks, carrots, and ra<Ues, seem to have
been chiefly used tsJi^make pottage for the poor. HoUnshed tells us,
in his '^ Chronicle," written about this time, **^ such herbes, fruites,
and rootes also as growe yearlie out of the ground of seed, had bcr
come verie plentifnll in this land in the time of the First Edward, and
after his daies ; but in processe of time they grew also to b6 neglected;
so that from Henrie the Fourth till the latter end of Henrie the Se-
venth, and besinninge of Henry the Eighth, there was little or no
Qse of them in England, but thev remained either unknowne, <Hr sup-
posed as food more mete for hogs and savage beasts to feed upon
aem than mankind; whereas^ in my time, their use is not only re-

908 TBB BTTMOLOOrCAL COMFBNDIUn.

■mied MDODge the poore commons — I mean melons, pensions,
mards, eacnmbers, radishes, &c. skerets. pannros, carrots, cab-
htigen, newewes, tamips, and all kindes of herbes ; oat also fed upon
mt daintie dishes at the tables of delicate merchants, gentlemen, and
the nobilitie, who make tiiieir provision yearlie for new aeeda out of
strange coautries, from whence they have them abondantlie."

CELERY.

Celery was first introduced to the English tables br CoontTai-
Urd* dormg his captivity in England, after the battle orMaipla'iaet,
10 1799.

ARROW-ROOT.

This plant, or vegetable, so highly prized in the sick ehamlMr, de-
rires its name from being an effectiial antidote againrt the ▼euai of
the poisoned arrow, ma<M use of by the Indians^ particnlarly by die
Carribees, the plant or root aboimdini§: in the ulmids tiras dcMmi*

aated.

VEGETABLE FUNGI.

An occurrence in the cellar of tiie late Sir Josepli Ba«ks, may be
acceptable in the mention to t^ cnrioas, and excite particular sym-
pathy in persons who recreate with the jaice of the vine : as a fact,
it may tend to elucidate the CNrigin ana nature of vegetable fungi,
particularly of that species termed Mushroom. The worthy baraaet
nad a cask of wine rather too sweet fw immediate use ; be thereibre
directed that it should be placed in a cellar, in order that the nc-
charine matter it contained, might be more periecUy decomposed by
age. At the end of three years, he directed his butler to ascfitua
Jhe state of the wine, when, on attempting to open the cellar door,
ne could not effect it, in consequence of sonif. powerful obstacle.
The door was cut down, and the cellar found to ha ccNoapletely filled
with a firm fungus vegetable production — so firm, that it was .neces-
sary to nse the axe for its removal This appeared to lurre grown
firom, or have been nourished by, the decomposed particles of the
Virine ; the cask was empbr, and carried up to the ceiling^ whort it
was supported by the suruice of the fungus. ^

SUGAR.

Tea and sus:ar, which are now to be met vdth in most cottages in
the South of England, were great rarities until comparatively mlate
years. The latter is, indeed, noticed by several authors, ewn as
early as the 14th century, (Anderson 11, 178), but continued to be
very dear even in James's reign. It first came from Barbary and
Cypms, where the sugar-cane was introduced by the Moors, and
from thence to Spain and the Canaries. From hence, on the disco-
▼ery of America, it was transplanted to the Brazils ; and about the
year 1506, established in Hispaniola. Before it was cultivated hi
Africa or Europe, sugar was brought from the Indies by way of Da-
mascns, or Aleppo, and from thence to England by Venice, Genoa,
or Pisa. Anciently honey was the chief ingredient used as a
sweetener of our dishes and liquors, particularly in mead and ne-
theglin. Sugar, however, notwithsta nding its extravagant price, was
very generally substituted in the plaice of honey, even as early as the
reign of Richard 11. in great quantities, as is to be seen in several
receipts of ancient cookery, and particularly in the kitchen accoontJ
«f that monarch. Sack and sugar viras a favorite beverage with
SBcastors, and is alluded to in sereral old plays.

THB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 303

TEA.

Tea wai probably very imperfectly, if at all, known in England
in the rejgn of, James L, and certainly was very little nsed. Botero>
who wrote about 1590, seems to allade to tea in the following re-
mark :— ** The Chinese have also an herb, out of which they press a
delicate juice, which senres them instead of wine ; it also presenres
their health, and frees them from all those evils that the immoderate
use of wine doth brin^nto as." In a treatise on the East India
trslde, published in 1^, most of the commodities then imported are
enumerated, but tea is not one of them. It was, perhaps, introduced
OB the establishment of the new India Company in lo37, who then
obtained permission to trade to China and Japan, to whichthe former
India Company had not before adventured. No notice of tea, how-
ever, is taken in the Book of Rates annexed to the Act passed in
I660y for grantmg the King certain duties on different articles of im-
portation ; but in a subsequent Act, tea, coffee, and chocd[ate, are
•olgected io an excise. It is singular, in the Act alluded to, that
the duty is imposed on the liquor composed from the articles speci-
fied, and not on the simple articles themselves. The act says, ** for
every gallon of coffee made and sold, to be paid by the maker, 4d. ;
lor every gallon of chocolate, sherbet, and tea, made and sold^ to be
paid by the maker thereof, 8d> ;^ from which it may be interred,
that none of those articles were then made by private families, but
were nufchased ready mixed from the compounder. The difficulty
of colfecting the duties in this form, their general unproductiveness,
uid the expenses they caused, occasioned the act to be repealed in
the reign of William and Mary. Another writer says.

Tea, or ehaa, as it is called in China, was first brought to this
country from Holland by Lord Arlington, in 1666. It is said to
have been first brought to Europe by the Portuguese; and not un-
derstanding its qualities, or the mode of preparing it the leaves
were bofled, served up as greens, and eat with melted butter, the
water in which they were boiled being thrown away !

TOBACCO. ^

Tobaoco is a native of the East and West Indies, and particularly
due island Tebago,* or Tobago, from whence Tobacco, or Tobacco is
derived. It was first introduced into England by Sir Walter Ra-
lead^, from Virginia, in the early part of the reign of James Ist, who
ia nis Apothegms, spoke of it as follows : **" that tobacco was the
lively image and pattern of Hell ; for that it had by allusion in it all
tlM parts and vices of the world whereby Hell may be guned : to
wity first, it was a smoak ; so are all the vanities of this world.
Secondly, it delighteth them who take it ; so do all the pleasures of
the world delight the men of the world. Thirdly, it maketh men
drunk and light in the head ; so do ail the vanities of the world —
men are drunken therevnth. Fourthly, he that taketh tobacco saith
he oannot leave it, it doth bevntch him ; even so tiie pleasures of
tliiie world make men loath to leave them, they are for tne most part
so enchatated with them. And further, besides all tfaos; it is like
Hen in the very substance of it, for it is a stinking loatlisome thing ;
and so is Hell." And further, his msgesty professed, that ** were

• First discovered tkere hi 1496.

204 ^fHB BTYM0L06ICAL COMPENDIUM.

he io invite the Devil to a dinner, he should have three dishes : first,
a Pif^; second, a poll of iAng and mustard; and third^ a Pipe «/
TobiccOf for digestore.''

HOPS AND BEER.

They were, according to '^ Baker's Chroiucles,'' introdaced int^
England in &e year of oor Lord, 1534.

'* Tiirkies, carps, hoppes, {•icarell,* and beere.
Came into Euglande aU in one yeare.**

BARLEY, BEER, BARME.

The monih of September vrss called by onr Saxon ancestors Gent-
monat, for that barley, savs Verstegan, vrhich that moneth com-
monly yeelded, was antieBtly cidled gerstf the name of barley bdi^
given onto it by reasmi of the diinke therewith made, called been,
and from heerUgh it came to hi^herlegh, and from herleg to knief .
So in like manner beereheym, to wit, the overdecking or covering of
beere, came to be called berham, and afterwards barme, having since
gotten I wot not how many names besides. -|* This excellent and
healthsome liquor, beere^ antiently called o^i, as <tf the Danes it ^
is (beere and ale being in effect all one,) was of the Oermans ra-
vented, and broaght in use."

ALE.

^ This term, denominating another tnily English beverage, it de*
rived from the Saxon aeh The Saxons called October an^n^nai,
or ael-monath^ i. e the month which was principally dedicated to
the brewing of this li^or.

Dr. Paris, " On Diet," says, the liquor called ale, was originaHy
made of barley, t malt, and yeast alone We are told by one of the
oldest writers on medical subjects, (Andrew fioorde), that those
who put in any other ingredient, sophisticated the liquor. It is, he
says, the natural drink of an Englishman ; but beer, on the other
hand, which is made of malt, hops, and water, is the natural drink
of a Dutchman, and of late is much used in England, to the great
detriment of many Englishmen. There existed^ for a long time, a'
strong prejudice against hops, which were considered as* pemicioBs
weeds ; but it is now generally admitted, that they constitote the
most valuable ingredient in malt liquors. Independent of the flavour
and tonic virtues which theyr communicate, they precipitate, by
means of their astringent principle, tlie vegetable mucilage, and thus
remove from the beer the active principle of its fermentatioa ; vrith-
out hops, therefore, we must either dnnk our malt liquors new and
ropy, or old and sour. There are several varieties of ale, distin-
guished by their colour; when the malt is slenderly dried, the ale is
jmde^ or brown when the malt is more roasted, or high dried.

PORTER AND ENTIRE

Before 1730, the malt liquors in general use in LondcNi, were
called ale. beer, and a drink called twopenny. It was then custcnn-
ary to call for a pint, or tankard, of htm and-half; i. e. half of ale,
and half of beer, or half of ale, and half of twopenny. In course of
time, it also became the practice to call for a pint, or tankard of

• Pike or Jack, t Yeast, Ac. t See Barley,

TUB ETTMOLOOICAL COMPENDIUM. ^05

three-threads, meaning a third of each, ale, beer, and two-penny,
and thas the publican had the trouble to ^ to three casks^ and torn
three cocka for a pint of liquor. To avoid this inconvenience and .
Mraste, a brewer of the name of flarwood, conceived the idea of
making a liquor, which should partake of the united flaTOurs of ale,
beer^ and twopenny ; he did 80> and succeeded, calling it entire^ or
entire-butt, meaning that it was drawn entirely from one cask or
butt; and as it was a very hearty and nourishing liquor, and sup-^
posed to be very suitable for porters, and other working people, it"
obtained the name of porter.

GIN.

The Genevese, in imitation of the Dutch (Hollands) were the fifst
makers of this spirit, and called it Geneva, from whence originated
the Ei^sh term of Gin. Although it is inferior in flavour to Hol-
lands, It is considered, when unadulterated with noxious mixtures,
to be equally as wholesome.

FERINTOSH WHISKEY.

The word Ferintosh signifies Thane's land, it having been part of
the Thanedom of Cawdor (Macbeth's), or Galder. The barony of
Ferintosh belonged to the Forbes's of Gulloden, and contained
about 1800 arable acres. All barley produced on this estate was
priyileged to be converted into whiskey, duty free ; the natmul
consequence of which was, that more whiskey was distilled in Fe-
rintosh than in all the rest of Scotland. In 1784, (government made
a sort of compulsory purchase of this privilege finom the Gulloden
fiunily, afler they had ei^oyed it a complete century* The sum paid

PORT WINE.

This wine derives its name from Oporto, in Portugal, which, like
Bordeaux in France, is the principal port in that country from
whence the Portugal wines are exported.

Howell says, " Portugal affords no wines worth transporting.*'
In our day, however, we think different. The custom of drinking
Port wine began about 1703, the date of the Methuen treaty, it be-
being deemea impohtic to encourage the vintage of France.

Wine was first made in England in 1140.

SHERRY.

^ This wine derives its name from the province of Xeriers, in Spain,
where it is produced.

HOCK.

We have heard much of Hock, and a many of us, no doubt, have
tasted it : it is made at a village called Hocheim, in Germany, from
which it^erives its name. The following Epitaph may be seen on
a Uunb-stone there :

" Tlus grave holds Gaspar Schink -vrho came to dine
And taste the noblest vintag^e of the Rhine :
Three nights he sat, and thirty bottles drank.
Then lifeless by the board of Bacchus sank.
One only comfort have we in tlie case—
The trump will raise him in the proper place.**

209 THB BTTM0L06ICAL COMPENDIUM.

GROG.

Old Admiral Vernon first introduced mm and water as a beve-
rage' on board a ship ; the veteran used to wear a grogram cloak in
foal weather, which gained him the appellation of Old Gro^ : frooi
himself the sailors transfei red this name to the liquor, and it may
be a qaestion to which of the grogs they were most attached.

PUNCH, {Liquor^,

The liqnor called Ponch, says the ^Asiatic Joamal,'' has become so
tmly English, that it is often supposed to be indigenous in this
countrjr, though its name at least is oriental The Persian punji, or
Sanscrit pancna, i. e.five, is the etymon of its title, and denotes the
number of ing^dienU of which it is composed. Addison's /ox-
lumtery who testified so much surprise when he found, that of the
materials of which this truly English beverage was made^ only the
tcater belonged to England, would have been more astonished, had
his informant also told him that it derived its name even from the
East.

NEGUS.

Wine and water first received this name firom Francis Negas,
B8<|. in the reign of George the First Party spirit ran high at that
period between Whigs and Tories, and wine-bibbiog was resoerted
to as an excitement On one occasion, some leading Whigs and
Tories haying, par acHdentf got over their cups together, and Ifr.
Negus being present, and high words ensuing, he recommended
them in future to dilate their wine, as he did, which sng^Stion fer-
tunatelv directed their attention from an, argument, which probably
would have ended seriously, to one on the merits of wine and water,
which concluded by their nick-naming it Megus.

COFFEE AND COFFEE HOUSES.

Coffee Hou!<(rs were first established at Oxford. Id tibe year
1660, Jarob, a Jew, opened a Coffey-house at the Angel, in the pa^*
rish of Saint Peter in the East, Oxon ; and there it was by some,
who delighted in noveltie, drank.

In 1654, Cirques Jobson, a Jew and a Jacobite, bom near Mount
Lebanus, sold coffee in Oxon ; and in 1655, Arthin* Tillyard, apo-
thecary, sold cofiee publicly in his house against All Soul's College.

This coffey-honse continued till his Majestv's (Charles 2d) return
and after, and then became more frequent. \i is also recorded in a
" New View of London,*' published in 1708, that one James Fair, a
barber, who kept the house (which is now the Rainbow) by the
Inner Temple Gate, one of the oldest in England, was in the year
1667, presented by the Inquest of St. Dunstan's in the West, Ua
mfdcing and sellin? a sort of liqnor called cofiee, to the great na-
sance and preju ice of the neighbourhood. And who (vlds ths
author) could then have thought London would ever have had 3000
such nuisances, and that cofiiee wotild have been, as now, so much
drank by the first quality and physicians.

NEWCASTLE SALMON.

Previous to the year 1787, all salmon sent to London from Ber-
wick, were boiled and put ibto kits; bat since that time, ffaey have

THB ETTWOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 207

been sent in boxes, stratified with ice, by T?hich mode they are pre-
served for a considerable period At a stiil previous time, the fish
were carried by land to Newcastle, and there cured and shipped for
London^ where they are to this day called Newcastle Sainton.

STILTON CHEESE.

The late duke of Northomberland, and suite, passing through
Stilton, on their way to the north, stopped at the Crown to take lun-
.cheon and change -horses. On his grace (at that period earl Percy)
inquiring of the landlord if he had any good cheese, one of the de-
scription now in vog^e was placed on the table, which his lordship
was so much pleased with, that he purchased half a dozen of the
same, which the landlord had by him. The praise which his lord-
ship bestowed on the cheese to all his friends and acquaintance,
lurought numerous applications to tiie landlord for similar ones, and
consequently brought the cheese into great vogue, insomuch, that at
last, he foand his cheese trade as productive as his inn. Although
the cheese is denominated by the name of Stilton, which is merely
from the circumstance previously named, yet it is made in the Vici-
nity of Melton Mowbray, and other parts of Leicestershire.

NATIVE OYSTERS.

** The herring loves the merry moon-light^
The mackerel love» the virind.
But the oyster loves the dredging song.
For he comes of a gentle kind."

Oysters are conceitedly said to be in season in every month of
the year that has an R in its name, beginning with September, and
ending with April ; but the season in many places extends from
August to May- Almost every city has its favourite oyster bank.
In London the Colchester and Milton oysters are held in most es-
teem. Edinburgh has her ** Whispered Pandores,*^ and latterly,
•* Aberdour oysters ;" and Dublin, the ** Carlingford" and " Powl-
doodies of Burran.'^ For the convenience of obtaining a ready sup-
ply of ovsters, they are oflten transported from their original beas,
and laid down on proper places of the coast, but these exiles are
seldom found in such perfection as those which are called natives —
that is, such as have never been rudely torn from their native houes^
and sent on voyages of profit.

RED HERRINGS.

In a curious old pamphlet, entitled ^ Lenten Stuffe,** tiie author
says, ^ the discovery of red herrings was owing to accident, by a
fisherman having hung some in his cabin, where, what with bis
firing and smoaking, or smoaky firing, in that his narrow lobby (house).
Ids herrings, which were as white as whalebone when he hung them
np, now looked as red as a boiled lobster.'^ N

In the year 1745, when the Scots rebellion threatened most for-
midably. Herring, then archbishop of York, resolted, in case of ex-
tremity, to take anns himself, and oppose the rebels. His avowing
his intention, gave occasion to orator Henley to nick- name him a
Red-Herring !

208 THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

BREAD AND BUTTER.

Bread and butter, &c. superceded Kychen frrosse, ot dripfnnS}
for breakfast, between the reigns of £dward wx and Elizabetb*—-
Bread and cheese is mentioned as a common viand by Diogenes
Laertins.

SECTION XII.

LUXURIES, ARTICLES OF DRESS, TRADES,
PROFESSIONS AND COMPANIES,
PUBLIC HOUSE SIGNS, &c.

SHOES AND BOOTS.

** For when the restless Greeks sate down
So many years before Troy town,
And were renown'd, as Homer writes,
For uell soaCd boots^ no less than fights."

To whom the honour of the invention belongs, has never yet been
satisfactorily ascertained by the Crispins of ancient or of modem
times. That the Jews had them in use, appears from many pas-
sages of their history. ^ Over Edom,*' said the royal Psalmist,
" will I cast out my shoe.*'

Pliny, the Roman historian,, attributes the invention to M. Ty-
chius, resident somewhere in Boetia ; but he does not specify either
time or place with sufficient certainty. It is beyond all doubt that
they were introduced into Greece at a very early period. Apollo
was always represented as wearing sandals, and was thence some-
times called SundilaHus. That the Greeks wore boots long before
the days of Homer, has been proved from several passages in the
Iliad. In the very first book, Chryses, in his patnetic appeal to
King Agamemnon and his army to restore his daughter, addresses
them thus —

** Ye sons of Atreos, and ye other well-booted Greeks."

Among the Romans, a ^ood shoemaker was held in very high
estimation ; and the profession was held by them to be inalienabk!,
as the profession of a priest is among ourselves.

" While boots and shoes are worn, their names shall b«
Proclaimed by fame to all posterity."

RIGHTS AND LEFTS.

Rights and lefts are only " an old, old, very old,*' fashion revived.
The shoes of Bernard, king of Italy, found m his tomb, wera right

THE ETYMOLOOICAL COMPENDIUM. 209

and left ; the soles were of wood, the upper part red leather, laced
with thongs, and they fitted so closely, toat the order of the toes,
terminating in a point at the great toe, might easily be discovered.*
It is remarkable that, as in the nresent age, both shoes and slippers
were worn shaped after the rignt and left foot. Shakspeare de-
scribes his smith as

** Standing on slippers, which his nimble haste
Had fklsely thrust upon contrary feet.

And Scott, in his " Discoverie of Witchcraft," observes, ** that he
who receiveth a mischance, will consider whether he put not on his
shirt wrong side outwards, or his left shoe on his right foot."*!-

GLOVES.

Cassanbon is of opinion, that Gloves were worn by the Chaldeans,
because the word here mentioned is in the Talmud Lexicon ex-
plained, '' the clothing of the hand." Bat it must be confessed, all
this is mere conjectore ; and the^ Chaldean Paraphrast mav nave
taken an unallowable Hbertv with his version. Let us then be
content to begin with Zenopnon, who gives a clear and distinct
account of gloves.

Speaking of the manners of the Persians, he gives us a proof of
tiieir effeminacy ; that, not satisfied with covering their head and
Aeir feet, they also guarded their hands against the cold with thick
gloves. ^ Homer, speaking of Laertes at work in his garden, repre-
sents him with " gloves on his hands, to secure them from the
thorns." Varro, an ancient writer, is an evidence in favour of their
antiquity among the Romans. In lib. 2. cap. 35. Dere RvsUca, be
ai^s, that olives gathered by the naked hand are preferable to those
gi^ered with gloves.

Athenaeus speaks of a celebrated glutton, who always came to
table witb gloves on his hands, that he might be able to nandle and
eat the meat while hot, and devour more than the rest of the com-
pany.

NIGHT CAPS.

** Such Nipht-cajps as cover'd our Milton divine,
And enabled his brain in such numbers to shine.**

Before we proceed to Hats and Caps, we will sav something
abont the origm of that most unseemly and ungraceml thing, — ^a
Man's Niirht Cap. In former times a hood was attached to the
sleeping habiliment, somewhat similar to a monk's cowl, until Heary
3d of j^ance, whose forte was the study of personal convenience
and ease, introduced the present night-cap. The middle and lower
orders were forbidden to wear velvet or brocade ones, so that Uiose
classes had them originally made of woollen cloth.

PANTALOONS.

** For as the French, we conquer'd once,
Ntnv, gpive us laws for Pantaloons." Httd^iU»

Pantaloons, and Port Canons, were some of the fantastic fastuons
wherein we aped the French — and is derived from Pantaleon or
Pantaloon, in the pantomime.it

* Fosebroke Diet. Antiq.
t Dr. Drake's Shakspeare and his times.
X See Pantaloon.

210 ^raB BTTMOLOGICAL COMFBNDnTM. ^

MILITARY UNIFORMS.

Military UniformB were first introduced by Louis the Fowteeiifli,
and immediately after by the English.

LIVERIES.

Ldveries origrinated in oar British ancestors cloathing their Tassak
in aniform, to distingaish families ; as they painted arms and sjfn-
bfrfs on their clothes and arms for the same purpose.

SERJEANT'S COIF.

The Seneant's <]!!oif was originally an iron-scnll-cap, worn by
knights under their helmets. Blackstone says it was introdoeedbe-
ibre I4253, " to hide the tonsor of sach renegade clerks, as chose to
remain as advocates in the secular* courts, notwithstanding tiieir
prohibition by canon."

FLANNEL SHIRTS.

Flannel was first used in Boston, as a dress next the skio, by
Lord Percys regiment, which was encamped on the CommcHi m
October 1/74. Tliere was hardly flannel enough then in the whole
town f(« that one regiment Some time after Lord Percy had be-
gun with flannel shirting. Sir Benjamin Thompson (Gonnt Rumfiiid)
published a pamphlet in America, assuming to have discovered Uils

gractice. He might, perhaps, have suggested the use of it to Lord
6rcy. Flannel has not bean in geneml use till within some thirty
years.

BLANKETS.

In 1340, one Thomas Blanket, and some other inhabitants of
Bristol, set up looms in their own houses for weaving those wooOea
cloths, which have ever since been called Blai^ets.

HATS AND CAPS.

•* - altum •

^dificat caput." Juvenal.

•* Blest Hat ! (whoe'er thy lord may be)
Thus low I take off mine to thee !"

The introduction of caps and hats is referred to the year 1449,
the first seen in these parts of the wprld being at the entry of Ghsrles
7th into Rouen, and from that time they began to take place of tbe
hoods or chaperons, that had been used till then. When the eap
was of velvet, they called it mortier — when of wool, simply bonnet.
None but kings, princes, and knights, wf re allowed the use of the
mortier. The cap was the head dress of the clergy and graduates,
churchmen and members of universities, students in law, physic, &c.
and, as well as graduates, wear square caps in most universities.
Doctors are distinguished by peculiar caps ^ven them in assumiag
the doctorate. Pasquier says, that the givmg the cap to students
in the universities, was to denote that thev had acquired full liberty,
and were no longer subject to the rod of tneir superiors, in imitation
of the ancient Romans, who gave a pileu8 or cap to their slaves, m
the ceremony of making them free. The cap is also used as a- mark
of infamy in Italy. The Jews are distinguished by a yellow cap at

mis BTTMOIiOCHCAL COMPENDIUM. 2 1 \

Lucca, and by an orange one in France. Formexiy those who had
been bankrapts were obliged ever after to wear a green cap, to pre-
Teot people frcnn being imposed on in any Intore commerce.

SPENCERS.

This article of dress originated with the late Lord Spenser. His
locdahip, when Lord Ltentenant of Ireland, being oat a nontlng, had,
■i the act of leiqping a fence, the misfortune to have one of die skirts
of has coat torn off; apon which his lordship tore off the other, ob-
■erviiig* that to have bat one left was like a pig with one ear! Some
iaventiTe genins took the hint^ and having made some oif these half-
CMits, out of compUmeirt to his lordship, gave to them the significant
cogn oai en of Spencer !

WIGS.

** Oil, Absalom! Oh, Absalom!
Oh, Absalom ! my son.
If thou hadst worn a perriwig
Thou hadst not been undone !"

W^^s were first worn by the Romans, to hide baldness, or de-
ftnnify of the head ; those of the Roman ladies were fastened iij^n
a caul of goat skin. Perriwip^ commenced with their Emperors ;
diBT were ankwardly made of hair, painted and glaed together.

The year 1529 is deemed the epoch of the introduction of perri-
wi|g8 into France ; yet it is certain that teteawere in nse here a een-
tery before. Fosbroke says, ^ that strange deformity, the lodge's
wig, first appears as a general genteel fashion in the seventeenth
centnry." Archbishop Tillotson was the first prelate vrho wore a
wig, wnich then was not unlike the natural hair, and worn withont
powder.* Among the Curioaa Cantabrigienaia, it may be record-
ed, that onr " most religious and gracious king," as he was called
in the liturgv, Charles the Second, who, as his worthy friend, the
]^1 of Rochester, remarked,

** Never said a foolish thing,
• Nor ever did a wise one,** —

sent a letter to the University of Cambridge, forbidding the men-'
bera to wear perriwigs, smoke tobacco, and read their sermons ! It
u needless to remark, that tobacco has not yet made its exit in fitmo,
and that perriwigs still continue to adorn the heads of houses!

HAIR.POWDER.

The powdering of the hair took its rise from some of the ballad
singers, at the fair of St. Germaine, whitening their heads to make
themselves appear ridicnloas ; this vras in the year 1614* It was
first taxed in England, 1795.

FANS, Ac.

Fans, mnffs, masks, &x. and false hair, wei*e $rst devised by tiie
harlots in Italy, and from France in 1572.

• LysoQ*! Environs,

212 ^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPEin>nJM.

STAYS-

** Enviable Corset! that keeps within bounds.
And guards those precious charms.**

Stays, like many other articles of dress, were first used in tibe re^;i
of Henr^ 3d of France. They were called Stays, here, becanae ttiey
were said to stay the obtnisive charms of woman.

A curioas edict was passed by the Emperor Joseph the Seoond,
of law making notoriety, to restrain the use and fashion of stays; is
tbe preamble it set forth, that they impaired the healtih, and imped-
ed the growth of the fair sex ; in all orphan houses, nunneries, and
other places of pablic education, they were strictly forbidden, and

Jjonng ladies still persisting in the fashion, were threatened witiithe
088 ot" the cnstomary indulgences and countenance which were W
stowed on their class ; thus they were made a sort of immorality.
The College of Physicians also were enjoined to draw np a disser-
tation in support of the royal edict, which was distriboted gratis.
But what can a monarch do against fashion ? The liberty en the
corset was soon re-established in Austria in its (all severity.

WOMEN*S BLACKS.
** Her lovely ankle cas'd in black.**

This is the name •f the common black worsted stockings, formerly
an article of extensive consumption ; they are now little made, be-
cause little worn. Black stockings were first introduced into Eng-
land by Henrietta, daughter of Henry 4th of France, and queen of
Charles the First. Charles was the first who wore black stockings
in England ; they were of silk, and Charles 2d seldom wore any
other, as the old prints and paintings testify.

One of the greatest wholesale dealers in ^ women's blacks,'* in a
manufacturing town, was celebrated for the lai^eness of his stock ;
his means enabled him to purchase all that were offered to him for
sale, and it was his favourite article. He was an old-fashioned
man, and while the servant maids were leaving them off, he was
unconscious of the change, because he could not believe it ; he in-
sisted that household work could not be done in white cottons.—
Offers of quantities were made to him at reduced ))rices. which he
bought ; his immense capital became locked np in his favourite
" women's blacks ;'' whenever their price in the market lowered, he
could not make his mind np to be quite low enough ; his warehouses
were filled with them ; when he determined to sell, tbe demand had
wholly ceased ; he could effect no sales ; and, becoming bankmpt,
he literally died of a broken-heart — from an excessive and unre-
quited attachment to ^ women's blacks."

COACHES.

** A coach, a coach ! and let him who calleth of the coach, be the
caller of it !'* Crononotunthologot.

The use of coaches was introduced into England by Fitz Allan,
Earl of Arundel, A.D. 1580, before which time Queen Elizabeth,
on public occasions, rode behind her chamberlain, and she in her
old age, according to Wilson, used reluctantly such an effeminate
conveyance.

They were at first drawn only by two horses, " but," says the
same author, ** the rest crept in by degrees, as men at first ventored
to iteaJ* It was Buckmgham, the Favourite, who, about 1619, be-

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 213

have them drawn by six horses, which, as another historian
" was wondered at as a novelty, and imputed to him as mas-
pride." Before that time, ladies chiefly rode on horseback,
single, on their palfreys, or doable, behind some person, on a
. In the year 1672, at which period, throughout tne kingdom,
iras only six stage coaches constantly running, a pamphlet
rittcn, and published, by Mr. John Cresset, of the Gharter-
, urging their suppression, and amongst other grave reasons
against their continuance, the author says, ^ These stage
38 make gentlemen come to London on every trivial occasioD,
oiherwdse they would not do, but upon urgent necessity : nay,
nyenience of the passage makes their wives often come ap,
ather than come such joumeyH on horseback, would stay at
Then, when they come to town, they must presently* be in
ode, get fine clothes, go to plays and treats, and, by these
I, get such a habit of idleness and love of pleasore^ as make
measy ever after."

HACKNEY COACHES.

zknej coaches, as well as hackney horses, derive their appel-
from the village of Hackney, which was, at a former period,
h great resort, chat numbers of coaches and horses were in
int employ in carrying the citizens thither. It was in the year '
fh^t Cai>tain Bayley first introduced these coaches, when a to-
e long ride might then be procured for the small sum of 4(i.

SEDAN CHAIRS.

ras in the same year, 1634, that Sir Saunders Duncombe first
ioced sedan chairs. Sir Saunders was a great traveller, and
Ben these chairs at Sedan, where they were first invented.

SIDE SADDLES.

B Princess Ann of Bohemia was the first who introduced side
ds into England. It was in the year 1399 ; prior to which, la-
either rode on pillion, or astride like men.

WALKING STICKS.

liking sticks were first introduced into fashion by the effemi-
Elenry 2d of France, but did not become a requisite appendage
gentlemen of fashion in England till the year 1655, at which
they were formed with an indented head, in order to aflbrd a
easy pressure of the hand which they supported. Ingenuitjr,
I in matters of fashion is for ever on the alert, now crowned it
the addition of the round and hollow top, which sometimes con-
1 nutmeg or ginger, to warm the stomach of the valetudinarian,
(Mnetimes sugar candy for the asthmatic ; but snuff soon after
ig into universal use among the ban ton of society, the cavity
•xclusively appropriated to its reception ; and the meeting of
riends was invariably marked, after the &rst salutation, by the
ewing(^the tops of their walking sticks.

TILBURY.

called from Mr. Tilbury, the coach-maker of Meant Street^
eley Square. ^ ^

4|i4 l'^^ BTTM0L06ICAL COMFBNDnTM.

STANHOPE.

So called from being infrodoced into the beau monde by the Hon.
Mr. Stanhope.

DENNET.

A rehicle which derives its name from the inyentor, whose nane
was Dennet.

TANDEM.

This equipage derives its name from the Latin words tan iem,
i. e. at length ; one horse {)receding the other. It is a cognomen
somewhat far-fetched, bat it is accoonted for by saying, it is of Uni-
rersity origin.

USE OF MAHOGANY IN ENGLAND.

Dr. Gibbons, an eminent physician, in the latter end of last, aad
beginning of the present centnry, had a brother, a West India cap-
tain, who broaght over some planks of mahogany as ballast. As tibe
doctor was then building him a house, in King Street, Covent Gar-
den, his brother thought they might be of service to nim. Bat the
carpenters finding the wood too hard for their tools, it was laid aside
for a time as useless. Soon after, Mrs. GibboDs wanted a candle-
box ; the doctor called on his cabinet-maker ( Wollaston, in I'M!
Acre), to make him one of some wood that lay in his garden. Wof
laston also complained that it was too hard. The doctor said he
mast get stronger tools. The candle-box was made and improved ;
insomuch that the doctor then insisted on having a bureau made of
the same wood, which was accordingly done ; and the fiira ccloar,
polish, &c. were so pleasing, that he invited all his friends to c<Nne
and see it, and among them the Duchess of Buckingham^

Her Grace begged some of the same wood of Dr. Gibbons, and
employed Wollaston to make her a bureau also : on which the fame
of mahogany and Mr. Wollaston was much raised, and things of this
sort became general.

Holinshead, who wrote in the time of Queen Elizabeth, says, ** all
the inmitnre and utensils (even) were of wood, and that the people
slept on straw pallets with a log of wood for a pillow."

D'OYLEYS.

These dessert napkins take their term 'from a very respectable
warehouseman of the name of D'Oyley, whose family of the same
name had resided in the great old house next to HodsoU, the btmk-
er's, from the time of Queen Anne. This house, built by Inigo Jones,
which makes a prominent feature in the old engraved views of the
Strand, having a covered up and-down entrance which projected to
the carriage way, was pulled down about 1782, on the site of which
was erected the house now occupied in the same business.

BOAT'S PAINl'ER.

At the trial of a smuggler in Sussex, some time ago, it was de-
posed by a witness, that there was nothing in the boat but the tubs
and the painter. Upoo which the counsel, whose duty it was to
cross-examine the witness, got up and said — " You say there was
nothing in the boat but the tubs and the painter; I vnsh to know
what ^came of him, did he run away.^-^^Uere there was great

TH£ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENBIUM. 215

laagjlMO^) It was then explained to the learned connaely thai the
painter mentioned was nothing bat a rope !

The rope which is coiled up in the hoat, and which is constantly
emolf^ea in hawling, &c. is called the boat's oainter, because, from
its Deing saturated with tar, and its continual friction against the
boat, the latter becomes daubed or painted, with the adhesiTe or
greasy matter with wliich the rope is covered.

HAMMER.CLOTH.

Tilis covering to the coachman's seat or box, is derived from the
German hammer, which implies a coat, or covering.

ATTORNEY.

In the time of our Saxon anceston, states a work entitled Saxon
Anomalies, the freemen in every shire met twice a year, under the
precedency of the Shire Reeve, or Sheriff, and this meeting was
called the Sheriff's torn. By degrees the freemen declined giving
their personal attendance, and a freeman who did not attend, car-
ried with him the proxies of such of his friends as could not appear :
he who actually went to the Sheriff's torn, was said, accoroing to
the old Saxon, to go ^ at the torn," and hence came the word at-
tomeyy which signified, one that went to the torn for others, carry-
ing with him a power to act, or vote for those who employed him.

I do not coDceive (continues the writer), that the attorney has
any rij^ to call himself a Solicitor, but where he has business ib a
coiirt of equitv. If he chose to act more upon the principle of equity
than law, let nim be a solicitor by all means, but not otherwise, for
law and equity are verv different things ; neither of them very good,
as ovemi^elmed with forms and technicalities ; but upon the wnole,
equity is surely the best, if it were but for the name of the thing.

TAILOR.
** Men three parts made by tailors and by barbers.**

A tailor now means a maker of clothes, whereas its origin is the
French word tailler, to cut, or cut out, whence it appears the trade
of clothes- maki^ was divided into a great many branches, such as

Elanner, cutter-out, sewer, Sec. or that every body ori^nall^ made
is own clothes, and merely employed the taflor to give him the
most fashionable outlines of a suit.

STATIONER.

The application of the word Stationer has undergone a singular
change. Originally it meant nothing but a tradesman of any kind,
who had become stationary, in opposition to the usual mode of an-
cient tradesmen, who travelled about with packs. But the most re-
markable anomaly is, that there are, and have long been, a set of
men who go from house to house, and from time to time, selling
what are now called stationary articles, so that they have justly ac-
quired the name of " flying stationers." Dismounted cavalry
(horsemen a foot), form quite a parallel case with these gentry.

APOTHECARY.

** Salts are in all his steps, manna in his eye.
In every gesture colyciulhand rhubarb.'*

The character of an apothecary is so legibly imprinted oil his

2ie THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENBIUM.

front, that all his efforts to conceal it are oseless. There ia a bolt-
ling imi>ortance aboat him which did not belong to the fratenuty of
former times. It is said by a waggish writer, Siat the apothecary
offormer times was a very hnmble being, and carried nis dn^
about with him in an earthenware vessel ; and from a-pot'ke-carrie$r
was derived the cognomen of Apothecary. This, however, the mo-
dem sons of Gkden would spam, and would inform yon that th^
receive their appellation from Apothecarius, an ancient and emi-
nent compounder of drugs.

BROKER.

A broker is a double-tongued rogue ; he.saith to the seller, mit,
for thine article is going down in the market ; he goeth to tiie buyer,
and saith, buy, for the article thou dealest in will surely rise. A
broker is thus defined by the teamed TroUope— ^ He is one who
steppeth in between two men making a bargain, and plundereth

MEN MILLINERS.
'* As spruce as a man milliner.**

In former times, the ancient sisterhood of Tire Women, or Dress-
ers, served only in the shops where ladies purchased thair gew-gaws;
but when the Milaners, or persons from Milan, in Italy, first mfro-
duced their fashions into this country (and from whence die term
Milliner is derived), it is supposed they also furnished us with tiie
idea of employing the male sex for the vending of various articles of
millinery, as is the custom in that country. Tne impropriety of em-
ploying young vigorous men to serve female customers must be evi-
dent to every considerate person ; especially, since so many fine
blooming females are thus consigned to idleness and temptation.
But, no, what lady would purchase her bandeaus, ribbons, and
gloves, from the hands of a young woman, when the shop contains
a young man ? The ancient fraternity of Tire Women became to-
tally extinct about 1765 ; but now, what head can be dressed with-
out the assistance of a smart male hair-dresser, or what female be-
decked without the flirting and nothingness of the man-milliner?

GROCER.

This term as applied to the venders of sugar, treacle, spices, kc.
originally meant nothing more than a dealer by the groce, or in tiie
gross, but which is now applied peculiarly to those who deal in the
above articles. There are several other frades which bear a name,
the limit or cause of which is now no more.

Another writer says — the term Grocer was originally employed
to distinguish a dealer in goods in gross quantities, in opposition to
the mere retailer ; though now extended to all, who deal in either
way, in the " mystery of grocery," a term in this instance, by the
bye, rather oddly applied. The more ancient designation, however,
of this fraternity, was that of the " Pepperers," on account of pep-
per being the principle article in which the grocer dealt. The fra-
ternity were first incorporated as Grocers by a charter from Edward
3d, in 1345, which was renewed and confirmed by several succeed-
ing monarchs. A pepperer was still, however, not anfreqnently t
distinct business, and continued so till as late a period as 1559. !■
that year a quantity of pepper having been taken in a Spanish car-
rack, was purchased from the queen at a good price, by certain ei-

THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 217*

elmiTe dealers in that article. The grocers, however, endeaTonred
to midersell the pepperers, by making other importatioDS of tiieir
own* which caused the latter to petition her Miyesty, that no pepper
iBJIght be imported for three years, which wonld enaole them to keep
^hmr engagement with her Migesty ; and to induce her to do so,
they promised not to raise the price of pepper above Ss. in the
poiDid*

TINKER.

The trade of a tinker yet exists, though its respectability, if it
erer bad any, has disappeared ; bat the practice wnich caosed the
none has been long disused. A tinker was one who tink*d, because
loEweily the tinkers went about giving warning of tiieir vicinity by
*M*lt«"g a tinkling noise on an old brass kettle.

OSTLER.

An innkeeper is comparatively a modem title — ^host, or hosteler,
ia the ancient one ; but in (he shape of ostler, it has now univer-
sally become the name of the host of the horses, not of the men— ^
singular proof of the active humility with which ancient innkeepers
attended to their guests, and as remarkable a proof of the additional
pride of modem landlords.

BUTLER.

A Butler, who is now the superintendent of all the eating and
drinking, but, imder the modem appellation of House Steward, in
the house to which he belongs, was originally the mere boiiler of
the liquors — a pretty good proof of the wetness of our ancestors.

MANTUA-MAKER.

Tlie names of places are sometimes preserved in trades, and the
olgects of trade, where no longer the slightest connexion exists be-
tween them. Thus we have a Mantua- maker, a name at first given
to nersons who made a particular cloak or dress worn at Mantua,
in Italy.

MILLINER.

Milliner, so called because the Milanese were the first Milliners,
or as they were called Milaners ; deriving their nuae from the sale
<^a particular dress first worn at Milan, in Itoly.

CORDWAINER.

Cordvirainer, or Gordovaner, or fine maker of shoes from Cordova,
or Spanish leather. The Cordwainer's Company have a goat's head
for their crest, and repeated in their arms.

DENTIST.

«< He is the merry conceited tootli-drawer.*'

This term, by which the tooth-reviser is designated, is derived
finim the Frencn word den, i. e. tooth ; and the concluding syllable
is added, as in art-ist, or chym-ist, or any oUier word terminating
with itt; merely for Uie sake of harmony.

C0STERM0N6ER.

This is a corruption of Costord-monger ; Ben Jonson uses it both
wayft, and it is noticed of his costermonger, by Mr. Archdeacon

^|g THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Narefly that ** he criei only pears." That genUeman rightlv deftKf
a oottavd-monffer^or coster-monger, to be "a seller of apples;** be
adds, ** one who generally kept a stall." He says of Costard, that,
*' as a species of apple, it is enamerated with others, bat it auMt
have been a very c(Hnmon sort, as it gave a name to the dealers d
apples."

HUXTER.

Holme, in his heraldic language, says of a hozter, ** He beareth
fules, a man passant, bis shirt or shin tamed np to his shoalder;
mreeches and hose azurej cap and shoes soA/e, bearing on his bade
a bread basket foil of frmts and herbs, and a staff m Ids left hand,
or." Hoxter, or hntler, is a Saxon word, and implies a dealer is
bread and vegetables.

PEDLAR,

This is a corroption from Paddler, i. e. one who goes from place
to place — an Itinerant Holme in his heraldic lan^age describes
the pedlar thus — " He beareth argentfB. crate-camer, with a crate
upon his back, or: cloathed in russed, with a staffe in his left iumd;
hat and shoes, sable***

PORTER.

One who attended at the ports (originally) for the departure or
arrival o£ vessels, being employed to carry laggaf^e or packages to
and fro ; hence he was called a porter.^ Holme says. ** He bear-
eth vert, a porter carrying of a pack ar^en^, corked sable; cloatiied
in tawney, cap and shoes sable. This is the badge and cogniaaiioe
of all porters and carriers of burthens ;" but that there may be no
mistake, he adds, " they have ever a leather girdle about them,
with a strong rope of two or three foaldings hanging thereat, i^iich
they have in readiness to bind the burdens to their backs when call-
ed thereto."

BARBER.

Holme derives the denomination Barber from barha, a beard, and
describes him as a *' catter of hair ;" be was also anciently termed
a poUer, becaase in fcnrmer times to ptoll was to cut the hair ; to trim
was to cut the beard, after shaving, into form and order*

BARBER'S POLE.
** Rove not from pole to p0le, but here turn in.'*

The origin of the Barber's Pole is to be traced to the period idiea
tile barbers were also sni^ons, under the denominatioti of Baorbe^
Surgeons, or Barber-Chirui^eons, none other in former times behig
allowed to ^ let blood." To assist this operation, it being necessary
for the patient to grasp a staff, a stick or a pole was always kept by
the Barber-Sargeon, together with the fillet or bandaging used for
tying the patient's arm. When the pole was not in use, the t^pe
was tied to it, that they might be both forthcoming when wanted*
On a person coming to be bled, the tape was disengaged fton tlw
pole, and bound round the arm, and the pole was put into the per-
son's hand : after it was done, it was again tied on, and in tins state
the pole and tape were often hang at the door, for a sign or notice io

• See Porter CBeer);

THE BTTHOLOOICAL COBfPENDIVlL 219

psMnigen tint tliey might tiliere be bled. At lepgflk^ iiiiliead of
baoginff out the identicfil i>ole uaed in the operation, a pde wm
paintea with sbripes round it, in imitation of me real pole and its
muulBgingif, and thus came the sign.

NEWSPAPERS IN BARBERS* SHOPS.

'* A barber's shop adom*d we see,
yvilb monsters, newe, and poverty ;
'Whilst some are shaving, <ythen bled.
And those that wait the papers read ;
The master fSall of Whig or Tory,
Combs out your wig and teHs a story.*'

The eastern of having newspapers in a barber's shop> was iafaro«
daced about a eeitary back. Tney were then only a penny a piece,
{nd the barbers iatrodnced them to amuse their custoaiers while
waiting.

SHAVING-BRUSHES.

Before the year 1756, it was a general custom to lather infli tiie
hand ; Wot the French barbers about that time brought in the brush.
It was an old saying—^ A good lather is half the shave.**

RESTAURATEUR.

This term, so generally applied to tavem-keepers in France, and
paitioolarly to the cooks, took its name from a Parisian vintner,
naosed Bonlangf r, the first to supply the public with soups, in the
year I7(i&, placing over his door tnis verse from the Bible :—Venitt
ad me amnea qui atomacho laboratis, et ego Reataurabo voal He
bait; took such effect, that others in tne same line took his example,
and the restorative powers of their aliments, added to the singularity
of the invitation to partake of them, occasioned their being distin-
giashed by an appellation, which has since been indiscriminately
applied.

SURGEON.

This term, as applied to medical men, is derived from Chinngeons,
who were formerly incorporated with die barbers, under the deno-
mination of Barber-Chirurgeons. In course of time, however, they
separated ; the " letters of blood'' taking upon themselves the new
made cognomen of Sdi^eons ; and the pollers of hair,^ and shavers of
chins, tiie old moiety of their original united appellation of Barbera.

CORN-FACTORS, &c.

About fourscore years back (now upwards of a century), says
Haiviatt, in his ^ Struggles through Life," corn-factors, meal-men,
ai»d niddle-men, as now designated, and well understood, were then
wakaaym.' My grandfather was then a baker of some repute in the
city, and it was firom my father, and sister's brother, I learned the
Mloiring history of the commencement of corn-factoring, and thenoe
the otter two. At this time, when the consumption of com waa
small; compared to what it is now in the metropolis^ there was no
deseription of people that stood between growers of com and bakers.
T1ie.fermer brought his samples to town ; and taking them to BeaP'
Qaay, near the Custom-house, met the bakers, who were the princi-
pal bnyera of bread com, and there made their bargains with each
other. It is unnecessary to detail concerning other grain, which
iMi» aold ia the same direct manner to the other pwchasefs ; and il

L 2

220 ^1^*^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM,

ia thence that the present corn market, in Mark-Lane, iB still called
Bear- Quay Market

The farmers, accordingr to circnmstances and sitoation. pot vp at
different inns, &c. when they came to town ; the Green Dragon and
Ball Inns in Bishopsgate Street, were two among others to whidi
farmers resorted. 1 he landlords of these two mns, in particular,
were men in ^ood esteem ; and by habit became well acquainted
with the quality and value of com ; insomuch, that the farmers who
used their houses, would request of them at tunes, m^en they had
not sold, to take the samples to Bear Qaay on the following maiket
day, and sell for them; paying themselves aflerwards for their
trouble, &c. The farmer soon found that this made a considerable
saving to him, in preference to staying in town till next mariiet day,
or mfudng another journey. At lengtii, the farmer finding that die
innkeeper sold the com as well as he could, and confiding in his host,
thought, he might irequently save his own time, as well as the ez«
pense of the journey, by sending the samples op to the innkeeper to
sell, and do the best for him ; agreeiojgr to give an allowance of 3d
a quarter for the innkeeper's commission.

This was the beginning of com-factors. Mr. J — and Mr. fin-
were the two first ; there was a third, who began nearly at the same
time, whose name 1 don't recollect. As this mode proved mutually
advantageous, the factoring business increased ; as it 'was not long
before these gentlemen found that keeping of an inn was but a se-
condary consideration ; and, as men of discernment, they quitted it
to devote their time entirely to factoring. The son of Mr. S. had
been bound apprentice to mj grand -fatner as a baker ; 1^ wanted
a year or more to serve of his time, when his father required his as-
sistance, in the corn -factoring line. That point was easily settled,
and he exchanged a business on the decline for a new and more ad-
vantageous employ, in which he succeeded with high exemplary
credit. The building of the present Cora Market is just within my
own remembrance, and shows how rapidiv the numbers cMf and bu-
siness of corn-factors must have increased. The meal and middle-
men followed ; and now the poor baker, who ranked next to the
farmer, purchased his com and sent it to the miller to be ground
(who then considered himself obliged to the baker for employing him),
is thus last upon the list from the grower of com, through the factor,
the miller, the meal-man, and middle-man, until the baker has de-
livered it to the consumer.

HABERDASHERS.

The Haberdashers, who were more anciently called Milliners, or
Millainers, on account of their dealing in articles imported from
Milan, were incorporated into a company in the year 1447 ; but it
is probable, that their number was not great, since in the reign of
Henry 6th, there were not more than a dozen Haberdashers' shops
in the whole city. How much they must have increased during tne
reign of Elizabeth may be inferred from the complaints made against
them, that the whole street from Westminster was crowdeawith
them, and that their shops made so gay an appearance as to sedoce
persons to extravagant expenditures. The business of the haber-
dasher was not, however, confined to the lighter articles of a lady's
wardrobe, as at present, but extended to the sale of dag^rs, sw<Hrds,
knives, spurs, glasses, dials, tables, balls, cards, puppets, inkhorns,
toothpicks, fine earthen-pots, salt-cellars, spoons, tin dishes ; and
even mouse traps, bird-cages, shoeiog-homs, lanUioms, and jew'i-

THB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPBMDUIMi 231

tmmiMy Gontribnted to that gay appearance ^diich the haberdashen
ahopa are said to have made in the reign of our maiden qaeen.

Among the pensioners on the books of the Haberdashers Com-
pany, is one William Pollen, who was fifty'years the tenant of the
same house,* fifhr years the hnsband of the same wife, and fifty years
in the employ of toe same master. So singular a concorrence is
worthy of record.

MERCERS* COMPANY.

Tliis, which is one of the twelve principal companies, or snch'
aaya Pennant, who are honoured with the privilege of the Lord
Mayor's being elected oat of one of them. Mercer by no means im-
l^ied a dealer in Silks, for Mefcery signified all sorts of small wares,
toys, and haberdashery. This company was incorporated 1393.

MERCHANT-TAILORS COMPANY.
** A remnant of all shall be saved. **

When Dr. South was appointed chaplain to the Merchant Tailors
Conqpany, he took the above appropriate text, when he preached his
inauguration sermon.

' Tnis company in f<Nrmer times was merely denominated the Tai-
lora Company, until Henry the Seventh, who was himself a member
of it, gave tliem the title of Merchant Tailors ; this was in the year
1601. £dward, the Black Prince, was a member of this far-&med
comoanr, and most of the kings of England, since the reign of Ed-
ward 3a, down to his present Mfgesty* Continental Sovereigns,
Princes, Marshals, and Generals, have been, and are enrolled in
the same. This is also one df the twelve principal companies.

LORINER.

Among the Tarions companies of the city of London, some of
which have very peculiar, and not generally understood names, this
u one. Loriner is from the French Lorimer, signifying a maker or
manufacturer of bridle bits, 8tirrap8,and c^er Sadler's ironmongery.
Tike timto has gone by with the Iioriner*s Company, as well as with
others, when uey granted their fireedom or livery to those only who
were of the trade by which the company was denominated.

PUBLIC HOUSE SIGNS, Ac.

** Tm amiis'd at the Signs,
A I pass through the town.
To see the odd mixture —
A Magpye and Crown,
The Whale and the Crow,
The Razor and Hen,
The Leg and Seven Stars,
The Axe and the Bottle,
The 'l\m and the Lute,
The Eagle and Child,
The Shovel and Boot.

Bristol AfoUOy 1710.

Public-house Signs, especially in and about the metropolis, pre-
sent some laughable absurdities, a specimen of which is ^ven in the
abbve compound of rhime and prose. Englishmen, it is said, ^re
ibnd of contradictions^ a corroboration of the truth of which is not

■ I

* Gentle reader! this was no ancestor of mine I assure yon, lnomejtit
coincidental it may appear.— ^. P.

L 3

H^ WB BrVMOU>aiCAL COIIVKIDnilf.

«aly4oWibvndin1ke«ip4ioudoftbelifV«iB,lNit ia "tiie
bowl of poBcb, which m to he procared ih«o.

As this woik professes to «iiibrBce ft tittle of every thiiig, the «%iii
af eone of the SMst resaariLftble taven apnellatioBS andpoUie-hews
•igBs will now be noticed, sstisied that toe reader wiH leel aa i»-
tweft in the asnie ; fer

** Whoe'er has traveled life's dull round,
VHiere'er his ▼arioua tour has been.
May sigh, to think how oft he found
Bus warmeat vdcome at an Ina.*'

Shmamie.

THE HUMMUnS.
(Old and New.)

The two houses so named are situated in Covent Garden, and are
famed for their goodjbeds, and hot and cdd baths, likewise far their
fBBCffal good fore.

Dr. Sbaw, in bis IVavels, aays, that hommiUBS is a cam^liiB af
hrnimwn, the Arabic term for a bath or baniio.

Hie first bagaio, ar bath, for sweating or aot hatfaiag is BojglaDd,
k is believed, was that id Basniio Court, Newgate Street^ which af-
tonrands became a hotel, «r lodging hoase, after whiek tks B^m*
BHBBi in Covent Garden ware a^^eaed opon tha saaie plaB.

THE riNIfiH.

«< Soma p]a«:a OikCb me Vb» F^$ish, lads.
Where all your high Pedestrian Pads,
That have beenVp and out all night.
Running their rigs among the ratUers,
At Buxmiag maat— and,'AMioMr iifighft—
Agree toshajne the Itlunt aad tatthrtJ**

Tom (kit's Memioriai to Cei^^rstf .

This house, freqaented by the Peep O'Day Boys, is Ihos do-
minated, becaose they there terminated their bacchsaialian ondes.
When kept by the celebrated Mother Batter, it waa fireqnented 1^
the Sheriaans and the Foxes ; now, by the London sho^Mnen and
barbers* clerks. It is near the Hapuanms*

THE FLYIN& HORSE.

The Flying Horse was originally intended to represent the Pe-
gasus of the ancients ; consequenfly it b not so unmeaning a sign
as it has been thought to be ; for

** If with water yon fill up ymir glasses.
You'll never write any thing wi^ ;
For wine is the home of Pam^sus,
Which hurries a bard to the skies.**

THE HAT ANB TUN.

A house so named in the vicimty of Hatton Garden, waa evidently
ialended to allude to the fesuly of the Hattons, whose mansion fer-
merly stood near the spot. Toe house has been recently fdbult,
•ad a spacious room on Ihc one pair appn^riated for parties.

THB BTTMOIiOGlCAL COMPBHDIUIf. 288

SIMON THE TANNER OF JOPPA.

I^ hoog Lane, Sovtkwark, there is a hooae ao named, probaMf
IwviBg its origin in the times when Scriptore names were adopM
fo men and uinga.

In Acts, 0. X. ¥. 83, we read, that the aposfle Peter dwelt lev
eome time at the house of Simon, a tanner,

THB BEAR AND RAGGED STAFF.

This being part of the armorial bearings of the Earls ofWarwick,
haa beeta set np in honour of that noble house ; ^ile others, bear
the name of the " Bari of Warwick," and *" Omy, Ea^ of Warwick.'*
The arms were, doubtless, the original sign, bcit latterly only tfatf
ftame has been used.

BRACE, KING'S BENCH.

This place was originally kept by two brothers of the name of
Phitridge, firam whom it obtained the present title, being a pQA i|»*
on tiieir name, they being a Brace of Partridges.

THB GRAVE M ORRia.

A Tmrum so named, stands opposite the London HofpStak A
painter was commissioned to embody tfte inscription ; but this ki^ighf
of tluB bnish was not possessed of a poet's eye, and thersfere o<wi4
apt depict tiie form of things unknown or imaginary. The sign is (ia
eooMqUence written up, ^ The Ghrave Morris."

ill ^ Jonius's EtymMoeioon," Chrmjt is explained to be Comes, or
Conut, as Ptdsgrave is Palatine Count ; of which we hare an in*
stance in PalsgraTC-liead Court, Strand, so called in memory of Ae
Psisfrsve, Count, er Elector Palatine, who married Princess Eli-
sabeth, dao|hter of James 1st Their bsne was, the Pulsgnrve
Chtelea Loius, ik€ OmTe Count, or Prince Pulatine Rapert, and the
Orafe Coaiit, or Prince Blaurice.

THE SWAN WITH TWO NECKS.

This sigti has long been an object of mystery to flie curious; but
this mastery has been explained by the alteration ef a singte letter.
Tne sign was originaHy written ^ The Swan with two fikiksf* the
meaning of which, we find, to be thus fully explained, hi a eommu-'
nicatioo to the Antiquarian Society, by the late S&r Joseph Banks.

At a meeting of the Antiquarian Society, held in flie year IdlO,
Sir J<weph Banks presented a curious roll of parchment, ediiUtinf^
tim mans or nieka made on the beaks of tiie swans and cygnets in
the rivers and lakes in Lincolnshire ; accompanied with an account
eftheprivilegesofcertain persons for keepii^ swans in these wa-
ters, and the dirties of the king's swan-heiu in guarding fliese fowls
against depredators ; also, for regulating their marks, and for pre-
▼enting any two persons from adopting me same figmres and matks
on the bills of their swans.

Thus, from the circumstance of marking these swans with nicks,
originated the sign of the ** Swan with two NiiAs,'' now corrupted
into the ** Swan with two Necks."

GOAT AND COMPASSES.

Tliis sign, so well known to those who visit Chekea^ ie^ datiredl
froB the days of the Commonwealth, when it was the fashioiiof the

234 ^™E BTTMOLOOICAL COM nSNDIUM.

eBthofliaite of that period to append scriptural quotatioiia to the
nainea given them by their parents, or to adopt them entnrely in-
stead. This rage for sacred titles, induced tfa«m also to coin arir
names for places and things. The corruption ^ Ood encompassed
OS," to ^ Goat and CompassRS," is obvions, and seems qnite nata-
lal; and it is not ouUkely, that ^ Praise Ood barebones," preferred
drinking his tankard of ale at the " God encompasseth ns,'' rather
than fireqnent a hoose retaining its old and heathenish title.

BAG OF NAILS.

The Bag of Nails, at Chelsea, is claimed by the smiths and car-
penters in its neighbonriiood as a house originally intended for thrir
peculiar accommodation ; but had it not .been for the cornqptioB of
tiie times, it still would have belonged to the Bachanala, who, m
the days of the rare Ben Jonson, were accustomed to make a holi-
day excursion to that pleasant part of the environs of London. One
age has contrived to convert Bacchanals into Bag o' Nails ; may not
a fiitore age take the liberty of converting Bachanaliana into that of
Bag o'-Nailians ?

JOHN O' GROAT'S HOUSE.

James 4(h, of Scotland, sent Malcolm Gavin, and John de Cfaroat,
two brothen, into Caithness, with a letter written in Latin, reoom-
aending them to the kind regards of the people of that county. —
They became possessed of lands in the parish of Anisley, on tte
banks of the Pentland Firth, which was equally divided between
them. In course of time there were eig^t families of the fame nume,
who shared ahke, and lived comfortably and peaceably for toattf:
years. These were accustomed to meet, to celebrate the annivM^
aary of the arrival of their progenitors. At one of these meetii^s it
became a matter of dispute which of them was entitled to enter :
and take the head of the table ; which had like to have tei
iatally, but for the presence of mind of John de Groat, proprietor of
the ferr^, who remonstrated with them ; pointed out the necessity
of unammity, as regarded their own happiness, their respectabili^
among their neighbours, and general safety from the inroads of Aose
clans, who might envy them, and take advantage of their dissensions.
. He then proposed the baildiog of a house, to which they should
contribute equally ; and he promised at their next meeting he should
ao order matters, as to prevent any dispute about precedency.

Having gained their assent, he proceeded to build a house, with
a distinct room of an octagonal form, having eight doors and eight
windows, in which he placed a table of oak, with eight sides;. At
the next annual meeting he desired each to enter singly at different
doors, and take the head of the table, himself entering the last, mid
taking the remaining unoccupied seat By this ingenious manoeuvre
tiiey were all placed on an equal footing, and good humour and bar*
mony were restored and estaSlished.

Such, reader, was the origin of the sign of ^ John o' Groat's house."

VALENTINE AND ORSON

There is a house so named in Long Lane, Bermondsey. It would
appear to have originated with some romantic reader, who had been
affected with the tale of these two brothers, who were sons of the
Emperor of Constantinople, Alexander, who married the beaotifiil
sister of Pepin, king of France, named Bellisant; who beuig ba>

THB BTTMOLOOICAL COMPBMDIUIf. Q^

Biriied by the Emperor dmriiig her pregDancy, hain'iif been falieiy
■ccuBed Djr his prime minister, she took reiiige in the forest of Or-
leans, in France, where she was delivered of male twins : one of
which was taken from her by a she -bear, and sackled by it for toiiie
time, hence called Orson. The other being discovered by the king,
Pepin, her brother, daring her search after Orson, was brooght im
at me conrt of his ancle. Orson being^ a terror to the neighbooihooa
when he grew op, was overcome by his brother, and tamed so fiur
as to be broaght to conrt. Shortly after overcoming the Oreen
Knight, he received the hand of the Lady Fezon, previous to which
he Imd attained the power of speech ; and Valentine married Eg*
lantine, the king's daughter, when they discovered they were
consinsi

THB GUY'S HEAD.

This sign was intended to do honour to the philanthrop^r of Mr«
Thomas Guy, who founded the hospital in the Borough, which bean
Ids name, and which cost the sum of ISJ^Sl, I69. Id. ; and the sum
left for the endowment of it was 319,499/. Os. 4d, Had he been uf
the Romish church, he might have been honoured with a niche in
their calendar, where many have been placed for acts neither of so
benevolent or noble a nature.

BLACK DOLL AT RAG SHOPS.

The Black Doll, used as a sign by the dealers in rags, originated
with a person who kept a house for the sale of toys and rags in
Norton Falgate. about sixty years ago. An old woman broaght biria
a large bundle for sale, bat desired it might remain unopened, until
she called again to see it weighed. Several weeks eliqpsed without
h^ appearing, which indaced the master of the shop to open tiie
bniidre, when he found a black doll, neatly dressed, with a pair dt
gold earin^s appended This he hung up over his door, for the pur-
pofle of bemg owned by the woman who left it. Shortly after this
she called, and presented the doll to the shopkeeper, as a mark of
mtitude for his having, by its means, enabled her to find out her
Dondle. The story having gained circulation, this fip^re has been
generally used bv dealers in rags, ever since this origmal instance of
honeflty in this class of merchants.
•

PUBLIC-HOUSE CHEQUERS.

Few people, it is presumed, are aware of the origin of the
Checqners, which are seen on the sides of the doors, or window
shatters of public-houses.

In the reign of one of our Henries, the Excise of the country was
larmed (as was customary in former times), by an Earl of Holder-
nease, whose arms were the chequers, and which in those days
every licensed .house was obliged to display, or suffer the conse-
quenoe, which was a heavv penalty. The custom alone has conti-
nued to this day, the penalty not being exacted.

THE BELL SAVAGE.

' The etymology of the Bell Savage, on Ludgate Hill, has been va-
riously, but very incorrectly given ; the following, however, may b«
relied on as correct

Tlie Bell Savage, now called le belie Saware, took its name
fiom thofe prendsei once being the property of bay Arabella Sa-

280 VHBsrmoLocacijLcoimvBnjif.

«tft,wlM>wi40adee4«rfEiftof duB to IIm CuOer's CouMny;
ctwwK M mtiTB of whick, ft punting naT be wen in Cottar's Hally n-
■raa —ting her ladyship, acconpaniea by her co n veyancer, nwetBt'
■VthasibdecdofgrntotlMHaalerandWaidansaftlMAmiM
^•MpMqr*

THE BOI/r-IN-TVN.

A game, the Roman and Grecian youth were wont to eteieise
ftemeelrea in. The bolt was a short javelin, and the turn was placed
as a kind of target ; he who threw tne bolt throqgh a small hole m
tae tnoy being &clared victor.

THE BULL AND MOUTH, AND BULL AND GATE.

Hie two inns here namedj tare a 8tron|f specimen of the oorraptioD
so prevalent in the des^nation of public resorts in and aboni fte
9ity of London, indeed taroaghont the whole coni^. The erigbal
oameswere Bouogne>Movth and Boalogne-Gate, inooramemeiiiiisa
of the destraction of the French flotilla at the moi^of BoologBe har-
\fn» and of the ca|iita)ation of the town beiog signed at the gsAe sf
Bowogne, in the reign of Henry 8th.

THE GOOD WOMAN, i. e. THE SIGN OF A WOMAIT
WITHOUT AHEAD!

In the old baUad of the " Wanton Wife of Bath,** ara the follow-

log lines —

" I think, qvotli Thomas, l9''omem''s Ttmgues^
Of Aspen-kttvds are made,"

Which of all moveables in natmre are decidedly the most so : Oay's
Pipinn Woman in his Trivia is of a piece with the case cited iirom
Ovid^ and from whence originated the sign of the Good Woman,

" The crackling crystal yields, she sinks, she dies ;
Her head choppM off from her lost shoulder flies:
Pipphu she cned, bat death her voice confounds ;
Askdfip'a'pip along the ice rebounds.**

It may not be amiss here to inform the Fair of Britain, that al-
thoQgh taking off the heads of females is somewhat out of fiishioo,
yet, neverUiAess, the laws allow their husbands to administer mo-
derate correction ; modtcam eastigatvmem are the very words of
the law.

DOG AND DUCK TAVEAN.

The sign of this once verv popular tavern, took its name from a
famous dog which hunted ducks in a sheet of water on this Riot.
Over a low small-gabled- end fronted hoase, was seen, in an obiOD|
square place, moulded in a kind of red composition, the dog sad
duck.

SPREAD EAGLE.

The Spread Eagle, which constitutes with some variation the armi
of Austria and Prussia, originated with Charlemagne, the first Em-
peror of Germany, who added the second head to the £«^le, to de-
note that the Eqipires of Rome and Qermany were in hm uitad.
This was A. D. 80S.

m mnnoLOQicAL coMraBmuif • 397

IVOm 8VCR HOCTSB!

We Kave leen in the neigboarfaood of Loudon, tnd ia vtdeiw
DArtv of the coanirj, ** None such House,'' or " None w "
«e. This tenn ongJnated from the residence of Hans
eekbnited painter to fienfy 9th» which stood on Londba
ft was entirely finined of wood; was made in fiolffand, aad'
l^aced OB the bridge was completed without a single nail ; in e6a^
sequence of which, SirThonias More ehristened it, ''None sock
Hoose ."* and which Ias since become a co gn omen for vaiiooi aosi*
deiicea and villas tbnnighont the coontry.

COAI«-HOI<B TAVBRN.

A tsTem so called in Fonntain Court, Strand, a w«il know* sifer
tat midnight gossipping. Here the most celebrated c om edia Bs hare-
long entertained meir private convivial friends aHer they haw 4^-
Milled the town. Here^ too, certain poets, nainters, scnlptors> ma-
sidans, and other mgemoos wights, who pMMr tete hoors, a smedif
room, and hilaritjjr, to the sober comforts of domestic heme, waste
the night in glonoos indep>endence, fearliess of ihe cottain leetuitD
that appals the ozorioos wight, who sometimes trespasses against
the orders of the hoose. The Coal-hole merely^ derives its nattie
from its gloomy sitoation, and its original oentigmty lo a coal-yard.

BLOSSOM'S INN.

The Blossom's Inn, Lawrence Ijane, derives its name from the
rloh borders of flowers which adorned the original sign of St Imv-
renee. These were the effects of his martyrdom — ** for,** says the
Icfgend, ^ flowers sprang np on the spot of his croel martyrdom.*'

CATHERINE WHEEL.

Allan Botler says, St. Catherine was beheaded onder the Em-
peror Mezentios, or Maximinins the Second. He adds, " she is
said first to have been pnt npon an engine made of fonr wheels,
joined together and stack with sharp pointed spikes, that when the
wheels were moved her body might be torn to pieces. At the first
stirring of this terrible engine, tiie cords with which the martyr was
tied was broke asonder by the invisible power of an angel, and, the
engine fidling to pieces bv the wheels separating one fii^m another,
she was delivered firom that death." E^ace the name of Saint Ca-
therine's Wheel.

TRB THREE LEGS.

This pnblio hoose sign, and which is more general in the conntry
than in London, is the arms of the Isle of Man. Its ancient bear-
mg was a ship ; bnt the arms are now, and have been for centuries,
gales, ** three armed legs" pntper, or rather argent, conjoined in
/ess, at the opper part of the tEish, fleshed in mangle, jrarnished
and spurred topaz. So long as the Eling of Man wrote Uex Man-
niae tt Insutarum, they bore the ship; bat when the Scots had pos-
session, with the Western Islands, the legs were sabstitnted. It is
said of the ** three legs," that with the toe of the one they spam at
Iceland, with the spat of the other they kick at Scotland, and with
the thhrd they bow Cp Itogland.

2S8 THB STTMOIiOGICAL COMPBHDIUM.

TUMBLE POWN DICK!

Thiii-tign^ once, go well known in that part ef the boitNi|b of
Sovthwark, near to London Bridge, was set np on the reftoradonof
Chariea the Second, and was iDtended as a bmleaqae oo Riofanrd
Cjromwell, ^o had too mach nrnpIicHy and honestv to manage Ae
wma» of government, which devolved on him on the death of hit
frther.

LARK-HALL TAVERN.

This place is of neat antiqaity ; it stood in the midst of meardowt,
aad com fields, ana was mach resorted to by bird catchers, who
frequented this place with their nets ; and in time it became noted,
MM mnch resorted to by the Londoners on Sundays, who came here
toponjiase larks, and other singing birds, from the bird catehew,
mn whence it was called Lark-hall. At this period, ala^, the
bath-room, which now stands at the brow of the hill, a quarter of a
vile west of Lark-hall, towards Clapham, was much frequented;
and the wpnng which now supplies the present bath was also red^-
oBed very salubrious, and boasted many fashionable visitors during
tiie summer months ; bat there being no high road, both that and
the Lark were inacessible in the winter months.

Over the entrance to Lark-hall Tavern, is the followiiw
notice, vrhich must be read backwards to be understood, —

** Tsurt Tonnac, In, os ; duh, sie Man Ymts nje, Ru, Saem dna,
doogro, uQil, hTiW."

GOLDEN FLEECE.

This sign, supposed to be the most ancient of any, and which wt
meet widi in almost every provincial town, has a classical deriva-
tion ; applying to the Golden Fleece which viras brought from Col-
chis by Jasou, about 1263 years before Christ,

SECTION XIII.

PUBUC BUILDINGS, INNS OF COURT, WARDS,
CHURCHES, STREETS, AND LOCALITIES OF
LONDON AND WESTMINSTER.

LONDON.

'* Where has commerce snch a mart

So rich, 80 throng'd, so drainM, and so supplied.

As London ?" dmper.

The first mention we find of the Ci^ of London in history, savi
Maitland, is by the illastrioas and celebrated Roman historian, la-
citus, by the appellation of Londinium, when he acquaints us, that
Suetonias Paahnus, the Roman general, being employed in the cob-
qaest of the Isle of Mona, or Anglesy, in Nerai Wale^ he rteeived

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPBNDIUM. 2^

advice of the revolt of the Britooa ; wherefore, with the utmost ex-
pedition, he began his march to the assistance of the veterans and
colonies ; and mcurching throogh the midst of the enemy, arrived at
Loiid<Mi, which then was celebrated for its great nmnber of mer-
dumts and plenty of merchandize.

As to the etymology of the word London, it has only been af-
coonted for according to the caprice of divers aathora: Geffirey of
Monmoath, derives it from Caer-Lud, or Lud's-town: Branniis,
from Lindum, a city of Rhodes : Vitas, from Lugdus, a Celtic prince,
Logdon : Selden, from Llan-Dyn, the Temple of Diana ; this con-
jectare is foonded upon the great number of boar's tasks, (foond in
the neighbourhood of St Paul's cathedral), horns of oxen, and stags,
ndiose bodies were proper sacrifices to that deity.

This supposition seems no better grounded than the rest ; for tha
Druid's places of worship, were no other than groves or woods.
.- Sknnaer, derives it from Idawn, Plenus, and Dyn, Homo, a po*
polous place, which he imagines London always to nave been, which
I take to be, (continues Maitland), an appellation very unsuitable
with the low condition this city has been many times reduced io ;
^specially, when the whole ol its inhabitants were destroyed by
Boadicea.

Camden, derives it from Lhonf^ and Dinas, Lhong, signifying a
ship, and Dtnas, a tovm, that is. ship town, or a cibr of shi{^ I am,
however, of opinion, that London is a corruption otLondinium; and
that the same is entirely Roman : but how to account for its etymo-
logy [ know not; therefore, in so great an uncertainty, the reader
may chuse such of the above as he shall best approve of

PAVING OF LONDON.

London was nnpaved till 1417 ; when Henry 4th, convinced that
Holboum was deep and dangerous, ordered two ships to be laden
with stones, at his own expence, each 20 tons in burden, to repair it.

LONDON BRIDGE.

** When Neptune from his billows London spyM,
Brought proudly thither by a high spring-tide.
As thro' a floating wood he steer'd along.
And dancing castles clustered in a throng;
When he beheld a mighty Bridge give law
Unto his surges, and Uieir f nry awe ;
When such a shelf of cataracts did roar.
As if the Thames with Nile had changM her shore;
Wheu he such massy walls, such towers did eye,
Such posts, such irons, upon his back to lye ;
When such vast arches lie observed, that might
Nineteen Rialtos make for depth and height;
When the Cerulean god these things surveyed.
He shook his trident, and astonished, said.
Let the whole earth now all the wonders count.
This bridge of wonders is the paramount.**

Stowe, in his Survey of London, saiys, a ferry being kept in the
place where now the bridge is built, at length the ferryman and bb
wife deceasing, left the said fenry to their daughter Mary, which,
with the goods left her by her parents, as also with profits arising
fixMD said ferry, built a House of Sisters, in the place vdiere now
sCandeth the east part of St Mary Over^ier's Church,* above the qairt
•^ - ...

* A corruption of St. Hilary, over the river.— JEBtf.

9^ Tin iTTiioLOfncAL commnjir.

whm the (Mar;) was buried ; into wlddi h omt AepLf^ dtoBnita

aad orersigiit of me f^ny* But afterwards, the laid Hoaat of I
being conyerted into a GfiDefce of JPrieiNi, tte prieate bailt tbe hriifc a
of timber^ m all other {i;reat brid^iea of the land were, and htm IfaM
to time kept the same m reparationi ; till at length, eontidanac th*
great charges of repairing me same, there waa, 1^ aid of cianna
and others, a bridge built with archea of atone, tfow, taachnif tha
Ibaadation of the stone bridge, it followeth thna : aooat Ae ytm
1176, the atone bridge over the nver Thamea, at Loadoa, was boMn
to be foonded by Peter of Cole Church, near anto the bridge alttiH
ber, but somewhat more towards the weat, for I read thai Bilriph
Wharf, was, in the Conqueror's time; at the head of Loodoii Mdga.
The king assisted this work, a cardinal then being legate het« ; nd
Richard, archbishop of Canterbory, gave 1000 marks towards the
foondation.

Hie coarse of the river for the time, was tnmed another way aboat,
hv a trench cast for that porpose, beginning as it is sapfMiaedy eaat
aooot Rotherfaithe, and ending in the west aboot Patrickse^ mm
termed Battersea. This work, to wit, the arches, chapel, aim stone
bridge, having been 3S years in building, was, ia the year 1909,
finished by the worthy merchants of London^ — Serie Mercer, WU-
Kam Afanaine, and Elenedict Botewright, pnncipal mastera of the
works, for Peter of Colechnrch, deceased foor years befora it was
completed.

THE THAMES.

^ Mi^ettic river ! franfi:lit witii riches
From ev*ry shore. The Indus and the Ganges,
With other mighty streaoM renown'd.
Hail thee as their chief;
Yield thee the produce of their clime
And g^ve thy nation homage.**

This river, so famed in the commercial world, derives its name
from a compound of Thame and isis, and which in process of time,
came under the familiar denomination of Thames. The ionction was
formed a little above Oxford, but the Isis now is lost in the oon-
poond terra, as the river is denominated the Thames even to its very
aonrce. The banks of the Thames have long been fiuned for the
beauty of verdure,- and taste with which they are adorned. "Diey
are studded with neat cottages,^ or elegant villas crown the gentie
heights ; the lawns come sweeping down like carpets of green velvet
to me edge of its sdl-flowing waters, and the grace of the scenery
improves until we are borne into the foil bosom of its beanfy — ^the
village of Richmond, or as it was anciently called. Sheen.* below
London Bridge we have Greenwich, and other beautiful scenery of
the county oi Kent. The opposite bank' on the Essex aide is flat,
and is famed for nothing but Tilbury Fort, where Elizal>eth, when
the Spanish Armada threatened this country, reviewed her troops
who were collected to repel (he invaders.

THE NEW RIVER.

Daring the reigns of queen Elisabeth and James T. acta of pariia-
meat were obtained for the better supplying of the metrt^lia with
water ; but the enterprise seemed too great for any individual, or

* See Richmond.

THS tVYUQlUOQVOJJ* COMPSKDnnf* ^f

eft n tot tiie city ooHectiTelyy to vcatore npon, until Mr. Hach Mid-
41etoii» a native of DeBbigh, and galdsmith of London, offered to
bqbai tbe wcnk. The Court of Common Council accepted hit (^fer ;
anahaviac Teited him with ample yawen, this gentleman, witti a
mint eqnai to the importance of the nndertaking, at his own risk and
cnarge, began the work. He had not proceeded far, when mnn-
liwjahle apd nnlbreseen difficalties presented themselves. The art
of civil engineering was then little understood in this country^ and
he experienced many obstructions from the occupiers and propnetora
9f fbe lands through which he was under the necessity of condnctiag
^^atream.

Tlie distance of the springs of Amwell and Chadwell, whence tha
water was to be brought, is twenty miles from London ; but it was
found necessary, in order to avoid the eminences and valleys in the
way, to make it run a (bourse of more than thhrty-eight miles. ** The
4^fiiih of the trench,'' saya Stowe, ^ in some [Uacea, descended (hit
tlurty feet, if not more ; whereas, in other places, it required as
qpri^tfol arte againe to mount it over a vallev, in a trough betweene
% couple of hils^ and the trough all the while homa up bT wooden
arches, some ot them fixed in the ground very deepe^ and rising itt
heuiit above twenty-three foot.*'

The industrious prqgector soon found himself so harassed and ini-

Eeded by interested persons in Middlesex and Hertfordshire, that
e was obliged to solicit a prolongation of the time, to accomplish
his nndertaking. This the city granted, but they refused to interest
themselves in this great and useful work, although Mr. Middlelon
was quite impoverished by it He then applied, with more success,
to the king hunself ; who, upon a moiety of the concern being made
over to him, agreed to pay half the expense of the work already in-
curred, as well as of the future. It now went on without interrup-
tioD, and was fini^ed according to Mr. Middleton's originaJ agree-
mei^ with the city ; when, on the !29th of September, 1613, the water
was kt into the bason, now called the New River Head, which was
prepared for its reoeptioB.

Bywi exact admeaaarement of the course of the New River, taken
in 1723, it appeared to be nearly thirty-nine miles in length ; it has
betwean two or three hundred bridges over it, and upwards of forty
sluces in its course ; and in divers parts, b<^ over and under the
same^ considerable currents of land waters, as well as a great num-
ber <M brooks and rivulets, have their passage.

This great undertaking cost half a million of money, and was the
nun of its first projector ; some <^ whose descendants have received
a paltry annuity (^20i. from the citv, that was so much benefited by
the won, by which they were rendered destitute.

Hie property of the New River is divided mto seventy-two shares ;
£at the first nineteen years after the finishing of the work, the annual
proffitupon each share scarcely amounted to twelve shillings. A
ahare is now considered to be worth 11,6002. and they have been sold
as hfgh as 14,0002. — Percy Anecdotes qf Enterprise,

WATER PIPES.

Water was first conveyed to London by leaden pipes, 21 Henry 3d,
1937. I( took near finy years to complete it ; the whole being
finished, and Cheapside Conduit erected^ onlv in 1285. An engine
erected at Broken Wharf, to convey water by leaden pipes, 1594.
Ilie New River brought to Tiondon from Amwell, in Hertfordshire,
al an unmeBse expense by Sir Hugh Middleton, in 1613. Tho city

f32 THB BTTMOLOCMCAL COMPEirDIUII.

■applied with its water, by conveyanoei of wooden pipei in tlfa
ftreets, and small leaden onpa to the booaea, and the New Rrrer
Company iDcoqxnrated in 1620. So late aa queen Ann'a time, there
were water-carriers at Aldgate-pump as now at Bdinbnrgh.

BRIDGE-HOUSE ESTATES.

'* Towards the sopport and repairs of London Bridj^e, which was
built as before stated, in the reign of Henry *2d, king J^n, his son,
gaTe divers parcels of groond, in London'and its vicinity, to boild
upon, the prolSts whereof were to be continnalhr employed as above
stated. Hence this property has been called the Bridge Estates, or
Bridge House Estates. — MaUland*8 London'

ROYAL EXCHANGE.

This building owes its origin to Sir Thomas Oresham, who Kved
in the reign of Elizabeth. He was called the Royal Merchant, ibr-
asmach as her highness was used to lodge many of her prince^
visitors with him, which was considered a masterly honoor. It was
commenced June 7th, 1665, and finished 1567.

STATUES, ROYAL EXCHANGE.

** The pious work of names once fietmed.**

• As the origin of the statues in the Royal Exchange may not be
generally known, the original precept issued by the Court of Alder-
men for the erection of the one to Charles 2d, is here introduced, and
which, also alludes to the origin of the other statues therein placed.

SMITH, MAYOR.

MartU Vndecimo Die Novembr' 1684, Annoque Regni Hegit
Caroli Secundi, Angr, &c. Ti-icessimo Sexto.

Whereas, the statue of king Charles the First, (of blessed me-
mory) is already s?t up in the Royal Exchange, and the Company of
Orocers have undertaken to set up the statue of his present Majesty,
and the Company of Cloth workers that of king James, and the Oon-
panies of Mercers and Fishmongers the statues of queen Mart and

2neen Elizabeth, and the Company of Drapers that of Eowabd
le Sixth, this court doth recommend it to the several companies of
this city hereafter named, viz. the Companies of Goldsmiths, Skin-
ners, Merchant Tailors, Haberdashers, Salters, Ironmongers, Yiot-
nors, Dyers, Brewers, Leatherse{]ers, Pewterers, Barber-Chimr-
geons. Cutlers, Bakers, Wax Chandlers, Tallow Chandlers, Ar-
mourers, Girdlers, Butchers, Sadlers, to raise money by conbibn-
tions, or otherwise, for setting up the statues of the rest of the kii^s
ef England, (each company one), beginning at the Conqueror, as
the same were there set up before the Great Fire. And &r the
better order of their proceeding herein, the master and wardens, or
some members of the said respective companies, are desired witiiin
some convenient time to appear before this court, and receive ths
further directions of this court therein.

And in regard of the inability of the Chamber of London to ad-
ranee monies for the carrying on and finishing the Conduit, begdn to
be set up vnth His Majesties approbation, at the upper end of
Gheapsioe, it is earnestly recommended from this Court to all ths
rest of the Companies of this City, (other than those before-named)
to raise moneys likewise by contributions, or otherwise, fi>r tht

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 23g

cairyiM on and finishing the said work, so necessary to the oma-
ment of this city: and to paj the same into the Chamber^ to be laid
oat and employed for the said purpose. — WagstqlTe,

GRASSHOPPER.

llie grasshopper on the top of the Royal Exchange, was the crest
of Sir Thomas Oresham.

GRESHAM COLLEGE AND LECTURES.

So denominated from Sir Thomas Gresham, who founded the
same. A writer says *

To Sir Thomas Oresham^ who lived in the reign of qaeen Efiza-
beth, and who was styled the Ro^al Merchant, in conseaaence of
feasting ambassadors, and entertaining princes, the city ot Londcm
is indebted f<nr the Royal Exchange, which he erected at his own
expence, and liberally endowed a College for Lectures, which ara
now almost a dead letter, as few persons ever think of attending the
Oresham Lectures, which are given during the law terms. Wly^n
the Oresham Lectures were established, the Lord Mayor, Alder*
men, and Commons left in trust to see proper persons appointed,
sent letters to the Universities of Oxford and Cfambrid^, stating,
that for want of judgment to discern men of most sufficiency in the
said faculties, they might make default, and commit some error in
the election ; they tiierefore prayed each University to nominate two
proper persons to fill the offices of professors. Strange as it may
seem, tne heads of Cambridge were jealous of these lectures, nor
¥Fa8 it until lord Burleigh gave them leave, that they consented to act

CHARTER HOUSE.

Hue celebrated school, &c. derives its cognomen from the Order
of Carthusian Monks, of whom St. Bruno was the founder. He is
atyled by writers of his own age. Master of the Chartreuse ; and
from his order, continues the writer, comes our Charter House at
London.

In allnding to St Bnmo, there is a i^leasant story of one bishop
Bnino, related in Haywood's Hierarchic of the Blessed Angels ; it
m MM follows.

Bruno, the bishop of Herbipolitanom, sailing in the river Danubius,
with Henry the Third, then emperour, being not far from a place
which the Oermanes call Ben Strudel, or the devouring gulfe, which
is neere unto Orinon, a castle in Austria, a spirit was heard clamoor-
ii^alond, ^ Ho ! ho ! bishop Bruno, whither art thou travelling? but
dispose of thyself how thou pleasest, thou shalt be my prey and
nMnle." At the hearing of these words they were all stopified, and
the bidn^ with the rest crost and blest themselves. The issue was,
that within a short time after, the bishop feasting with the emperor,
in a castle belonging to the countesse of Esburch, a rafter fell firom
the roof of the thamber wherein they sato, and struck him dead at
the table.

LLOYD'S COFFEE HOUSE.

It is not, we believe,* generally known, that in the year 1720, at
a ooiffee-honse in Lombard Street, kept by a Mr. Lloyd, the first
didi of tea ever made in London was drank.

'Times.

1134 "^B BTY1fOL(V}ICAL COMPCIIDIITK.

At the mhawt period tea waf imkiiown at a bererage in fins ling-
dom, when a mate of an Indiaman, haymg brought some home from
China on speculation, gave it to a waterman's apprentice to diq^ose
of for him, and after hawking it aboat for some days, carried it to
Ifr. Lloyd, in Lombard Street, who, ont of curiosity, porchased it,
aad thus ftrst bronght it into nse. This Mr. Lloyd is the same iadi-
ridoal who gaTe his name to the coffee honse, iriudi still retaiHi il^
tfaoQgh long since removed to the Royal Exchange,^ ^

6ERARD*S HALL.

In Baising Lane, says Maitland, anciently staod a apociaBs and
statelv stone edifice, belonging to the faniily of Oisor, firom wnidi fk
was denominated Gisor's Hall, which in mrocess of time, has not
only by comiption been changed to Gerrara's Hall, bat it has like-
wise been said to have belonged to a giant of that name; which
false tradition is still preserved by a wooden statue, placed at the
door of the house called Gerrard's Hall, (which standa on the rite of
the ancient Gisor's Hall) now a public inn !

BASING HALL.

Basing Hall Street owes its origin to Baring's Hangh, or HaU,
baik by one of that name, now called Blackwell HalL See M-
lowing,

BLACKWELL HALL.

This hall, once famed as a clotii ball, was founded by Sir Ra^
Blackwell, a tailor, who distin&niished himself at the battle of Poic-
tiers, and in consideration of his oraveiy, was knighted by Edward 3d.
He founded the market for woollen cloth, now held in basing Hall
Streets

HICKS^S HALL.

This building formerly stood in Saint John Street, faciqg West
Smithfield ; it was bnilt by Sir Baptist Hicks, afterwards viscount
Oampden, who was for some time a merchant in Cheapside, and
died 1629. It was named after the builder^ and the new bim^Hng
erected, as the County Hall of Middlesex, m Clerkenwell Qieen,
still retains its name.

SALTER'S HALL.

This hall, which is in the vicinity of Swithin's Lane, belongs to
ihe Company of Dry Salters.

Some imagine that it derives its name from John Salter, who died
in 1605. Certainly, the coincidence in name is indisputable, and
whiU is more so, he was one of the Company, and was a good Dene*
factor to them. It is said, that the beadles and servants of the
Worshipfol Company of Salters are to attend divine service at St
Magnus Church, London Bridge, pursuant to the will of Sir John
Salter : in the first week in October, and each person is to say,

* This anecdote is all very well as showlni^ the oririn of JJtcji**
Coffee Hoase, but probably inaccurate as regards Tea; ford Arlington
having introduced it from Holland as early as . See I'w.—
Editor,

THE STYMOLOGICAb COBiPENDIUM. <M fr

time times, ''How do yon do, Brotber Salter?* I liope yoo are
vdbU !" The Salter*! Company was incorporated 1558.

, GUY'S HOSPITAL.

^ TluB celebrated ]ioq>ital deriires its name froan TiMnnas Gay, a
bookseller of Coiphill, who made an immense fortane by (be tsel#*
birated South Sea Bubble. It is said of him, tbat when oonsnitiag
with a friend relatiire to his will, the latter advised bim to seaiebtbe
Sooth Sea Books, and retnra, as had been done by one or two indi-
vidnals, possessing heroic virtues, the money to the perishing fiuni-
IJM that were nndooe by the purchase of his tiock. This advice he
n|ected, althoagfa by acting upon it, he was told he would bavo
raiBtd a monoment to his memorv, as mnch to his gjpry as Ube bos*

Eital, and added the praise of jastice to his fame. The hospital was
mltlTSl. He died 1734.

FOUNDLING HOSPITAL.

The first Foandlmg Hospital was erected in Paris, in 1677. Tht
IjOfj^don Foandling Hospital, which was projected and f ndowed by
caf^tain Thomas Coram, was founded in 1736 ; began to receive
children, 1756^ let part of their estate in 1797; which yields 2,0002.
a year in addition to their income.

Tlie celebrated Handel used to preside at the organ of the chapel
of this institution : and it may not be generally known, that his cele-
brated *^ Messiah** was concocted by him within this said cha]>el :
and which even now, at the present day, can boast of a masicat
choir equal to most of oar cathedrals.

BONNER*S FIELDS.

Bonner's Fields, so called after tbe celebrated Bonner, bisb^ of
London, who had a palace there. He entered at Oxford about lol2 ;
bish(m of London, 1539; deprived. May, 1550; and died in the
Maranalsea Prison, Sept. 5th, 1569 !

BANCROFT*S ALMS HOUSES.

Bancroft's Alms Houses, so called, after one Gliomas Bancroft,
Ibeir fiMmder ; be was a Xiord Mayor's Officer, and died worth 80,0002.
in 1729. * .

He was a most eccentric character, and desired that the Hd of his
coffin should have a sqoare of glass in it, that it shoald not be fost-
ened ^wn, and that it should remain above gronnd. This was con-
formed to, a conditional bequest beingattached to the fulfilment of
it He lies in Saint Helen's Church, i^reat Saint Helen's, Bidiops-
gate Street.

WARDS.

^ Though T cannot ascertain the time, says Maitland, when this
<aty (London) was at ftrst divided into wards, yet 1 am of opinion,
that the first division thereof was not on accoant of the government,
bi|t rather, that London, like other cities and towns of the kingdom,
was anciently held of the Saxon kings and nobility in demean, and
whose several properties therein, being so many sokes or liberties,
were under the immediate dominion of their respective lords, who

• Aanial Register, 1768. f Built 17S&.

296 ^^B ETYMOLOGICAL COMFBNDIUM.

were the gorernon or wardem thereof; whence, I imagine, nriMe
the Saxon appellation, ward, which signifies a qaarter or district:
this opinion is not only corroborated by the wards of Baynard's
Castle, Faringdon, Coleman Street, and Basingball "br Bassishaw's,
still retaining the names of their ancient proprietors, bnt also by the
other wards of the city being alienable ; which upon alienation, the
purchaser or pnrchasers. became the proprietor or proprietors thereof
with the additional epithets of alderman, or aldermen.

ALD6ATE WARD.

When the Saxons first possessed themselves of this city, tiiey
found this gate sorely decayed, and more ruinous than any of the
rest ; therefore, they imposed the epithet of eaid, or aid, upon it ; ie.
old.

QUEEN-HITHB WARD.

The original name of Queen-hithe was Edrid's hithe, or harbonr.
In Henry the Third's time, it fell to the crown, and was called Ripa
Regence, or the Queen's Wharf. It was probably part of her ma>
jest's pin-money, by the attention paid to her interest.

CHEAP WARD.

Cheap Ward, derives its name from the Saxon wend chepe, a
market, once applied to our Cheapside, which was formerly called
West Cheap, in order to distinguish it from Bast Cheap.

VINTRY WARD.

Vintry Ward, comprises a part of the north bank of the Thames,
where the merchants of Bordeaux, formerly bonded, and sold their
wines : the word vintry, is derived fi-om vine-tree.

BILLINGSGATE WARD.

BiIIin«9gate, which '^the ladies of the British Fishery,** (as Addi-
son has humourously desiniated them) have rendered of such noto-
riety, boasts of having had for an alderman, the patriotic Beckford,
a gr^at scolder ! The derivation of Billingsgate is very ancient,
being from Bilenus, king of Britain, who assisted Breneus, king of
Oaul, at the siege of Rome.

BISHOPSGATE WARD.

A modem author conjectures this vmrd, says Maitland, to have
derived its appellation from Erkenwald, bishop of London, who first
erected it, aboot anno 675 ; but I supfxise it to have been so called,
out of compliment to that excellent bishop, William Norman, \Hm>
seems to have delighted in nothing more than doing good to ifae
citizens.

CRIPPLESATE WARD.

Westward from Moorgate, stood Cripplegate, from vdience this
ward takes its name. It was so denominated irom the number of
cripples who anciently begged there.

ALDERSGATE WARD.

The name of this ward is derived from the gate vriiich stood here;
which gate, some writers say, received its name from Aldrich, a
Saxon ; others that seniors, or old men,'were the builders thereof;

THB BTmOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 237

and there are those who say, that it derives its name from the ffreat
Dumber of elder ^es which mw io that neighboorhood. All now-
erer^ is bat sormise, the reader most therefore make his election.

FARIUNGDON WARDd.

Tliese aldermanries, i. e. Farringdon Within, and Farringdon
Without, were foimerty but one ; and which was conveyed by John
le Fenere, for an eqmvalent, to William Farringdon, citizen and
goldsmith, in whose possession, and that of his son, it continned
about eighty ^ears ; and whose enjoyment thereof by name, (although
now divided into two) is like to be coeval with time.

BREAD STREET WARD.

Bread Street, which gives denomination to the ward, was so called
from a Bread Market, ancientiv held there, daring which time the
citv bakers were not permitted to sell bread at nome, bot were
obliged to dispose thereof in this market.

LAM6B0URNE WARD.

So denommated from a brook, or boome, which ran through this
locality, and which, being of some length, was called Long-boame,
DOW cofToptly Lang-boome.

D0W6ATE WARD.

Formerly DMrr-gate, which is Saxon for Flood-gate, one of which
anciently stood here.

PORTSOKEN WARD.

Biaitland says, the Ward of Portsoken, about the year 967, was
given by king Edgar, to certain military knights, for their gallant
deportment in the service ef their coanfary ; and Edgar having con>-
stitirted the said knights a body politick and corporate, their lands
or district was thereby converted into a jnrisdiction, soke, or liberty ;
which, from its vicinity to Aldg^te, received the appellation of Port-
soke, or Uie Gate Liberty ; which liberty, ward, or parish, to|^ther
Willi the chorch tfiereof, was, in the year 1115. by the proprietors,
the descendants of the said knights, given to the priors ana canons
of the Trinity Convent within Aldgate.

CASTLE-BAYNARD WARD.

This ward derives its name from Baynard Castle, (formerly the
residence of William Baynard, a solditr of fortune); the site of
which is now partly occupied by a wharf. In the reini of king John,
it was the residence of Sir Reginald of Bavenx, and was famed for
the justs and tournaments that were held there.

CANDLEWICK WARD.

So called from the number of candle-makers that at one period
rerided in it.

CORDWAINER*S WARD.

This ancient ward receives its name from that part of its locality,
called Bow Lane, being principally inhabited by shoemakers, who
were originally called Cordwainers.

«238 fHE ETYMOLOGICAL C01fPem>It7M.

BROAD STREET WARD.

So denominated^ because Broad Street originally was the broadeit
street in the city.

LIME STREET WARD^

On this spot formerly, were several Lhne Tards^ and it was btre
that the lime was prepared for the rebuilding of tiie city, after &e
gfeat fire of 1666.

BAS6ISHAW WARD.

This is a cormption from Basing Hall Ward, a property that ior-
meriy belonged to the family of the Basings.

COLEIklAN STREET WARD.

This ward was thas denominated, because of a large hawyard, or
garden, called Coleman-Haw, belonging to one Goleman.

BRIDGE AND TOWER WARDS.
So catted, fronk their contiguity to the Bridge and Tomer*

INNS OF COURT.

Though the antiquity of the Inns of Court be not ascertained, yet
it m^y oe presumed, that they owe their origin to Henry 3d, who
having* in the year 1335, confirmed the charters granted by John,
his father, removed the Courts of Justice finm his palace intoWeii-
minster Hall. About this time, the lawyers, or practitioners in those
courts, began to form tiiemselves into a society, (supposed at
Thaivie*s Inn* in Holbcnm), in a collegiate manner ; hence thdr plaee
of residence was denominated an Inn, or House of Coori. Btat as-
cording to others, (though with less probability), from their .beiag
inns, or nurseries for the education of the young nobility and geatiy.
Be tiiat as it will, such places seem in some measure to have beei
appropriated for students of the law, seeing Henry'Sd, by his maii-
dafe, directed to the Mayor and Sheriffs oi London, about the yev
1344, strictly enjoined them to make proclamation throu^^UHit die
city, that no person whatsoever should presume to set up a schod,
or schools therein, for teaching of law.

CLEMENT'S INN.

This Inn of Court derives its name from Clement, the Dane» whoie
place of interment is said to be on the site of St. ClemeiU I>Eute'«
Church, and which circumstance gave a name to that place of
worship.

LINCOLN'S INN.

This Inn of Court derives its name from Henry Lacy, Earl of Lin-
coln, who erected a stately mansion here, in 1339, atad which still
retains his name. It is also said, that some time before his deati),
(anno 1310), he introduced here the study of the law.

GRAY'S INN.

This house, which is situate on the north side of Holbom, and is
one of the four Inns of Court, is thns denominated, from its beingthe
residence of the ancient and noble family of Gray, of Wilton, who,

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM* 289

in the reign of Edward Sd, demised the same to divert students of
the law. A writer says, it was rebailt in 1687 ; prior to which, it
was so incouipiodious, that according to the old records, the ancients
of this house were obliged to lodge double ; for at a pension held
there on the 9tb7aly, in the 21st year of Henry 8th, John Hales,
then one of the Barons of the Exchequer, produced a tetter directed
to him, from Sir Thomas Neville, which was to request him to ac*
quaint the Society, that he would accept <^Mr. Attorney General
to be his bed fellow in his chamber in the Inn, and that entry might
be made thereof in the book of their rules.

STAPLERS INN.

This Ion is said to have been anciently a Hall for the accommo-
dation of Wool-Staplers, from whom it is denominated. Be that as
it will, it appears to have been an Inn of Chancery, in the year 1415^
but how long before is unknown.

THAFV^E'S INN.

This Inn appears to have been of great antiquity, by its having be-
longed to John Thaive, (from whom it is denominated), in the reign
<^ Edward 3d, by whose vrill it appears to have been then an Inn
for Students at Iolmt ; some of whom, about the year 1347, had the
New Temple demised to them, by the Knight's Hospitallers, of St.
John of Jerusalem, ibr a yearly rent of ten pounds ; and removing
thither^ they and tiieir successors have contmned there ever since.

CLIFFORD'S INN«

This Inn is thus denominated from Robert de Clifford, to wiiom
it was ffranted by Edweurd 3d, in 1309. It is an Inn of Chancery,
siUntea on the north side of St Dunstan's Church, in Fleet Stree^
and is an appendage to the Inner Temple. The Societyls govemea
hf twelve ancients, and a principal, who are chiefly attoraies and
oAeers of the Marsbars Court, who, with the rest of the members,
are in corasAoas a fortnight every term, otherwise to pay four sfail*
lings per week.

FURNIVAL'8 INN.

lliis Inn owes its name to Sir John Furnival, who, in the year
1888, was proprietor of two messuagf^s and thirteen shops, where
now ^s Inn is sitoate, on the north side of Holbom, within the bari
of tJie city, but without the liberty thereof; and is an Inn of Chan-
cery, and appendage to Lincoln's Inn. This Society is governed by
a principal and twelve ancients, who, with the other members, are
to be in commons a fortnight every term, or pay five shillings a week
if absent*

ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, &c.

«( The daring flames peep'd in, and saw from fkr
The awful beauties of the sacred quire;
But since it was profanM by civil war,
Heav'n thought it fit, to have it pui^*d by fire. — Dryden,

Our readers need scarcely be informed, that the old cathedral of
St Paul's, was burnt down in the great fire of London, in 1666.
During the time of the Common wealm, the body of the church was
converted into saw-pite, and stables for soldiery, and to which Dry-
deu alludes in Uie above lines. The first stone of the present mag-

^40 '^^^ BTTliOLCOICAL COMPENDIUM.

Dificeot edifice, was laid on tbe!2l8t of Jane, 1675, by Sir Christopher
Wreo, who lived to see his son, then bai a few months old, thnrtf-
five years afterwards, deposit the highest stone of the lantern on the
cnpma. It is farther remarkable, that the architect, the builder,
and the dean, who saw its commencement, all lived to see it com-
pleted.* Dining the early prc^ess of the wwk, an incident occnrred,
which, even in a less soperstitioas age, might hav6 been considered
a favourable omen, withont any charge of extraordinary credidtty.
Sir Christopher was marking oat the dimensions of the great a^Nola,
when he ordered one of the workmen to bring him a flat stone, lo
nse as a station. A piece was broafht: it was the fragment of a
tomb-stone, on which oat one word of the inscription was lefl; — that
wwd was RESUROAM. Some anthors suppose this circumstance to
have been the origin of the emblem sculptured over the South Por-
tico, by Cibber, namely, a phoenix rising oat of its fiery nest, wifii
this word as an inscription.

WHISPERING «ALLERT.

Yon ascend by a spacious circular staircase to a gallery, iHiich
encircles the lower part of the interior of the dome, and is ouled tte
Whispering Gallery, from the circumstance, that the lowest whisper
breathed against the wall in any part of this vast circle, may be ac-
curately distinguished by an attentive ear on the opposite side.

COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF ST. KATHERINB*8.

The church that was thus denominated, but which is now polled
down, to make way for the New Docks, had the following origio.
^ The collegiate body to whom the church and precinct pertein, and
who have not always been so insensible to the nobler principles Aey
now abandon, owe their orinn to Maud, queen of lung Stephen—
their present constitution to Eleanor, wife, of Henry 3d — and their
exemption from the general dissolution in the time of Henry 8th, to
the attractions, it is said, of Anne Boleyn. The queen's consoft
have from the first been patronesses, and on a vacancy of the crown
matrimonial, the kings of England.f

SAINT MARY WOOLNOTH.

The charch of St. Mary Woolnoth, at the west end of Lombard
Street, was bailt by Richard Hawksmoor, the eccentric pupil of Sir
Christopher Wren, in the year 1719. It derived ite name firom beia;
at that time contiguoas to the wool market

SAINT NICOLAS COI^ ABBY.

This church, which is a rectorv, situate on the sooth side oiOU
Fish Street, in the ward of Queenhithe, is thus denominated firom iti
dedication to the above named saint, and the additional epithet of
Cole Abby, by some from Gk>lden Abbey, Cold Abbey, or Cold-bey,
from ite cold or bleak situation.

SAINT MARY LE BOW.

So called from being built on arches, which were then called
Bows. This was the first charch bailt of stone.

• Sir Christopher Wren, Mr. Strong, and Dr. Henry Compton.

t A new college and church have since been built in the Regeat's
Park.— ^.

THB BTTMOLOOICAL COMPBUDIUM. 2ii

ALL HALLOWS BARKING.

Tlie patronagje of this charch was io the abbew and nans of Bark*
'mg, in TSaaex, till 1546, when Henry the Eighth exchanged the aame
wraillionias^ archbishop of Canterbnry^ in whose soccessora it stfll

ALLHALL0W8 STAINING.

I church is of Saxon origin. Staining, is a cormption of Stane,

which oor antiqaaries are jastly of opinion was conferred on it, on
accomit of its being bnflt unth stones, to distingoish it irom other
chnrches of the same name in this city/that were built with wood.

•
SAINT ANDREW BUBBARD.

The first mention of this charch Is some time before the year 1389,
when Walter Palmer was rector thereof. It received the epithet
«f Hobbard, from one of its rebnilders or repairers.

SAINT ANDREW WARDROBE.

Tlus church was originally denominated St. Andrew Jnxta Bay*
nard's Castle,^ from its yicinity to that palace ; bat the magnificent
stroctnre afterwards erected, called the Wardrobe, supplied tiie

Slace of Baynard's Castle ; and the charch^as ever since been called
•t Andrew Wardrobe.

SAINT PETER AD VINCULA.

This charch, or chapel, which is situate in the Tower of London,
is dioa dcnomiaated, from its being dedicated to St Peter in bonds,
or chains ; and which, ad vincula signifies. ^ In this charch, or
chapel, are interred the bodies of two queens, vis. Anna Bnllen, and
Cataerine Howard, consorte of Heary 8th, who were beheaded in
the Tower ; likewise, are buried here divers other persons of quality.

SAINT PETER LE POOR.

This chorch, situate on the west side of Broad Street, derives ito
name from St. Peter, and the additional epitiiet of Le Poor, from
the mean condition of the parish in ancient times ; if so, they may
now justly change it to that of Rich, because of the great number of
menmanto and other persons of distinction inhid>iti]ig there.

SAINT SEPULCHRE.

This charch receives ite name firom being dedicated to Christ's
sepulchre, at Jerusalem. The bell of this church always tolls on the
morning of executing criminals at Newgate.

SAINT ALPHAGE.

This church, says Maitland, which stands at the north-west comer
of Aldermanbury, owes ite name to ite dedication to St. Alphage, or
Elpfaage, a noble English Saxon, and archbisUop of Canterbury, who
was murdered by the Pagan Danes, at Greenwich, anno 1013.

* See Baynard's CastlOt

242 TBB ETTMOLOOICAL COMPENDIUM.

SAINT NICOLAS 0LAVE8.

Tills charch, which gtancU oo the west side of Bread Street HiQ,
derives its name from St Nicolas, and Olave^ or Olaos, a kiaga
Norway, who rebuilt it

SAINT MART MATFELLON.

This term, applied to the church in Whitecha|>elj is derived itm
the Hebrew, or Syriac word, Matfel, which signifies a woman, tiiat
has lately brought forth a son, therefore dedicated to Mary, d^iveieJ
of a son.

SAINT PANCRAS.

This church, and parish, derive their names from St. Pancras, a
yoong Phrji^an nobleman, who, for his strict adherence to die
Christiui faitli, snffiered martyrdom at Aome, under the emperor
IKoclesian.

ST. BENEDICT, VULGWkRLY CALLED BENNET FINK.

This church is thus denominated from its dedication to St Bens-
diet an Italian saint, and founder of the order of Benedictine Mc^u.
And the additional epithet of Fink, it received from its rebnflder,
Robert Fink.

ST. BENNET'S GRASS CHURCH.

This church, which is a rectory, stands at the sooth west c<Hiier
of Fenchnrch Street and near to the Old Grass^ Market .from
whence it derives its additional name.

ST. BENNET SHEREHOG.

This church originally went by the name of St Osyth, from its
being dedicated to a queen and martyr of that name. However, die
appears to have been but a very impotent protectrix, in safiniair
herself to be divested of the tutelage of this church, by Benedict
Shorne, a iSshmonger ; a re-boilder, a repairer, or benefactor to the
same ; and Shorne, his surname, deviating into Shrc^, 'twas at last
converted into Sherehog; and Benedict, as already mentioned,
turned into Bennet.

ST. MARTIN ORGARS.

This church derives its appellation from one Odgams, who wai
a benefactor to it

ST. MARY OVERIE.

This church in Southwark, by some called St. Savioars, and by
others St. Mary Overier, derives the latter name, which is ai cor-
ruption from Over River, from the following circumstance : —

" A ferry was formerly kept, where the bridge now stands. At
length the ferryman and his wife died, and left the same ferry to
their only daughter, a maiden, named Mary, which with the goods
left by her parents, as also with the profits arising from the said
ferry, she built a house of sisters, and afterwards, at her decease,
bequeathed the whole of her property to the said sisters, and to-
wards building and endowing a church, which in gratitude to tbeir

* See Gracecliurch Street.

beneftctress, they call^ Si Mary Over River, hot wbich nltunate*
ly was corropted or abbreviated to Si Mary Overie."

8T. DI0NI8 iACK-CHtRCB.

ff&giAldrtlt crf^eB its name to Si Dibnis, Dionysins, or DeimSl^
who, upon Si Paul's preaching at Athens, was converted, aifd b^-
camo ilie first bishop of that city, and afterwards patron of the
French nation. The einfliet Back-church, was conferred upon tiiis
ohdnll from its siCbaiion behind a row of hoases, to distingiiidr it
finMi the chorohof Si Gabriel, which stood in the middle of Fei-'
efaorch Street ; therefore tiiese churches were anciently knowii' b/
no odier appellation than those of Fore and Back Churdi.

ST. KATHERIira: CREB.

This church, which is situate in Leadenhall Street, owes its name
to its dedicatioo to Si Katherine, tiie Egyptian virgin ; and the epi^'
thet of Christ (corruptly Gree), from its vicinity to the conventuit
•hurch of the Holy Trinity, originally denominated Christ Church.

ST. MARGARET PATTENS.

Hus church, situate at the corner of Little Tower Street, owolts
name to Si Margaret, and the circumstance that this parish ancieni-
ly was principally inhabited by Patten Makers.

ST. MARTHTS OUTWICH.

This church, which is situate in Threadneedle Street, derives its
name iirom Si Martin, and to William and John de Oteswich, some^
time proprietors thereof.

ST. MART, ALDERMARY.

lliis church, which is situate in Bow Lane, owes its name to its
dedication to the Virgin Mary, and the additional epiithet of Alder-
mary, or Eldennarv, from its being the ancientest church in IIm
city, dedicated to the said Virgin.

ST. MARY BOTHAW.

This church, situate in Turn-wheel Lane, receives the former pUi
of its name from being dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the lattelf
to its vicinity to a Boat Haw, or a Boat Bunder's Vard.

ST. MARY-AT-HUiL.

This church, wfaicfa is situate in the Ward of BilIin|fS^t^, owes
its name^ like the above-mentioned, to the aforesaid Virgin, and- its
situation upon a pleasant eminence — (now surrounded by nuisances.'

PETER COLE CHURCH.

Hus churoh, says Maitland, derives its name from Peter Cole-
cfaarch^ who&vt began the building of London Bridge* with stone $
be was buried in a chapel on the bridge, from whence his body was
removed, on the taking down of the houses, to the church
now bears his name.

* See Londom Bridge*
m2

^ T0IB KIYMPLOQICAL COWPfXDIJJ^.

BLACK-FRURS.

l9b,^QqBi^iat«4 becanae there fonnerly stood on the north ade
of the )bndffe, a co^yen^ of Black-firiart, L e. frian wiio wore a hhffk
dress; ana on the west side, a convent of White-finars, .whiok aiM
fRYe a name to an adjacent locality. Richard is made to exclaim
m the play, when he stopt the funeral of Henry —

" Vo, to 1|rU|ke-firian, and there await my cominr***
BATTLE STAIRS.

Battle Stairs^ Tooley Street, derive their name firom the Abbot ef
9^e^ in Sossez, who ha^ a boose bercj and whose groinda fad
f^wn cafoe don^ to Uie Th^iiffes side.

BRIDEWELL, CLERKENWELL, Ac.

Tliese, wiA others^ were the Hohr Wells of London, bat wfack
have declined in repatation. The tame of St Bride's Well^ nve
the name of Bridewell to an aclioining hospital and prison, aodat
last attacliued the name to almost ever^ hoose of correction drnm^
out the kingdom. CleriEenwell takes its name from the companiy of
Pftrish Clens, who formeri}r had their meetings bere.

The following anecdote will, perhaps, afford amosement :

** In the Ucentioqs days of Charles ^, lived a woman of tbe m«s
of Creswell, who kept anoase of ill fun^ to whjicb resorted t/pnl
Blochester, and many other libertines. She had a honse in towB.
and another in the coontrv, alternately die scenes of sednctwm ana
misery to many who had been betrayed to rain by her wily wavBL
Tl)i9 wreteh was at len^ seized by death, when she desnred^ or
will, to have a sermon preached at her fimeral, for whicb ahe had
ordered that the preacher shodd receive Ten I^onnds, but only on
tiiis express condition, that he y^aB to say nothing bat what was tpctf
ofher.

** This was a qaibbliBsr age. A preacher was prooored. Ml, it
seems, wiUioat some dimoolty ; thus, then, he perrormed hu sike.
His sermon had no reference whatever to her, it beine on tiie me-
ral practice of morality, and be condnded with — ^ All I duklf sif
of her, therefore, is as follows : She was born well, she lived wm
and she died well ; for she ^as born with the name of Cfe<|B-'ir^«
she lived in Clerken-well, and she died in Bride-well !"

BEVIS MARKS.

Formerly the Abbot of Bary bad his city residence here, fiom
whence it received the appellation of Bory's ]M[arks ; aqd the j^ace
of its sitoation, by corraption, is now denon^nat^d Be vis Maika

BROOK MARKET.

This market, as well as Brook filtreet, Holbom, derive their name
from Lord BrOP^'s mansion being formerly here.

BARGE YARD, BUCKLERSBURT.

According to tradition, Boats and Barges came op Walbrook from
the Thames to that place, where they delivered their cargoes or
freights. '

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 247

BIRD CAGE WALK.

Here Charle* tiie Second had a kind of aidary^ and as the trees
liad a great variety of Bird Gages hang or soa^ended therefrom, it
procured the name of Bird Cage Walk^ which it has retained to the
present day.

BUCKINGHAM HOUSE.

Tlus mansion, which was for so many years the residence of oQr
royal family, was erected by John, Duke of Buckingham, in 1703, in
the reign of Qaeen Anne. It is related, that the architect and
ibnilder having expended large snms of money upon it, his employer,
thef dnke, was backward in payingthe same ; upon which, he resoit-
ed to the following stratagem. The architect one day prevailed
upon his Grace to mount the top of the building, for the alledged
purpose of seeing the surrounding prospect. The moment the duke
sathi^ foot on the roof, the man of science and bricks shut down the
trap door, locked it, and threw the key to the ground below. The
doke, nstonished at the action, exclaimed, ^ How am I to get dbwn ?^
The builder, assuming a melancholy countenance, replied—^ My
t/tatd Duke, I am a distressed man, I have mined myself hj making
advances for this building, and unless yon immediately relieve me,
it is my intention to leap down and destroy myself! " " What is
\o beccune of me, you having thrown the key away?" demanded the
dnko. ** You must leap doivn also,'' rqoined the builder, " unless
joa consent to satisfy mj wants." Upon which, it is said, the didte
instantly complied, by giving him an order upon his banker for the
amount ne named.

The builder then gave a pre-concerted signal to one of his men,
who came up with the key, unlocked the tr&p door, and set the duke
at liberty.

It is generally supposed that the duke complied with the request
o£ the builder, not from any sense of fear, but because he admirea the
ingenious mode in which he had been called upon to pay his debts, j

BERMONDSET STREET.

- The'Mofee of tint munor, or distritt, being a Steon comjlMNUid,
•nd the last syllable thereof seenang to imply an island, it is Mip-
posed anciently to have been such a place belonging to one Ber-
mond, and which the situation gives room to conjecture. Be that
as it will, the village of Bermondsey, in the Conqueror's survey,
aifp^ars to have been a royal manor, wherein were twenty-five viW
lains, or servile husbandmen ; ana twenty- three ^ordonaitnt, or
Cottagers.

CORNHILL.

Thb 18 the highest* part ef London, and was denominated tiras in
conseouence of that circumstance, and the great number of Corn-
chandlers ^ho resided here in former times*

CHEAPSIDE.
Cheapside received its name from Chepe, a Market, — ^this beiD|r
originally the great street for splendid shops. In the year 15246 it
wtts'an open field, called Crown-field, from an inn of that sign a(
the east end.

* In a passage leading from Newgate Street to Paternoster Row, a
stone announces that spot to be the highest part of London.—^.

$4g THB BTTMOLOOICAL COMPEltlllUM.

CONDUIT STREET.

Conduit Street derives its name from one of the Condinltj, or
Pnmps^ wliich iopplied that part of the town with water.

COVENTRY STREET.

This appellation is derived firom Coventry House, the retidenoe
of the Earls of Coventiy, which formerly stood at the esdof the
Hay Market.

CRUTCHBD-FRURS.

Gmtched-Friars is derived from the hoose of Cmtohed, or Crossed
Friars, a fraternity who wore a laige red cross on their ganBeote—
hence, also, the filed Cross Knights.

CORAM STREET.

Coram Street, Brunswick Square, is so called after Capfnhi Cs>
ram, prcgector of the Foundling Hospital He died Blaich 99, 1751,
aged 84.

CRANBOURN-AI4LBT.

This property belongs to the Marquis of Salisbury, and derives
its cognomen from the Marquis's second title, which is borne by )m
eldest son— Viscount Cranbonme. The late Lord Erskine, befaf
on a visit to tiie late Biarquis at Hatfield Hoose, and the latterbebc
anzions for his Lordship's opinion on his new picture |pdlery, tooc
the earliest opportunity of showing it to him, when his Lordship
made the following happy impnmipiu: —

Your room, though long and narrow,

And as straight as an arrow,

IVill ne^er with your other rooms tally ;

But give it to your son,~'twill be excellent ftni

To hear it callM Cranboome Alley.

COLEMAN STREET.

Maitland says, this street was thus denominated because oft
large Haw-yard, or Garden, called Coleman's Haw, beloQgiqg Is
one Coleman.

CLARE MARKET.

From the Clare family, who had a house contignovs to Qemaif f
Inn.

CARNABY MARKET.

On this site formerly stood the mansion of Sir Raynold Camabyi
who fipred in the reign of Henry 8th, and who enjoyed a great |»r-
tion ofthat monarch's favour. His descendants continued to rends
there, till the reign of James Istjwhen the present market was bnil^
and which was named after the family of the Camabys.

COCKSPUR STREET.

In the reign of Henry 8th, Cockfightinir was a courtly amusement,
and there was the Royal Cock-pit and Tennis Court m the neigh-
bourhood of Whitehall. The street above named was famous at
that period for the sale of Cock-spurs, &c. and which circamstanct
gave a name to the street

mS BTTMOLOGICAL COMPBMDIUII. 34Q

CAMUrOV PALACB.

** As you tnm down yo«r footsteps fhro* Regent Street,
The pillars of Carlton's flua*d palace yon meet,
TMeir order loiiic, their roir very fine.
As like straight grenadiers,, they stand fbur in a line ;
But just venture to ask tbem, ** Pray what do y* here.
My good pillars 2^ (fellows)— They'd answer,—
'* Cant say we declare !*'

Cariton House^ once the celebrated town reiideoce of Oeom tlie
Fovth, derives its name from its original jKissessor, Viscoant Carle-
Ion, of whom it was porchased for Frederick, Prince of Wales, fa-
ther of George the Third.

CRIPPLBGATE.

St. Gfles is the patron of Beggars. Goiqg io church in his youth,
he gave his coat to a sick beggar who asked alms oTLim— the men*
dlicaiit was clothed, and the gamieot miracoloosly cored a disorder
with which he was afSicted. ^ He was also the patron 6f Crinples.
It is related of him, bv that pious chronicler of the saints, Rwade-
ncm, that one day when the French king was a hunting near a
thicket where St Giles was concealed, he was wounded by an ar-
row from a huntsman's bow while in the act of praying ; wherenpon
bcinff fbimd unmoved firom his position, the king fell at his feet,
craved his|Mirdon, and gave orders for the cure of his wound, but
this the Samt would not permit, preferring to remain a Cripple, rad
thereby increase his merits.

Our church of St. Giles, Cripplegate, is dedicated to him; heoco
the name of the locality.

COAL HARBOUR LANE.

Here stood a spacious and stately edifice, denominated Cold Her*
l>eig, or Harbroogh ; the latter being a corruption of the former,
wUch signifies an Inn, or Mansion-house ; the epithet of Cold was
probably added, on accoudt of its bleak situation, so near the river
ThasMS. However, the site thereof, and buildings thereon, are at
present known by the name of Coal Harbour Lane.

CHARINO CROSiS.

Here, formerly stood the vilhige of Charing, firom whence the
present name is derived. The Cross was an ancient Gothic strw-
tore, placed there by order of Edward the Flrs^ as a memorial of
eoqhigal affection, to the manes of his beloved wue, Eleanor. " Bot
n^uer its ornamental situation, the beauty of its sfarncture, nor Ae
ammble design of its erection," says an intelligent writer, " coaki
preserve it from the merciless 2eal of the times." It was demolish-
ed by the Honse of Commons, during the Commonwealth, as a relic
of Popish superstition.

CHARLES THE FIRST'S STATUE.

This noble equestrian statne at Charing Cross is the work of Hu-
bert le Soeor, a Frendbman, who came to England abont the year
1633.

** Hie commanding grace of flie figure, and the exqmsite form of
the horse, are striking to the most unpractised eye,'' says Horace
Walpole. This piece was cast in 1639, in a spot of ground near to

Covent Gkorden, and not being erected before the commencement of
the civil war, it was sold by the Paiiiateeat io John Rivet, a bra-
uer, living tithe Qial» Q^w Holboann Copidiuty with stiict orders
to break it io pieoea. This woi^y, we ma^r presome, was a royal-
ist At any rate, he was a sagacious wight^ for he prodaeed a
quantity of nagments of old brass, and concealed the statoe and
horse midefr gtoand until the Restoration. ** He cast a nmaber of
knives and lorks^'' says M. de Archenhols, *^ in brass, whieh he

sold as mannfactnred nrom the statae. These were porchaaed with
atidity by the royalists, oat of affection to their nnfortanaie sove-
leqm ; and sooght widi equal ei|gernesB by the rebels, as a traphy
ofthe downfidl of a despot"

COYENT OARDECf*

On the site ofthe western Piazza of Coyent Garden, or aa it is
vil^arly called Common Garden, fpnnerly stood a Convent of Sis-
t^rsy' which was with other monsistenes seized and confiscated by
ordor of oor Bbhth Harrt. Where the market is held now, ftr-
Aeify was die Convent Garden^ and which circmnstanco gave it ib
pfesentname.

' ^ T condbde with being Edward Honeycomb, in ike time of Henry
the E^fihy helping to midb the convent that stood tliere. I strike
his U^esty's' warrant on the door, and change every thing like t
haHeqnm. The convent becomes a phy-hoose, monks waA mam
torn actors and actresses. The garden, formal and quiet, where a
sailed was cut for a lady abbess, and flowers were eatbered to adoiB
images, becomes a market, noisy and foU of life, distributing tfaoa-
sainos of fruits and flowers to a social metropolis. Who is this oom*
ing this way, looking so earnest and full oi frown ? Is it a little
dominican friar, longing to denounce us all to the Inquisition ? No;
it is Mr. Kean, in his great coat, who delights us all, and does n»
good, in a profone play-house. Miss Stephens, and JMSss Tree, too,
instead of

<• Chaimting foint hynms to the cold fruitless moon,"*
n^ their voices in delightful duets, and have good wai^ bepefili*

CANNON STREET.

Cannon Street was originaUy Candlevnck Street, derivingits nane
frpm its formerly beins principally occupied bj the wax and talloir
trades, w^ch were of great importance till lo48, when by order of
Henry 8ih^ the burning of canoles in religious services were pro-
hibited. '

CROSBY SQUARE.

The house in Crosby Sonare, called Crosby House, v?a8 the dty
residence of Richard the Third, and is alluded to in Uie play ; such,
however, is the mutability of human afibirs, that, w^t was a pa-
lace, is now a packer's warehouse* It was built by one Sir jAa
Crosby.

CURTAIN ROAD,

The road which runs parallel with Shoreditch, fitMi Wonhq>
Street to Old Street Road, is thus denominated from one of the an-
cient theatres being here. They were then denominated Cuitabs,
frbm their temporal^ nature, having merely a Curtam drawn roaad,
to separate the audience and actors from passing observatioB.

TBB BTVMOLOGiCAL COMPBNDreM. ^-g

CUCKOLD'S PODIT.

** His head opches, his forehead bunu, his horns eafi.*'

JU in the Wrmg.

Cuckold's Point, so well known to Thames voyagen,^ aa siMkite
between Rederiffe, er Rothehthe, and Deptford, and which is mark-
ed out to the jpasser-by, by the staff and horns, deriyes its cognomen
Amb the traArtkni of Chanes the 3d onckolding flie Milller.-^^-See
Motsloydo w ■.

DEVONSHIRE SQUARE.

Defomhire Square, fiiriupsga^, derhree iCs'name fttMil time man-
sion formerly there, the resioenoe of the Devmishire fasdly.

DUKfi'S PLACE.

Dbke^s Place, in the city, the great resort of the Jews, took its
iljlilie lh>m Tliomas, Duke of Norfolk, who, in 1653, had his resi*
dence here.

DRURY LANE.

Near this place stood Dmry-honse, the habitation of the gfreat fa*
mily of the l)rury*s — built by Sir William Drory, K. G. from which
it deriTed its appellation. It is remarkable that this lane, of later
timea so'iiotorioaft for intrigue, shonld receive its title from a family
namfe, which in the language of Chaucer, had an amorous signv-

fication —

** Of bataille, and of cheyalrie.
Of lady's love and druerie
Anou I iroll you tell.**

EAST CHEAP.

East^heap, from Chepe, a Market, and East, the aspect it bears
to Cheapside. This street was famous in old times for its convivial
dfWMp

".Hio cookes cried — hot ribbes of beef roasted, pies well baked,
and other victuals. There was clattering of pewter pi^, harpe,
pipe, and sawtrie,^ evident symptoms of the jollity of this tmarter.
Here, too, was the celebrated " Boar's Head," the resort of Prince
Hal, and his pot companion Falstaffi

EXETER CHANGE.

Tlus place received its name from being built on the site of the
old mansion house of the Earls of Exeter. It was erected for Uie
purpose of trade, and consists of three floors: the upper ones, which
are spacious, have been the scenes of many interestrag exhibitions,
taow a menagerie of wild beasts.

In the ancient plans of London, the original house covered a
large spaoi!, and had its quadrangles, towers, and tmrets, in the style
of Baneigh-house,the cooatry residence of the Marquis of Exeter.

FINSBURY SQUARE.

Fiarfmry is a corruption from Fens-bury, from that locality being
originally a laige Fen. The chief magistrate of the metropolis is
If^rcir of London, and Lord of the Manor of Finsbory.

S68 1™i BTTliOLOGICAL COMPBllDIUlf .

FLUDTER STREET.

Fhidyer Street, near to Downing Street, deriret its naaie from
Sir Sunnel Flodyer, Lord Mayor of London, aboift the year 1740;
kt iMTing bcuk it

FOSTER LAVE.

Thif Lane derivea iti name from Sir Stephen Fontery knyU,
acme time Lord Mayor of London ; and the fonnder of the |i»i fi l g | t i
of Lodgate priaoo, himself having been a priaoner there, nan
whence he was released by a lady, whom he' afterwards mar-*
ried, and on which eircomstance was fomided the play of ** The
Widow of Gomhill/' or " A Woman ne*er Vexf

FORE STREET.

Tlus street was so denommated, becaose it was the fint street
b«nt withoot the walls of Cripplegate. The present street was
biiittl761.

FISH STREET HILL.

Tlus Hill or Street is thus denominated from its origmall/ being
pfinciptdly occupied by dealers in dryed or salt fish.

FLEET STREET.

This Street, Fleet Market, and the Fleet Prison, all derive their
name from a small river or ditch, called the Fleet frmn its rapidity,
which flowed op from the Thames. It was at length arched oter,
and New Bridge Street and Fleet Market formed thereon.

"* Friday, September 30, 1737, the stalls, &c. in Stocks's market,
(now where the Mansion-hoase standa), being polled down, the
Lord Mayor proclaimed Fleet Market as a free market." rum
this record, it appears that if has been opened 89 years.

FENCHURCH STREET.

This locality was formerly denominated Fenny-a-boot, fitmbeiiv
a very marshy sitnation. There^ were several brooks or boonee.
also, which emptied themselves into the Thames.

GOODMAN'S FIELDS.

Mansel, Prescott, Leman, and Ayliffe Streets, with a few small-
er streets and courts in the vicinity, comprise what is called Good*
man's Fields.

Gitiaen Stowe writes, that he remembers it a farm, belonging to
the Minoresses* of St Clare, who gave a name to the neighbooriDK
street, called the Minories. " At which farme," says Stowe, ** i
myself, in my youth, have fetched many a halfpennie-worth of milke,
and never had less than three ale pints for a nalfpennie in flie sum*
mer, nor less than one ale quart in the wintre, always hot frmn the
kine, as the same was milked and strained." One TVollop. and if*,
terwards Qoodman, were the farmers there ; the latter having pa^
chased the farm and fields, so increased his property, tlmt he oad
thirty or foity cows for milking.

Farmer Goodman's son afterwards letting out the groond fer
grasing horses, and for gardens, the name of Goodman's fiurm wai

* See Miaories*

THS CTYMOLOGfCAL COHPENDlUlf. 953

entirely lost in that of GUKxlmaii's Fields, which it retains, notwith-
■tandiiur all the changes it has andei^one.

The backs of the buooses of the foor streets above-named ibm a
large sqaare, called the Tenter Groand, having formerly been naed
by a dyer; it was afterwards converted into a handsome garden, in
which state it continaed until the idle threat of invasion set th6
frhxAe country marching and connter-marching. Harnessed and
armedy big with valorons loyalty, the ^rden of the Tenter Gkoand
became the field of Mars, and the sprrag and snmmer ilowersjrield-
ed to the flowers of Chivalry. But of all the gallant days for Good-
man's Fields, the 3lst of June, 1799, most be remembered ; Presoot
and Leman Streets vrare Blled vnth volanteers of the East, waiting
to be reviewed by his late Majesty. On that day not less then
50,000 men, well clothed, armed> and accoutred, at their own ex-
pense, to defend their native soil, had been reviewed in varioos
parts of London by their sovereign ; bat, alas, for the volnnteerB at-
aembled in Goodman's Fields : some mistake happened in the mar-
shalling, which led to the most ladicroos result : the king was look-
ing after the soldiers, and the soldiers were seeking the king: It
was a race between loyalty and migesty. ^ The king is in Aynffe
Street," cried a scout to the soldiers ; the soldiers left Pkesoott
Stjreet for Ayliffe Street "^ The soldiers are in Prescott Street,**
cries a scoot to the king ; away went the king to Prescott Street ; a
prettier game of hide and seek never was played. It ended, at
length, by the king leaving the ground, unable to review his volan-
teers, and the volunteers following him, unable to view his miyesty.

GREAT WARDROBE STREET.

T!lus street takes its name from the royal mansion called the
Great Wardrobe, which formerly stood in Wardrobe-Coat, Great
Carter Lane.

GREEN PARK.

This park receives its appellation simply from its verdure eooli-
Boii^ green throughout the year, numbers of springs being on the
spot.

GERARD STREEl*.

The name of this street is derived from Gerard-house, tha resi-
dence of Gerard, the gallant Earl of Macclesfield.

GOLDEN SQUARE.

Golden Square was formerly Gelding Square, from the sign of a
neigbboarinff inn ; bat the inhabitants, mdignant at the vulgarity of
the name, changed it to the present

GILT-SPUR STREET.

This way towards Smithfield, was anciently called Oilt-Sporre
Street, because of the knights, who, in qnality of their honour, wore
Gflt Sburs, and who rode that wbj to the tournaments, jostings,
and omer feats of arms used in Smithfield.

GRACE CHURCH STREET.

By referring to Stowe, or looking into any of the old accoooAs of
London, it will be found that this was a Grass Market, and which
in the course of time was called Gracious Street, and ultimately
Gracecbnrch Street

t^ . THB BTyM^rf>OIC AL COMHlf Dlini.

GARLICK HILL.

Tbia lopaUty derives its name from tlie Ghudie wtukei, hehag ori-
gpoally in the ▼kioity. ...^ .^^

HATTON 6ABDEN.

TUt leeality derives its name from die Lord Hatton's Kaidmee
faemg baik on the Gardenv of Ely Hoose. These gardens, aocoiFd-
io9 im Uolinshead, were famed for producing stravrbenriea, and he
aaya, that Richard the Third, at the coiHMnl held at the Tower, the
BMviung be |^ Hastings to death, sent to request a dish of them.

HOUNSDITCtf.

Bomsditch was formerly a &khy ditoh, into which was thnnni
dead dogs and all oMuuier of filth--hence its present juuae^ Into it
was thrown a worthy of no better sepnlture, Edric, tlie m o fd erei of
his master, Bdmnnd Ironside, after having been drawn by his heels
fnm Baynard's Castle, and tormented to death by flaoung toidtfs.

HERMITAGE.

So called, from an Hermitage that stood heie^ beloaging to the
CSoUegiate Charch of St Katherine.

HOLBORN.

Holbom,, originally called Old-boioiie, from its standhig en A
brook. A bomrne signifies a brook, and is a common termiiMitionsf
English towns and streets. This street was the first in London that
was paved ; this was in the year 1417, by order of Henry the Fonrtb.

HUNGBRFORD STAIRS, MARKET, Ac.

HoDgerford Stairn, &c. so called firom the Earls of Hiii^;erfwd,
having a palace near to the river Thames.

Formerly there was a series of palaces in a line with the Strand ;
cooimencinff with the Earl of Northomberland's, and terminatiB^
with that of the Earl of Essex, in Essex Street

HOLYWELL STREET.

HoIt Well Street, or, as it is called, Holywell Street, in the
Strand, derives its name from a well, in a baker^s yard, tcsM wUch
was denominated Holy Well from the miraculous cures that it
wrought.

HTDE PARK.

So called from Hyde, Lord Clarendon, whose daiwhter married
James, Dake of York, afterwards James the Second; from which
circumstance the said park became crown property. — The follow-
ing ]ust(Mioa1 anecdote will not^be misplaced :

^ During the troubles in the reign oi Charles 1st, a country girl
came to London in search of a place, but not succeeding, slie Kf-
plied to be allowed to carry out beer from a brewhonse ; these
women were then called Tub Women, and carried out beer from
the brewhouse, as the pot fooy does from the publican's now. The
publican observing her to be a very good looking, clean, indnstrioo^
girl, took her oat of this low situation into his house, and afterward,
married her. He died, however, while she was yet a very yoon^
woman, and left her a laige fortune. She was recommended o|

THBfiTTilOMM^ICAI* COMPENDIUM. ^^

iving op fbe brewery, to Mr. Hyde, a most able lawyer, to settle
er hosband's affairs ; he, in piocess of time, married the widow,
aad WM.iaade Earl of Ciareodoo ; of this marriage there wa« a
da^riit^r, wlio was afterwards married to Uie Duke of York« whuvat
tlved^iQiae of Charles ^^, socoeeded to the crown as James 2d. By
tUs marriage ^re was two daughters, Mary and Anne, both ai)Ur-
wards Qaeens of England. The one married the Prince of Orange,
afterwards William tiie Thvd, and tiie other. Prince George of

HACKNEY.

Tliis linage was anciently celebrated for the nomerons seats of
the nobility and gentry, w^ich occasioned, says Maitland, a mighty
raaert thither, of persons of aJl comfitions from the city ef Lobo^b ;
wiMraby, so great a mimber of horses were hired in the city on- thai
aeooMit, Aat ^y were called Hackney, or Hack horses, aad frttn
th» wmber of them employed to go to this neighbomrhood^ in pro-
ceaa of time gave a name to this locality.

HORSLEYDOWN.

Many derivations are traced to, or take their name from, the merry
reign of Charies 2d. It was one of his amonrs which gave rise, it
is said, to the cognomen, of Horsleydown. Below Rederiffe lived a
mHler, vriio had a pretty wife, and whom, when the miller vfas ab-
salt, oar amorons monarch, disguised as a student at law, was wont
to wanton with. On one occasion, however, the miller came ana-
wares upon them, when his majesty with some little difficulty made
his escape, and mounting his horse, which with an attendant wbb at
a little distance, fled as fast as " Tam O'Shanter !" He had not
proceeded far, however, before his Horse fell down, nvhen the miller
catsung up, ^ye his incog, mfdestv a good drubbing, and which cir-
com^tance, it is added, gave that locality the name of Horsleydown.
Another writer says — " The tale of Chanes and the miller is a very
pleasuit one,'' but adds, ** it is more probable the site of tins pa-
rish was anciently a grazing ground, and therefore denominated
Horse-down, now corruptly Horseleydown.

ISUNGTON.

This village, it is said, derives its name from two Saxon appella-
tions, viz. — Qisel, an hostage or pledge, and dun or tun, a town.

ISLE OF DOGS.

Stowe se^s — Una place derives its name from the King's hounds
formerly bemg kept nere, where were the royal kennels. It vras
originally called Poplar Marsh.

JEWIN STREET.

Tins street derives its name from the first Jewish cemetry being
here ; and* the only one, says Maitiand, for the sepulture of oiat na-
tion urom all parts of England* till the year 1777, when bv an inde-
fatigable application to parliiunent, it was enacted that they should
have borial grounds in any part where they resided.

KNIGHT BIDER STREET.

This street is thos named, in consequence of it being the road bv
w^ch the Knights passed to the tournaments and justii^, winch
were held at £kiynard's Castle, in the reign of King John.

QQQ TUB BTYMOLOOICAIi COlfFBNDIUM .

MAZE, BOROUGH.

** Labyrinth is my name, some do call m^ wuuet *

I care not what I'm caird, if I do yon bat please ;
My ways they are perplexM, they are boui straigllt dad rotmd,
By perseverance only, they are easy to be Ibnmd.**

Hiis locality in the boroagh of Soothwark, derives its name from
^e abbot of Battle having a very extensive labyrinth or maze in hk
garden here, and which gave to this particolar spot its present ap-
pellation.

MARK LANE.

At the north-east comer of Mark Lane, was anciently situate Ae
manoor house, says Maitland, of Blanch Appleton, which, in tlw
raign of Richard the Second, belonged to Sir Thomas Roos^ <rt'fiaM-
lake, which manoar had a privilege of holding a mart, or fair, irktrnt
the a4jacent lane was denominated Mart liine, but now eonroptod
to Mark Lane.

ST. MARY AXB.

Tins street was originally called Si Mary*s Street. It took ill
present appellation from a sign opposite to St. Andrew Undershill,
(church) of St Mary at the Axe, being a representation of this femals
saint at the scaffold.

MARY-LE-BONE.

The modern name of this locality is aperverrion : it was orijrffeaRf
written Mary-le-boume, or Mary on the Brook, "vdiich atitt mi
from Hampa^ead across the North Road, throogh Alsop's BidUAi^
aiUiough now, it is of coarse, arched over.

It may be stated, however, that in the time of Elisabeth, it wai
called Marybone, and is so desi^ated by lady Mary Montague, (s
centory later) in the following line :

** And dukes at Marybone bowl time away.**

MINT, BOROUGH.

Opposite to the west end of St Oeoig e's Chnrch, in the Boroqgfai
anciently stood a magnificent stmctnre, belongii^ to the duke of
Suffolk, which coming to Henry 8th, he converted it into a Mint,
and ^ich gave the present locality its name.

MtLLBANK.
Simply from a Mill that stood on the Thames bank here.

THE MEWS,

As at Charing Cross, is a name derived by Do Freane, in bis
Glossaiy, from (he Latin muta, and French La Meue, the disease
to which hawks are subject, of yearly muting or changing Uieir fea-
thers, this being the place where the king's hawks were kept hefon
it was converted into stables. Muta, he says, is also the boilding,
in which falcons are shot up when they mute or change their Mh
thers. Edward 2d, in his i3th year, granted to John de la Bedie,
the custody of the king's houses, ** de mutis" at Ohairying, neSr
Westminster. Ralph de Manners, the king*s falconer, hadC in the
like manner, granted to him the custody of the King's Mews fit
Charinge, the 23d of Edward 3d; as also. Sir Simon de Borky, 1st

THK STTM OIiOCnCAIi COMPENDIUM; . 959

Ridttr^ 9cl. Henry 8th w indd t« bave kept hit hortet there, £ir
wbich ^purpose be piuthr rebuilt the old Mtmctare ; and the taae was,
by fiSdwwn 6th, and Mary, afterwards enlar^^d and converted iakt
stabling. From this place, its first use, and snbseqnent anpUcatioD,
it has of late years been customary, to give to any range ot ouildings
erected for stabling, the name of Mews.

The little of the -original Mews which remained, and which was
erected as above, was that lately occupied as a barrack, and which
in now aboat to give way to tiie fine new openiug to St Martin'«
Ghnrch. It was composed of red ^ Tador Brick," with stone win-
dows and dressings, supported by battresses, and crenellated at top.

IfBWINGTON BUTTS.

So called, firom the citizens of London practising archery in that
locality— the Botts being set op as targets.

NEWGATE STREET.

** Not far from that most celebrated place
Where a'vfnl Justice shews her ani^ry face.
There little villains must submit to fate.
That great ones may enjoy the world in state !**

Here stood a gate of the city, originally called Chamberlain's
Qate. K was used as a prison, so long back as 1218, for oersona of
jaMOL, before the Tower was used for that purpose. In 1412, this

Swaa rebpilt by the ezecntors of the famous Sir Richard Whitr
m, ont of the effecta he had allotted for works of charity ; his
e with die cat, remained in a niche to its final demolition on the
nlipilding of the ^esent prison^ The gate was destroyed in the "fire
01*1666, and rebnilt in its late form, whence it obtained the name of
Newgate, and which gave a name to the street so named.

OLD BAUiET.

Our antiquaries are of opiuion, says Maitland, that the Old Bailey
18 a corruption of Balehill, (several such appellations stiil remaining
in diverse cities and towns of this kiugdom ; )* an eminence, whereon
was situate the Bale, or Bailiff's House, wnerein he held a court for
Ih9 tiryiog of malefaotors.

OLD JEWRY.

In the reign of Henry 2d, this quarter of the citv was occupied
principally by the Jews, hence it took the name of the Old Jewry.

The church of St. Olave, Old Jewry^ was one of their synagogues,
■ntil they were forcibly dispossessed of it, A.D. 1291. .

PICKETT STREET.

The principal houses in this street were built by alderman Pickett,
firom whom the street derives its name ; he was lord mayor in 1790.

PETTY FRANCE.

So den3minated firom its being principally (in former times) inha-
bited by ^ople of that nation.

PEDLAR'S ACRE.
Pedhur'a Acre, which runs parallel with the Thames, from West-

• Tbare is a Balehill at York, and another at Chester.— JB^

JMO THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPHIDIVM.

niiiater Bridge towarda Broad-wall, derivea iti namefinmi a poitioB
cf it being left by a Pedlar to the parish of Lambeth, now a tery
TaloaUe property. A painting on glaas, repreaenting the Pedhr
and his Dog, may be leen in Lambeth Chwoh.

POULTRY.

This street was so denominated, from beinur the Pooltry Market
In the reign of William and Marv, however, the ponlterers removed
to Leadenhall, and were sacceeaed by haberdasners, glovers, &c.

PYE CORNER.

^ Pye Corner vnM so called, says Dr. James Howel, firom soch a
sign, sometimes a fair Inne, for receipt of travellers, bat now divided
into tenements.

It was at Pye Comer that the fire of London ended : the hooMi
that escaped were taken down in 1809, and upon their site, otiwr
dwelling noases have been erected, together vnth an engine house.
There is a fi^e of a bloated .bo^, stack np at the comer, on which
is an inscription, ascribing the mre as a punishment on the citiieni
for their gluttony !

PHILPOT LANE.

Tliis lane was called after John Philpot^ an alderman of LoadoD,
who resided hen. and who, in the reign of BLichard 3d, fitted oat a
fleet at his own charoe, and took abondance of prizes. On bdttg
called to acconnt by the dake of Lancaster, for annoying the nation*i
enemies withoot aathoribr, he was honourably acquitted, and file
administration censured for not protecting the trade of the kingdom.

PORTPOOL LANE.

This lane was so denominated, from bein^the manor of Poi^Nwli
(a prebend of St. Paurs cathedral), and received its name originany
from a neighbouring Pool.

PALL MALL.
<* The sweet shady side of a grove in Pall MaU.**

Ptall Mali, and the MaH in St. James's Park, take their names
from being used as a walk, or place for the exercise of the MaU, a
game long since disused.

PICCADILLY.

Piccadilly, from Piccadilla Hall, built by one Hinins, a tailor,
and so called, because he got his estate by making stin collars in fiie
fashion of a hand, then called piccadillas, or turnovers, foinierly
much in fashion.

POPLAR.

The hamlet of Poplar, derives its name firom the great number of
Poplar trees which anciently grew there,

RATHBONE PLACE.

Rathbone Place, Oxford Street,* derives its name firom cokmel
Rathbone, who, with seven others, were convicted of high treason,
at the Old Bailey, for conspiring to take the Tower, murder the
general, and surprise the guards. They were detected on this root,
at Rathbone*s house, and were executed on the 90th April, I660.

TUB BTTMOLOGICAIi COMPCNDIUM. 20|

RED AND WHITE CROSS STREETS.

At the upper end of Red Cross Street; says Maitlaild. and north-
cast comer of Beach Lane, stood a Red and White Cross, whidi
gave names to the streets so called.

REGENT'S PARK.

" *Twa8 George's taste first fomi'd tliis spot.
From lanes and meadows green.
Now circle, partere, shmbs, and grot
Compose a sight but rarely seen.*'

This delightfol plare^ which is boaoded on the one hand by Chalk
Farm, and Primrose Hill, and on the other by Portland Place, and
die Crescent, was denominated the Regent's Park, out of compli-
ment to George 4th, when Prince Regent of these realms.

SliOANE STREET.

ffloane Street, so called after Sir Hans Sloane, the celebrated
prnector, architect, naturalist, and book Yurtnosi ; bom 1660, died
tannary 11th, 1756.

SKINNER STREET.

The princii>al houses in this street were built by alderman Skin-
ner, wno resided here, and whose name the street bears. Lord
Mayor in 1795.

SHOREDITCH.

Shoreditch does not take its name from Jane Shore, as is gene-
raUr supposed, but from one Sir Johii de Sordich, a valiant knight,
in the time of Edward 3d, who was lord of the manor.

SOHO SQUARE.

This square was originally called Monmouth Square, after the un-
iinrtonate dnke, who Inred in the centre house ; it was afterwards
called King's Square, and subsequently Soho Square, that (Soho)
being the Imttle word of the day at the field of Sedgmoor.

ST. JAMES'S PARK.

So called from a contiguous hospital, dedicated to St. James,
which was pulled down for the present palace.

SAFFRON BShL.

Saffron was first grown in this country on this spot, then garden
ground, (now the resort and residence of the worst characters).
Sai&on was first planted there in 1589.

SHERBORNE LANE.

The immediate neighbourhood of Fenchurch Street, was very
fenny ground, and was intersected by various brooks, or bournes,
which took various directions ; one of these streams flowed into tiio
Thames, in a southerly direction, and was called Southbonm, and
when built over, gave a name to the lane now corrupted into Sher-
borne.

SMITHFIELD.

Fitsstephen, who wrote in the reign of Henry the Second, savs,
Smitfafiela was so called, because it was a phun or smooth field.

388 THIS BTTMOLOGICAL COMRPBinimMi

Stowe says, H was at one time called The films, becanse it was eo-
▼ered with elm trees ; since the which time, saith be, boilding hitk
so increased, that now retnaineth not one tree growinr : hcala* addi,
ithath been a place for honourable justs and triompEs, bj tvmm'i
was unpaved.

ST. JOHN*S GATE,

St John's Gate, is the only remaining part of a priory, founded
there by the Knights of St John of Jerosalem ; hence the n»m^ of
the gate, as well as the Old Jerusalem TaYem.

STEEL YARD.

The place called the Steel Yard, in Thames Street, belmmied to
the Ckmporation of Hanseatic Merchants, who engrossed aU tiie ib-
reign trade of Europe.

The term steel yard is a corruption from stael Iwff, contracted
from staple hqff^, or general house of trade of the Germans, and not
from its naving been a steel wharf^ as most persons imagine.

STRAND.

In the year 1353, the Strand was an open high way, with here and
there a great man's house, with gardens to the water side. There
was no continued street till about the year 1538 ; before that, it en-
tirely cut oS Westminster from London, and nothing intemned
except the scattered bouses, and a village, which afterwards gave t
name to the whole. The parish of St Clement Danes, ori^mllf
consisted of the Tillage Strande. The mansions of the Cecils, ]3ed-
fbrds, Villiers, Sec. are swept away ; nought remains of the days of
chivalry and ancient grandeur, (save Northumberland House); sod
a distant age asks where the fabrics stood. Narrow streets and
courts now bear the names of men, who once swayed the destimea
of England.

** Bebold that narrow street which deep descends.
Whose building to the slimy shore extends —
Here ArundePs fam'd structure rear*d its fome ;
The street alone retains an empty name.
Where Raphael's fair designs with judgment charm'd,
Now hangs the bellman's song; and pasted here
The coloured prints of Overton appear.
Where statues breath'd the works of Fliidias* hands,
A wooden pump or lonely watch-house stands.
There Essex's stately pile adom*d the shore ;
There Cecil's, Bedford's, Villiers', now no more.

Gaj^s Trivia, line 484, book 8.

SOMERSET HOUSE.

In the year 1549, in the reign of Edward the Sixth, the lord pro-
tector, Somerset, pulled down several churches and houses in tb«
vicinity of the Thames, and built himself a palace thereon^ now called
Somerset House. The old brick palace just alluded to, was taken
down in the beginning of the reign of George 3d, and the. present
magnificent palace built thereon.

SPITAL FIELDS.*
The series of streets tiius denominated, derive their appellaticHi

* See Spital Sermon*

TKB ETYMOLOGICAIi COMFBNDIUaf . 269

fum an hospital' thai stood here in the reign of qaeen Elinbetii, and
which was dedicated to St. Mary Spital, its foander.

Those who have passed through those parts of Spital-fields, chiefly
nliabited by weavers, must have often heard them singing at their
looBM. Singnhur aa it may seemj this practice came ^m their fore •
fiitiiers firom the Low Goantries, and also was the castom with snch
of the I^otestaats, as at an earlier period came over from Flanders,
md brought with them the woollen mannfactory.

To this castom Falstaff allndes, ** I would 1 were a weaver, I
woold sing psalms, and all manner of songs." — Henry Ath.

Again. — ^ Shall we roose the night owl in a catch, that will draw
three soals oat of a weaver.**— Ttre(^A Nif^ht,
■ Ben Jonson also points to these masical manufactorers, ** He got
this cold by sitting up late, and singing catches with the ClcSfa-
warkers.*'~-Jojisofi'« Silent Woman.

SAVOY.

This place derives its name from Peter, earl of Savoy, who bailt
a palace here, in the reign of Henry 3d. Edward the Third, made
a state prison of it; 'twas here, his prisoner ki^g John of France was
ooBfined, and where after many years of captivity he breathed his
last Henry 7th tamed it into an hospital, and George 1st into a
place of coimnement for deserters.

ST. JAMES'S PALACE*

This antiooated building was commenced in the re^ of Henry7lh,
and finishea in that of Henry 8th. It derives its name from St. James's
Hospital, which formerly stood here, and which gave a cognomen to
the adjacent street, as well as the diplomatic appellation of the Court
of St James's.

One day, afler Peter the Great had visited the magnificent hospital
of Greenwich, he went to St James's Palace to dine with king Wil-
liam. That prince asked him how he liked Greenwich Hospital ?
** Extremely well, Sur,** replied the Czar, ^ and if I were permitted
to ad?ise yoor majesty, I should recommend to you to remove yoor
court thither, and convert your palace into a hospital."

SHASWELL.

This parish, which is one of the Tower Hamlets, has the name of
Shadwell, from a fine foantain, or well, which issues hma under the
wall of the church yard, and which was originally dedicated to
St Chad.

STEPNEY.

It appears from Doomsday Book, that Stepney in the Conqueror's
time, was a manor belonging to the bisho}) of London, by the appel-
lation of Stibenhede, a Saxon compound, implying btiben's Heath.

TOWER ROYAL.

Here stood a strong and magnificent mansion, now a paltry and
disreputable street. King Stephen resided therein, as did after-
wards king Richard 2d and his mother ; at which time, it was indif-
ferently called the Royal, or Queen's Wardrobe.

TEMPLE BAR.

Before the present gate was built, there vras a bar, or barrier of
posts and chains, which separated the Strand from Fleet Street, and

QQ4 ^^B BTTM0L06ICAL COMPENDIUM.

which firom ite Ticinity io the Temple, received the name of Tennle
Bw.

THEOBALD'S ROAD.

Theobald's Road, so called, becaose it was the road by whiek
James 1st trarelled to Theobald's House in Hertfordshire, where he
expired, strongly suspected of beiog poisoned. Theobald's House
was palled down, 1766.

THR06M0RT0N STREET.

This striset was named after Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, ^diowu
tried with numerous others, in the reign of queen Mary, for rebel'
lioB. Of all Miio were tried, none escaped oeing condemned, ei-
cent Sir Nicholas, Mdiich was owing to ms spirit upon the trial ; Ui
calling npon the cowt, to produce an^ one act of overt treason he
was indicted apon ; no proofs appearing against him, he was tc-
quitted.

THREADNEEDLE STREET.

So denominated, because those who resided here were principally
Tailors- The Tailor's Company also built there Hall nere, bow
called Merchant Tailor's HalL

TOOLEY STREET.

This street derires its name from an eminent wharfinger of the
name of Toley, who had a considerable property in this neighboir-
hood.

TOKENHOUSE YARD.

Prior to the reign of William and Mary; ^n which reign the Bank
of England was first established, or incorporated, the government of
the country, had at different periods, for the facility of the commerce
thereof, found it expedient to issue Tokens, not dissimilar to oor
recent Bank and Provincial Tokens. The place of issoe was finom
this locality, and was called the Token House, and frmn which cir-
cumstance we derive the term of Tokeuhouse Yard.

TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD.

As Theob&ld's Road was so called, because it was the road by
which kin^ James 1st went to his palace at Theobalds, in Heits, so
Tottenham Court Road, because it was the road by which the queen's
m^jesty travelled to her palace at Tottenham Court, near Tottenham.

TYBURN.

Tyburn, formerly the place of execution, does not receive its name
firom tye and bum, as if it were called so from the manner of capital
punishments formerly, but from Tye its proper name, and 6oinnie,
the Saxon wind for brook.

WATLIN6 STREET.

The etymology of the name of this street, has sufficiently exer-
cised the ingenuity of our learned antiquaries. Perhapa the most
natural solution is mat given in the Gentleman's Magazine, Februsrf ,
1796, where the writer derives it firom the ancient British words
gwaith, work, and len, legion ; firom which, gwaithl€n,l e. legion-
work came, he supposes, the modem watUng. Dr. Jamieson quotes

im BTTMOL06ICAL COMPENDIUM. 266

Donslu and Benryson, that Watliimr strete denotesthe Bfilky Way.
** Tt nas received," says be, ** this designation, in the same manner
as it was called by the Romans, Via Lactea, from its faocied resem-
blance to a broad street, or causeway, being as it were paved with
stars."

WALBROOK.

This street took its name from Wel-brook, or River of Wells,
which fcrmerly ran m the place where the street now is.

WARWICK LANE.

Warwick Lane, Netrtrgate Street, derives its name from a honse
belonging to tiie famous earl of Warwick, which stood in Warwick
Square*

WHITRCHAPEL.

This locality derives its name from a convent of White Nans, (i. e.
nuns who wore a White dress), that formerly stood here, and which
was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. After the suppression of the
monasteries, a chapel remained there for many years, and which
coupled with the former circumstance gave the locality its present
name. In the centre of the market is a little dirty alley, called
Harrow Alley. In this place, above 150 years ago, dwelt that prince
of wits, and excellent man, Daniel Defoe : here he wrote that much
read and excellent moral work, Robinson Crasoe, and here he wrote
a memorable melancholy History of the Plagne, of which he was an
eye witness.

WALWORTH.

This suburb, (for really it is nothing more now), derives its name
from Sir William Walworth, who was Lord Mayor of London daring
the reign of Richard 3d, and famed for dispatching Wat Tyler in
Smith&ld. It is said he had a honse on the site of the public house,
known by the name of Sir William of Walworth.

IRISH SOCIETY OF THE CORPORATION OF LONDON.

It is a curious fact, not generally known, that in ^he reign of
James Ist, ( 1607), the greater part of six counties in the province of
Ulster, became vested in the crown, by an act of attainder of Shane
O'Neil, and other persons of distinction, who had rebelled against
the state ; and soon afterwards a prcgect was suggested to the king,
for establishing a Protestant colony on the forfeited estates, which
was considered in council, approved, and published- In the year
1609, his majesty conceiving tne City of London to be the body be8i
able to undertake so impoitant a work, made propositions for that
purpose, which were considered at a conference held on the 30th of
July, between the Earl of Salisburv, Lord High Treasurer, and the
Lord Mayor, with some of the leading citizens: and after some far
ther negotiation, articles of agreement were at length entered into,
on the 28th of Jannary, 1610, between the Lords of Council on be.
half of the King, and the committees appointed by act of Common
Council, on behalf of the Lord Mayor and Commonalty of the City
of London, concerning a plantation in part of the province of Ulster.
In pursuance of this agreement, the Corporation or London, with the
assistance of the 12 principal companies, commenced the fulfilment
of the conditions on their part ; and having made great progress, the

2Qg THB BTYMOUmiCAJL COMPBNDIUM..

kiDff, in the year 1613. granted a charter, by which a certaimUnber
of me citiaens of Lonaonj (all members of the Common CooBcily.as
their soccesiors are at this day), were pot in posMasion of the Cor-
feited estates, and were ordained and constitnted one body^ corpo*
rate and politic, who should be called bv the name of ** The Sodely
of tiie Governor and Assistants of London, of the New Plantatioo
of Ulster," (now commonly called the Irish Society). Soon after
obtaining the charter, all the lands granted by it were dinded, by
{Msrsons wpointed for that service, into 13 parts ; of which one, e^
aisting of the city of Londonderry,* the town of Coleraine, &c. was
retained by the governor and assistants : and one of the other 13 was
assigned to each of the 12 companies wno had assisted the coipon*
tion in the undertakii^. The anthority for this proceeding, was a
license granted b^ the kin^ for that parpose. In the reiga of
Charles 1st, the citizens having offendea the king, the charter was
in a most arbitrary maimer amralled and cancelled by the Comt of
Chancerv, bnt it was restored by Chfurles 2d, and it is by this re>
newed charter, and renewed grants, from the Irish Society, that the
Twelve Companies hold.

Sturch'8 Pamphlet on Condition qflrdand.

ROYAL ACADEMY.

An attempt had been made in 1759, to form an association of
artists, and an exhibition of wwka of art, when a society was f<Hrmed,
and met in bt Martin's Lane, ander the name of an Academy, smd
in the following year they had their first exhibition, ander the sanc-
tion of the Society of Arts. The first effort was promising, and after
a few exhibitions, they were incorporated ander the title of ** llie
Society of Artists of Great Britain.'' The combination of a body of
painters with a society embracing manafactares and commerce, was
not permanent ; and three years after, i e. 1769, the " Royal Aca-
demy" was established, and was so called in consequence (^George
the Third being its founder.

SCOT'S CORPORATION.

The origin of this corporation, says Maitland, is owing to James
Kinnier, a Scotsman, and merchant of this city ; who, after a loaf
and dangerous illness, determined to give part of his estate towara
the relief of the aged and necessitoas poor of bis own conntry, within
the cities of London and Westminster. To which end, and for the
more effectnally settling what he intended to give for that pnrpose,
he was advised by counsel to apply ior a charter. This was granted
in the reign of James ist, and taus originated the ^ Scots Corpo-
ration."

CHARITY FOR THE RELIEF OF POOR WIDOWS AND SONS

OF THE CLERGY.

By his majesty's (Charles 2d) charter, bearing date 1st July, 1678,
a body politic and corporate was constituted by the name of " The
Governors of the Charity for the Relief of Poor Widows and Chil-
dren of Clergymen,'' with license to possess any estate, not exceed-
ing the value of 20002. Afterwards, npon the accession of Dr.
Thomas Turner's gift, which amounted to about 18,000/., the go-

* Prior to this period it was called Derry.— iStt.

THE BTOiOLOOICAIi COMPBNDIVM. ^^

TenMNTs (December l<Mh, 1714), obtained an aogmentation of tbe
atid grant, by n licenae to poaseas the yearly yalne of 90001., o?«r
and ftboTe all chargea and repriaea ; aa alao orer and abore the aaid
90001. per annum.

THB WII^SONIAM PUND.

This aaeAil (and orijnnated from one Samnel WOaon, of London,
who bequeathed fiOfiWU to be lent oat in amall aoma to mdoatriona
tradeamen. He died 1771.

THB ROYAL SOCIETY.

' An arta and aciencea began to reyive and flooriah at the Reatore-
tion, and the English tongoe was exceedingly improved and refoied.
The ** Royal Society^ waa eatablished in 1661, by the Eang'a Lettera
Patent, for the hnprovement of ohiloaophy, mathematics^ piiy8ic,aiid
all oaefiil knowledge ; of iivhicn, the first promotera ana membera,
were Dr. Ward, Mr. Boyle, Lord Broonker, Dr. Wilkins, Dr.
Wallis, Sir William Petty, Dr. Goddard, Dr. Willis, Dr. Bathnrst,
Dr. Wred, and Mr Rook.

Home says, amidst the thick cload of bigotry and ignorance, which
overspread the nation daring the Commonwealth and Protectorship,
there was a few sedate philosophers, who, in the retirement of Ox-
ford, cultivated their reason, and established conferencea for the
mutual communication of their discoveries in physic and geometry.
Wilkins, a clergyman, who had married Cromwell's sister, and was
afterwards bishop of Chester, promoted these philosophical conver-
aations. Immediately after the restoration, these men procured a
patent, and having enlarged their number, were denominated the
*^ Royal Society.'' But this patent was all they obtained from the
king. Though he was a lover of the sciences, particularly chemiabry
and mechanics, he encouraged them by his example alone, not by
his bounty.

ST. GEORGE'S FIELDS, ftc.

After the dissolution of the monasteries, abbeys, priories, and
other religions houses of this realm, (England,) the mayor, common-
alty, and citizens of London, taking into their consideration, how
commodious and convenient it would be unto the city, to have the
Borough ofSouthwark annexed thereunto, and that the same borougb
waa in the king's hands wholly, they became suitors unto king
Henry 8th, and unto the lorda of his highness' privv council, for the
obtaining of the same ; which suit not being granted unto them, after
the decease of king Henry 8th, they renewed their suit unto his son
and next successor, king Edward 6th, and to the lords of the privy
council, for the obtaining of the same borough.

At length, after long suit and much labour, it pleased king Ed-
ward 6th, by his letters patent, sealed with the great seal ofEiwIand,
bearing date of Westminster there, the three-and-twentyeth oaj^ of
April, in the foorth year of his reign, as well in consideration orthe
anm of 647/. 3«. Id. of lawful money of England, jiaid to Ma high-
neaaes use, by the mayor and commonalty and citiasens of London,
aa for divers other considerations, him thereunto moving, to give and
grant nnto the said mayor and commonalty and citizens of London,
divera mesaoages, lands, and tenements, lying near the Borough of
Southwarke, in the said lettera patent particolariy expressed, wnich
were. sometimes the lands of Cnarlea, late duke of Soflfolke^ and of

t^ THE BTTMOLOCHCAL COMPBHDIUM.

whom king Henry 8th did boy and porchase the same. But there
was excepted out of the said grant, ana resenred onto king Edward 6di
his heirs and saccessinrs. all that, his capitall messoage or mansion
house, called Sonthwan Palace, late ot the sfud dnke of Saffiolkcy
and^edl gardens and land to the same adjoining ; and all that^ hisim
in South warke, and all that, his messoage, and all edifices and gromd
called the Antelope there.

SECTION XIV.

ETYMONS OF SEVERAL COUNTRIES, ISLANDS,

SEAS, TOWNS, PROVINCES, RE3fARK.

ABLE PLACES, &c

ATLANTIC OCEAN.

Atlantic, or Atlantic Ocean, derives its name from Moont A^htt.
in Africa, and extends between the west continents of Africa and
Enrope, and the east continent of America. Its least breadth, firom
Gainea in Africa, to Brazil in Soath America, is 2,300 miles. On
one side the eoaator, it is called the North Atlantic Ocean ; on fhe
other, tiie Sontn Atlantic Ocean.

AZORES, OR WESTERN ISLANDS.

Azores, or Western Islands, a gronp of islands in the Atlantic,
between 35 an^30 west longitude, and 37 and 40 north latitnde, 900
miles west of Portugal They are nine in number, viz. St Maria,
St. Michael, Tercera, St George, Graciosa, Fayal, Pico, Flores,
and Corvo. They were discovered in 1439, by John Naiideri)eii|,
a merchant of Bruges, who in a voyage to Lisbon, boasted of bu
discovery ; on which the Portuguese set sail, took possession of
them, and called them the Azores, from the number of hawks firand
among them« Azore, being the Portuguese for Hawk.

ATHENS.

Minerva was worshipped by the Athenians before the age of Ce-
crops, in whose time Atnens was founded, and its name tiucen from
Mmerva, whom the Greeks called AA^wt. It was proposed to caD
the city either by her name, or that of Neptune, ana as each had
partizans, and the women had votes equal to the men, Cecrops called
all the citizens together, both men and women ; the snffirages were
collected ; and it was found that all the women had voted for Mi-
nerva, and all the men for Neptune ; but the women exceeding tiie
men by one voice, Athens was called after Minerva. A temple was
dedicated to her in the city, with her statne m gold and ivory, thiity-
nine feet high, executed by Phidias.

TflB BTTMOLOCnGAL COMPBNDIUlf. gQQ

AMERICA*

So called from Americas Yesputias, who, by the enconrafemeBt
<^£hiuiiinel, king of Portogal, made in 1^97 i some additional diaco-
veries to those of Colombos. He died, 1606.

North America was first discovered by Sebastian Cabot, a Vene-
tian, in the service W England, in 1497.

ARITNDEL.

Tlie etymology of tiiis town has been variously coniectnred by
some of £e first antiquarians, and many writers Uve entertained a
<fifierence of opinion. It has been jnstly observed, that names of
places must have reference to pecnharity of site, or retaining tiie
meaning of certaio local particulars. ^ However, in the uncertain^
of finding the etymology correct, it is not improbable that the anti*
<iaary may meet with discoveries tending to convey amusement and
instmction, and vriiich perhaps may serve io gratify the coriosi^ of
tiiose who may not have die leisure of similar studies and investiga*

tiOttS.

Camden, who was so celebrated an antiquarian, patronised by
Thomas, earl of Arundel, in 1630, says, that this town was a place
of great name, and he derives its etymon from a valley, or dale, run->
niog along the river Arun.

Another snpporition nretends to derive some weight firom two
Belgic words, Eron and del, signifying a flat place covered with
water, and whence also may be derived Hirunao and Hirondelle,^
as tiie low parts adjacent was formeriy a morass, or reedy place,
much fireqnented by Swallows, and which bird, being in ttie present
arms of Anindel, strepgthens the argfiment in its fiivoor, m being
bnilt by the Belgics.

THE APPRENTICE'S PILLAR.

As Roalyn Chapel has become an interesting object to those who
have visited the Diorama,-)* it mav not be amiss to give the origin of
the ** Apprentice's Pillar," which forms a part of that celebrated

Tlie first and principal pillar of Roslyn Chapel, placed at the ad-
kining comer of the low and high altar, near tne descent to the
Sacris^, on the left hand, is commonly called the " Apprentice's
PiUar.*^ It has on the base of it several dragons, in alto relievo,
which are chained by the heads, and intertwmed. This beautifbl
pfllar has round it, nrom base to capital, four sfural wreaths of the
most Curious sci^jp^ured flower-work and foliage, the workmanship
of each being different, and the centre of each wreath distant finom
that of the neighbouring one, a foot and a hal£ On one of the pil-
lars (seventh) there are some emblematical figures, which, aided by
tradition^ informs us whv this is called the^ Apprentice's Pillar.^
The capital of the seventn pillar in the west wall is cut into very fine
foliage. On the said pillar, in the south-west comer, above halfway
op to tiie fofi^of the inner wall, there is exhibited a man's head, callea
t&e aj^prentice's head, with a scar above tiie right brow ; directiy
onpoaite to which, along the west wall, in the northwest comer, M
the head of an old man, with a most surly frowning countenance, and

* French for Swallow. f See Diorama.

370 ^*HB STYMOLOGiCJkL COMFBNOIUM.

a loogf beard, said to be the representation of the master maflon's
head who killed the apprentice out of envy, by a blow on the head.
Id a line with the apprentice's head, eastward, directly above t^
sixth large soath piluur, is the head of a woman weeping, said tube
the mother of the apprentice, monming for the fate of her son. Cb>

Eeite to the weei>ing head, direcUv above the sixth large noftii pu>
r, is a chemb with a scroll viravea from hand to hand.

These figures are extremely spirited and expressive. Their meaih
ing is explained by a tradition that has prevailed in the family of
Roslyn, ue tenoar of which is, that a model of this beautUiil pUkr
having been sent from some foreign country, f he master masoii.^
viewing it, refused to imitate it, till after he bad been to examine the
original. In his absence, his apprentice executed the pillar as it now
stands, and the master mason, on his return, seeing it so exijpiisiiely
finished, inquired who had formed it, and on bein^ told that k was
his apwentice, he immediatelv slew him in a fit Menvy.

Sir Walter Scott, in his ^ Lay of the Last Minstrel," has notieed,
in connexi(m with tiiis place, a superstition which prevailed nmaag
the common people in ancient times. It was believed, that pre-
viously to the decease of any one of the St. Clair family, Roslyn
Chapel v^as seen for a time all in flames*

** O'er Rotlyn all that dreary nigtit,

A wondroas flame was seen to gleam ;
*Twa8 broader than the watch-fire light.
And redder than the bright moon-beam.

It glared on Roslyn's castled rock,

It ruddied all the copse-wood glen;
*Twa8 seen from Dryden*s eroves of oak.

And seen firom cavem'd Hawthomden.

Seem*d all on fire that chapel proud.

Where Roslyn's chiefs uncoflln*d lie;
Each baron, for a sable shroud.

Sheathed in Ids iron panoply.

Seem'd all on fire -within, around.

Deep sacristry and altars pale;
Shone every pillar foliage bound.

And glimmer'd all the dead men's maiL

Blaz'd battlement and pinnet high,
Blaz'd every rose-carv'd buttress falr^-

So still they blaze, \rhen fate is nU^h,
The lordly line of high St. Clair '^

ALL THE RUSSIAS.

iThe teem. All the Rnssias, is founded on the ancient division of
Russia, which comprehended the provinces of Great ^ or Black
Russia, Little, or Red Russia, and White Russia. St. Petersbnrgh
toek its name fivm having been founded by Peter the Great

ABYSSINIA.

Abyssinia, in Africa, has been called by different names, puti-
Gularfy by that of Habessinia, from the Arabic word Ha^esJk, which
signifies a mixture, the country being peopled by various nations ;
but other inhabitantis call it I^opia, or Ethiopia The latter is rather
an epithet than a proper name, and was given bv the Greeks to all
countries inhabited by Blacks. The diversity of names heretofore
made great confusion, till at length that of Aoyssinia prevaUed, by
irhich it has been .umveTsaVVY Vnowu foe «j(g»% ^naX.

TU KmiOLOOICAL COMPSNMini. 271

BATH,

Derhres its name from the celebrated Roman Baths discovered
there, after the batde of Baden Hill, where a most complete victory
was gained by Ardmr, wherein two of the Saxon chiefs were slain,
and Gerdic was obliged to retire to an inaccessible post. Here, it
is said, Arthur slew 400 vrith his own hand.

BLENHEIM.

To perpetaate the memory of the military services of the illnstrions
JohiB Churchill, dake of Marlboroof h, the royal manor ofWoodstock.
with the demesne,, comprising^ the nondred ofWootton, wasgrantea
by qoeen A.nne to him and his heirs for ever, to be held by grand
seijeantry ; the terms of which tenure are, the duke^ or his success-
ors in title, shall present to the queen, or her heirs, at the castle of
Windsor, a stanaard of France, on August 2nd, being the anniver-
sary of die day on which the baMe of Hochstet was fought, near the'
village of Blenheim, in 1704^ and from the name of ^iniich village,
tiiis magnificent mansion denves its name.

BATTLE bridge:

West of Bamesbnry Park, and close to the foot>path from thence
taCopeiJiagen House, are tiie supposed remains of a Roman en-
campment ft is a square of 120 feet, snrronnded b^ a ditch, with
a bi^ enbaakment, w breastAvork, to the west Tms is presumed
to have been a position occupied by Suetonius, the Roman ^neral,
when he destroyed 80,000 of the Jmitons, under Boidicea, m a me-
morable engagement presumed to have<been foq^ from uiis j^ce,
in the fields of Pentonville, and terminating in the plain of Battle
Bridge : Jteace the name.

BRIGHTON.

'" Brlgiithdmstone was confess'd by all
To abound with females &ir ;
Bnt more so since our Royal King
Prefer'd the waters there."

Brighthelmstone, or as it is now termed, Brighton, is said to have
been a place of note in early times, bnt of this fact we have no pre-
cise record.

Bailey, m his dictionary observes, that it was St. Brighthelm, a
Saxon, wlio gave the name to the town.

Skinner says, Brighton was so named from Brighthelm, a canon-
ised bislj^op of Fontenoy, in France, who lived so late as the 10th
centory. Other testimonies state, that it was a Saxon bishop of that
name, who resided here during the Hept&rchy, who gave his name
to the town. This supposition is more probable, for we find, that
when Ella, (with his three sons, Cimen, Wieocing, and Cisa) effected
their landing at West Wittering, S.W. of Chichester, anno 447, and
defeating the Britons, who endeavoured to oppose him, took posses-
aim of all the maritime, parts of the country. Ella thus laid the
foundation of the kingdom of the South Saxons, from which the
country derives its name. Brighthelme accomoaaied this armv.
One of his successors resided at Aldringtnn, and neld a considerable
portion of land until the year 693, when that bishop was killed in
iMittle. This is stated by Stilliagfleet, and-other writ^, bntnomen-
tion is made of the place where the Qng^gemeniwda i»Q:^^

273 I'HB BTTM OLOOICAL COMPBITOIUlf.

Brighton has long been famed as a watering place^ and peihaps no
place in England possesses so fine a sea prospect His present ma-
jesty, George the Foorth, when Prince of Wales, paid a visit, in
the year 1782, to his nncle, die Dake of Cmnberlana, who was re-
siding here, and was so pleased with the place, that in the year 1784,
he conhmenced the erection of the mach talked off ^ Bfanoe Favil-
lion^'* which was completed in the year 1787.

** Twas George's taste first form*d this spot
From an inclosure green ;
Now palace, parterre, circle, grot
Compose a sight Imt rarely seen.''

From the period of his majesty making Brighton his occasioiia] re-
sidence, it has been daily increasing in importance, and fiooi i6
contiguity to London, will always be resorted to by all ranks^ froai
the prince to the tradesman.

Between Brighton and Lewes are still to be seen lines and ii*
trenchments, apparently Roman, and some years ago, an am^wn
dug np, containing 1000 silver denarii, on which were impreaaioiis of
all the emperors.

BERWICK-UPON.TWEBD.

Berwick, being a kind of Qibraltar to Scotland, wa» loiuf a bone
of contention between England and that coontry. Edward tte Sfailh,
and Mary, Qaeen of Scotland, by treaty, made it a conaty town,
and as ^ Rymer*8 Faedra" notes it, a tree town, independent a
both states.

Camden says : ^ at the epoch of Doomsday Book, Berwica mnSMi
a village which appertained to some manor, or town : and aa Toddl
was culed the Berewicke of Westminster, in the donation of Ed-
ward the Confessor, the town on the Tweed was called the Bere-
wick of Coidingham."

We may learn from Somner and Lye, the Saxon glossarists, that
Berewic is the same, in substance, as Beretnn, villa fnimentaria, a
grange or village. However, it viras much more probably so called,
from the circumstance of its want of verdure, from the Anglo-Saxon,
barj bare, nudus, and trie, vicns, castellum, sinus, the carving reach
of a river.

BARNESBURY PARK.

The row of handsome cottages/ called Barnesbory Park, are in
the manor of Bemers, or Bernersbury, otherwise fiamesbnry ; the
name being derived from the Berner's family, of whom the moiBt dis-
tinguished individual was John Bourchier, the last Lord Bemers,
and the fifth writer in order of time among the nobility. He was
Governor of Calais under Henry 8th, and translated ^ Froissart's
Cronycles out of Frenche into our maternale Englysshe tongoe."

BALTIMORE.

This capital, as it may be termed, of the province of Maryland,
in North America, derives its name from Lord Baltimore, who co-
lonized the said province in 1633. He possessed more power than
any other subject in Europe. He was authorized to make war or
peace in his own province, allowed to coin money, and had all the
judicial proceedings of the colony made out in his own name, just m
tbej are made oat here m Ike n«m& <A^Sb& wotHcc^Ssi^u,

THB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. ^273

BERMUDAS.

Bermudas, or Sommer's Islands, four islands in the Atlantic
Ocean, 100 miles east of Carolina, and sorrounded by rocks. Tkey
were discovered by Joan Bennadas, a Spaniard, in 1627 ; bat iMt
inhabited till 1609, when Sir Oeorge^Sommers was cast away opon
them ; and they have belonged to Britain ever since. They contain
9000 inhabitants, who carrv on some trade with America and the
West Indies. Three of them are small, and the principal one is
called St George.

BRAZILS.

BrasO, a country of Sooth Americ^which gives the title of Prince
to the heir apparent of the crown of PortogaT Its len^, from the
month of the river Amazon, to that of the river Plata, is onwards of
9100 miles, and its breadth near 1000. It was discovered in 1600,

by Alvarez Cahral, a Portagoese, who was forced opon it by a tem-
pest ; and it derived its name from the abundance of Brazil, or
masil, wood found here.

BISHOP AND HIS CLERKS.

Most people have read, or heard of, the shipwreck of Sir Cloudes-
ley Shovel, on the rocks called the ** Bishop and his Clerks ;" few
people, however, it is pr^amed, know the origin of this appellation.
A fleet of merchantmen, on theur return from Spain, about 300 years
ago, were shipwrecked on these fatal rocks, among vriiose miserable
memben, none were saved but three, viz.— Miles Bishop, and James
and Henry Clark, who were miracnlously preserved on a broken
matt From this dreadful misfortune, these rocks took the name
they bear at present, and vrill most likely continue for ages a me*
neato of that melancholy accident

CAMBRIDGE.

This celebrated university town, was originally called Oranta, but
derives its present name from the river Cam, and a Bridge wnich
passed over it in the vicinity.

CANTERBURY.

Canterbury is called by Bede, and others, Dorobemia ; by the
Saxons, ** the city of the people of Kent ;" by the Britons, Caer
Kent, or the city c^ Kent ; and by the Latins, Cantuarla. This
place 18 generally agreed to have been the Roman Durovemum — and
it is fiunoas fiw lieing the archiepiscopal seat of the Primate of Eng-
land. The Saxon kings of Kent had their residence here firom
the airival of Hengist to the 6th century.

COLOMBIA.

This name, borne by a portion of Sooth America, is derived from
Christopher Columbus, a Grenoese, famous for his being the dis-
coverer of this vast continent, although its general aopellation of
America vras given it from an after discoverer. Columbus was bom
in 14^, and made his celebrated discovery October 11th, 1493.

CONSTANTINOPLE.
** Where Belissarius begg*d his dally bread.*'

This capital of the modem Turkish empire derives its name from
CoDstantine the Oreat, who founded the eastern emignit^ ^ ^;»aufe.

274 T>^ STYMOUOGICAL COMPBNOIUM .

Prior to his coooaett of it, it was called ByBantiam, famed in his-
tory as a bone otcooteDtion between theTamprlanesand Ba^basets.
One part of the city is called Pera, aod which ia inhabited by dus
FhukKs, a nume given by the Turks to all European Christiaiis. k
WM taken in 1468 by the Turks, who have kept po s a c siioD of it

ever anoe.

CORSICA.

The ancient Greeks gave this island the name of Galliatn, and a^
terwards that of Cymns ; and to the Romans it was known by its
present appellation. Bv the French it is called Corae. Inhaoiied
at first by a colony of Pnoenecians, it was afterwards occapied sac-
cessively by the Phoccans^ and Etruscans, and the Carthajgenians.
The Romans succeeded to the latter, and settled two colonies here,
which was the place of exUe* for the Roman courtiers when they
became obnoxious to the Emperors. On the destruction of the So-
man empire, Corsica fell successively under the dominion of Ae
Goths, tne Greek Emperors, the Lombards, the Saracena ; and the
latter, it is supposed, first gave it the title of a kingdom.

COPENHAGEN HOUSE.

** In olden times, so high a rise
Was, perhaps, a Tor or beacon ground.
And ut, or larm*d, the country round.

For pleasure, or against surprise.*'

Tlie.name of this celebrated Sunday resort, for Cockneys, is ssid
to have been derived from at>anish prince, or a Danish ambassador,
having resided in it during a great plague in London. Another re-
presentation is, that in the beginning of the seventeenth centmy, it
was opened under its present name by a Dane, as a ^lace <^ resort
for his countrymen. ** Coopen Hagen** is the name given it in Can-
den's Britannu, published in 1695.

CANONBURY.

<* As some old, stout, and lonely holyhock.
Within a desolated and neg^lected warden,
Dttth long survive beneath the (irradual choke
Of winds, tliat come and work the general spoil,
bo Canonbury, thou dost stand awhile."

The more ancient edifice was erected by the priors of the<!!anoDs

of St. Bartholomew, Smithfield, and hence was called Canonbury,

to whom it appertained antil it was surrendered with the nriory to

Henry 8th ; and when the religions houses were dissolvec^ Henry

gave the manor to Thomns, Lord Cromwell ; it was afterwards a

hunting seat of Qoeen Elizabeth's, and ultimately passed through

other hands till it was possessed l^ Sir John Spencer, an alderman

and lord mayor of London, known by the name of " Rich Spencer,"

and who was the founder of the Northampton family, to wnom this

property belongs It was here Goldsmith wrote his ^ Deserted

Village."

DUTCH CITIES AND TOWNS.

Under the denomination of dam, the Dutch comprehend eveir
sort of dyke raised to confine the waters of a river, oriake,fiMrwhicn
reason it is, that most of the names they have given to tiieir ckies

• Seneca was banished to this island by Ctondins, on account of Us
laicit connexion with Julia A^tle^a.

TOB BTTMOUDGIOAb GOMPBIfOIUII.'* 27«

aftd tO!inMi end io dtm. Rotterdam pwes its jwme to the dyke
raised iqpoo the Rotte, a i^ ver nea^ the towo . Anaterdam from the
djrket, on the AmateL It ia j^e same with Saardam^ Schiedam^ M^
nikdapai, and many others.

At Ihe commencement of. the last war, Liady Wittriogham was
speaking to a gentleman of tbednplicity of the Datch. ^ Oh, d — n
the Dntphi'* replied he. ** Ezcase me^ Sir," answered her lady-
ship, - rather tmHiom them !**

DEAD SEA.

■ 80 called from its stillness, and bad <maUties. No fish wiU live
in its waters. It has, however, been said, that this water has a re-
palsive force, which makes men and' animals float on its surface, and
josephns ^elates an experiment which was made on the sobject, by
the Emperor Vespasian. ^ Having caused the feet apd .h^nds,*^ says
he, " of some of Lis slaves to be tied, he ordered them to be thrown
into the sea, in his presence, in the deepest part thereof. None of
them sunk to the bottom, and they all remained on the surface until it
pleased the prince to give orders for their being taken out again.**

DOWNS.

** All in tbeJIowiis a fleet was moored."

This ierm as applied to that part of the chtinneL lying near
I to the Sands, off the coast of Rent, detives its name from we cir-
cumstance, that it was at one period a Grazing Land for sheep, and
which formed a part of the estate of the celebrated Earl Ooawin.
The fend, however, in consequence of great inroads of the sea, uHi-
ma^iy ciisappeared, but the place has ever since retained the name
of ^ (he Downs,** famed as a rendezvous for shipping.

DAVIS STRAITS.

Thene Straits were discovered by Captain John Davis, in the
year 1585, in consequence of which they were named after, him*

ENGLAND.

England, with all thy faults I love thee still—

My country ! and yet, while u nook is left,

\v here English minds and manners may be found

Shall be constrained to love thee. Cotvper,

England was formerly called Samothea from Samothes ^s some
report), the sixth son ot Japhet, who first inhabited here 2o2 years
af&r the flood. It was also named Albion (as is said) from Albion,
a giant, the son of Neptune, who after he bad conquered the Samo-
theans, settled here 3:^5 years after the deluge. Some say, it wus
called AlMon al allis fii^us, firom the white rocks towards France,
which is roost probable. The Grecians called it Britain, for what
reason is not known, it may be from Prittania, which signifies
metals, they finding the island full of brass, tin, iron, gold, silver,
und lead. Lasdy it was named England, from Engloior, a place in
Denmark, which was neither •changed by the Saxons nor Normans,
and retained that title 873 years, till James 1st came to the crown,
and united England to Scotland, which ii since called Great Bri-
iain. It was accounted the fortunate island, and Pope Innocent, in
Abe ceign ef Henry 3d, was so in love with it, that ne would have
«come overlo see it, if the king would have permitted him.

ABother writer s^s^-i-Soine British jouta of both sexea beiao^c.'v

276 TttB BTYMOLOGICAL COMPBVDIUM.

posed for sale, as slaves, in the maiket place at Rome, were noticed
oy the Holy Father, who by accident was passing at the time. —
Stmck with their sin^ar beauty, he enquired from whence they
came, when he was mformed from Britain. Upon which, he ob-
served, ^ Sorely it most be a land of angeb ! " It is said, from this
very circumstance, the Saxons, on taking possession of tiie island,
named it Anglo-land, or Angel-land, but which, in process of time,
became cormpted into England, which it has retained to the pre-
sent day.

^ Another writer says, — ^Britain is derived^m Prydain, the name
given to it Inr the Bntains upwards of two thoosand Jf^ra ago, and
which signifies ** the fair or beantifbl Isle."-^ Fnys Prydam,

** Sons of the/olr Isle, forget not the time
Ere spoilers had breathed the fk'ee air of your clime«
Darkly the* cloads may han^ o'er its awhile
The crown shall not pass from the beauiy'ul Isle****

EUROPE.

This part of the globe was formerly called bv flie Romans, as it
is at present by the Spaniards and Italians, by the name of Enropa ;i
bat m>m whence that name originated has not been determined.—
By the English and French, it is styled Emrope ; by the Torks, Al-
frai^, orRumalia; by the Georgians of Asia, Frankoba; and by
the Asiatics in general, Frankistan.

EDINBURGH.

Edwin, king of Nmthambria, possessed the entire territory from
the banks of tibe Hamber to the shores of the Frith of Forth ; and it
seems highly probable, that the appellation of this city was or^^-
nally Edwin's-berg, or Edwin's-borgh, now Edinbnrgh.

EDMUND'S BURY.

St. Edmund's Bury, or Bury St Edmnnd's, or simply Bory, as it
is termed by some, derives its name from Edmund the Martyr, who
was bnried here. We are told, that ^Canatepaid great respect
to the memory of St Edmund, and built a magmficent church over
his grave, since called Edmnndsbury, in Suffolk, as well as a mo-
nastery."

ESCURIAL OF SPAIN.

This palace was bailt by Philip 2d, son of Charles 5th, Emperor
of Qerroany, in the shape of a Grid-iron, out of compliment to St
Lawrence, of Grid-iron notoriety. The name of the building has a
very humble origin. Ferriginous ores abound in the neighbouring
mountains. Escoria, from the Latin Scoria, is the term in the Spa«
nish language for metallic dross, and Escorial is the topogra^c de-
rivation, signifying the localitv for this dros9. A corruption from
the etymology has occasioned the change cS^,, tike second vowel,
whence the name Escurial, It is the country palace and mausoleum
of the Spanish kings.

* From the atncient monarchial song of Britidn, called ** Unben-
naeth Prydain,*^ which the bard of the palace used to sing while tte
warriors were pre|Miring for battle.

f See Heathen Mythology-Jupiter and Boropa.

THDB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPBNDIU|f . 277

FLAMSTEED HOUSE.

The Observatory in Oreenwich Paric derhres its oame of ** Flam*
steed Hoase," from John FUmstead, the astronomer royal, who, on '
the 10th of Aagast, 1675, laid the foondatioii stone of the said db-
senratory, for watching the motions of the celestial bodies. He died
at Greenwich, 31st December, 1719.

FRIENDLY ISLANDS.

A groop of Islands in the Sooth Pacific Ocean, so named byCapt.
Cook, in 1773, on accoont of the friendship that appeared to subsist
among the inhabitants, and their truly coorteons behanoor to
strangers.

GRAMPIAN HILLS.

** On the Grampian hills my father feeds his flock.**

A chain of hills in Scotland, which extend in a north east direc*
tion from the mountain Benlomond, in Dambartonshire, throosh the
coonties of Perth, Au^, and Kincardine, to Aberdeen ; and uenoe
in a north west direction, through the coonties of Aberdeen, Banff,
and Bflorray, and on the borders of loyemess. They take their
name from a single hill, the Mens Grampios of Tacitos, and where
the battle was fooght so fatal to the brave Caledonians.

GOODWIN SANDS.

These dangerous shoals derive their name frx>m the famous Earl
Godwin, the father of King Harold, and who was one of the first
who bore the title of Earl. Where the Sands are now, was for-
merly a large tract of land, that formed cart of his estoto, which
was inundated by the sea in 1100, and which has ever since been
rendiered memorable for the loss of life as well as property.

GERMANY.

Germany was originally called Allemania, from Alleman, i. e. in
German, " every man, denoting, that all nations were welcome
there. It derives the title of Germany firom the celebrated Oer-
manicus.

GOSPEL OAK.

The famed Iron Works in Staffordshire, known by the cognomen
of the ^ Gospel Oak" Iron-works, derive theur name from an oak
in the vicinity, and which, it has been said, received its appellation
from the circumstance of John Wesley first holding forth there to
die colliers and miners of the neighbourhood. This, however, is a
mistake, for it receives its oious title from the Puritans of Crom-
well's time, who selected this spot for the ** preaching of the wont^
to the benu^hted inhabitants of that district. Here the celebrated
" Praise Crod Bare-bones" held forth, and it has been said, that
the great Machiavel himsel (Cromwell), deigned in his earlier days

(•* When GMpei-trwnpeter, surrouaded.
With lonr-ear'd rout, to battle sounded,
And ptdplt, drum ecclesiastic k.
Was beat 'with fist, instead of a stick,**)

to warn the sinful " sons of the mine" of their carnal traa^gresBioiif •

^9 TRB ITTHOLOaiCAL COMPBNDIi;]!.

HIGHBURT-BARN.

Higiibnr]r4Mini is a place noted for Londoii tea^driakerB. It was
i»4he olden tiAe a Bam belonj^ng to the monks of ClerkeBwefii'
now a taTem famed for its good cheer.

HAG-BUSH LANE.

Haff 18 the old Saxon word Haeg, which became corropted rato
Hangn, and afterwards into Haw, and is the name for the beny of
the hawthorn ; also, the Saxon word ha^a signified a hedge, or niy
eackMore. Hence Hag, or Hawthorn-Bosh Lane.

HERNE'S OAK.

Every one who has seen Shakspeare's admirable comedy of the
^ Merry Wives of Windsoi^ represented on the stage, or even read
H, has no doabt pictured to himself ^ Heme's Oak," where the fat
and liceatioos knight is cleverly outwitted by the two dames of
Wkidsor. Sir John Falstaff, whatever may be his situation, never
loses his temper, or even his good hnmoor ; and wht^n at nddn^t
lie is anHroacning Heme's Oak, cKsgnised with a buck's head wi, to
meet Mrs. Page and Mrs. Ford, he finds room for self-conaolation.
'^ Remember, Jove," says he, ^ thou wast a bull for thy Earopa:
Love set on thy horns. O powerfal love ! that in some respects
makes a beast of a man ; in some other, a man a beast. Yon were
also, Japiter, a swan, for die love of Leda; — O, omnipotent love!
How near the Gk)d drew to the complexion of a goose."

Heme's Oak, a tree thus immortalized by Shakspeare, stood on
the south-east nde of the little paik of Windsor. The reason why
it was selected for the frolic with Sir John Falstaff, is the tradition
sittached to it, which Mrs. Page thus relates : —

« There is an old tale goes tiiat Heme the hunter
Sometimes a keejier here in Windsor forest.
Doth all the winter time at still midnight
Walk round about an oak with great ragged horns
And there he blasts the tree and takes the cattle.
And nmkes milch kyne yield blood, and shakes a chain
In most hideous and dreadfal tnanner.
You have heard of such a spirit, a ad weU you know.
The superstitious idle headed eld
Received and did deliver to our age.
This tale of Qerne the hunter for a truth.*'

Heme is said to have been keeper of the forest in the time of
Queen Elizabeth, and having been guilty of some offence, for whi^
he expected to be discharged, hnng himself upon this oak.

HASTINGS.

This town is on the eastern extremity of the coast of Sussex. Its
Saxon name signified a town or castle, and owes its origin, accord-
ii^to Camden, to one Hasting, a Danish pirate, who, where he land-
■ed for booty, built sometimes little fortresses.

HOLY ISLAND.

The Isle of Lindisfame is thus denominated, becaose of the vnm-
hei of Saints th^e boried.

THE STYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. ^79

HARMONY SETTLEMENT, N. AMERICA.

This extraordinary and floorisliing Qerman colony was landed
bv a 0«rmaD enthnsiast, named Ram>, who^ in order to promote
Hnmony among these who settled there, laid certain renfarietioDS '
upon nmrriage ! These restrictions were to prevent more than a
certain qnantam of births within a certain nmnber €€ years ; which
biiihs (as Mr. Hnlme says) generally arrive ^ in a little flock like
tbo8e|of a farmer's lamlM, all^witnin the same nMmth perhapB.**
I^ese Hannoniflts (so called from the name of their settlement) are
reiMresented as a remarkably jBowishin^, pioos, and qinte people.
See the various recent writers on Amenca.

Lord Byron allndes to them in some witty lines in his ** Don Joan,"
canto TV, page 12. —

** When Rapp the Harmonist embargoed marriage
In his harmonious settlement — (which flourishes
Strangely enough as yet vithout miscarriage.

Because it breeds no more mouths than it nourishes.
Without those sad expenses which disparage
What Nature naturally most encourages) —
Why call'd he ** Harmony" a state sans wedlock ?
Now here I have got the preacher* at a dead loclc !**

HINDOSTAN.

Omr Empire in the East Indies, nnder this appellation, or Indos-
tan,more properly, is derived from the river Indus, which flows
throoghont the coontry.

HOLY-ROOD HOUSE.

The traditionmrv accoonts which occasioned its erection are thns
related : — King David 1st, its founder, being on a banting match in
the forest of Dmmslech, near Edinbnigh, on a rood-day, was at-
tacked by a large hart, and his life was in ,the utmost danger. —
Whfle he was endeavouring to defend himself with his hands against
the furious assaults of the animal, a miracalous Cross, from Heaven,
slipped into bis hand, which so frightened the stag, that he retreat-
ed immediately. This wonderful circumstance having of course put
an end to the chase, David repaired to the castle of Edinburgh,
where, in a dream, he was intructed to erect an Abbey, or House,
for Canons regular, on the place where the celestial cross was put
into his hands. In obedience to this visionary command, the king
erected an abbey for the said purpose, and dedicated it to the Holy-
Rood, or Holy-Cross, and deposited the same therein, where it is
said to have remained till the reign of David the 2d.

HELLESPONT.
** On such a night as this,-Leander swam across the HeUespontk"

This river, famed in classic lore, and more especially as the scene
of a feat performed by our immortal bard, Lord Byron,-{- derives its
original name (now Dardanelles) from Helle, the daaghter of Alha-
mas, king of Thebes, who, with her brother, Phryxns. flying front
their step-mother, ventured to pass a narrow part of this sea, and
she was drowned, and left her name to the straits thereof, which
was after called the Hellespont.

* Rapp.
t Who hims^ swam across the widest part.

2g0 I^E ETTMOLOOICAL COMPBNDIUM.

ST. HELLKNA.

This island, which will be particalarW notioed in the pages of fit-
tore history, as the sepulchre of one of the most extraordinary mm
the world ever produced, was first discovered by the Portogneie ia
the year 1602, on St Hellen's day, and her name was given to il,
according to the universal practice of early navigators ci nattiig
their discoveries from the Roman Calendar. Hellena was dantJMer
of Cinias, wife of Constantias, and mother of Constantine the Cneat,
She first walled the city of London.

ISLE OF MAN.

** An Isle, in anient times, renownM by fame,
Lies fall in view, and Moua is tbe name.
Once blessed vith -wealth, while Dtrby* held the sway.
But now a broken, rough, and dangerous way.**

The name of Man is supposed to refer to its sitnatioii, as to the
Borrounding kingdoms, from the Saxon word mang, ainiifying
among ; others suppose the word to originate firom Maune, me name
of St. Patrick, the apoistle of the island, before he assumed that of
Patricios. By Caesar, it is called Mcma. All late writers agree tfast
Mona CsBsaris is Man ; but MonaTaciti behnws to Anglesey. Barfy
writers call it Monada Menavia Seconda (to distingoish it fion
Anglesey), Eubonia, &c.

The monks derive it traditionally from ** Manna Mao Maclea,"
an early king, who first conquered the island. By the inhabitants
the island is called Mannings and by the people in general Man.

KINGSTON.

So called, from the Kings of England having their residence and
being anciently crowned there . The coronaticm of Alfired the Great
took plac^ at Kingston in 872.

KENT.

ELent was called by the Greeks, Kiwrrai, and by the Latins Csa-
tium. Lambard derives it from the Welch Caine, a leaf, because
the county formerly abounded in woods ; but Caraden from Coaloii,
a comer, " because England in this place stretcheth out itself in a
comer to the north east." Kent beingsituate nearest the Coi^inent
of Europe, has often been the theatre of great actions. It ¥ms in
tills coonty that Julius Ceesar landed, when he came to invade Bri-
tain ; it was the place first seized by the Saxons, after they had de-
feated the northern barbarians ; and Popery was first preached at
Canterbury by Austin and his followers. At the period of the ar-
rival of the Romans, it was governed by four British chie&, and it
was the first, althoogh not the largest, kingdom of the heptarchy.

MONT MATRE.

So called from Mons Martyrum, or Mountain of Martyrs. St
Dennis and other martyrs were beheaded here.

The Derby ftunVy iretc ttelAX^ ofttaaoLtov many yean.

THB BTTII0IX)6ICAL COMPENDIUM. 2gl

MAURITIUS.

The Maaritins, or Isle of France, is 400 miles east of Madagascar.
Discovered by the Portogaese, but the first who settled here were
tiie Datch, in 1598. They called it Maoritiiis, in hononr of Prince
Maorice, tiieir Stadtholder ; bat on their ac^oisition of the Cape of
Good Hope, they deserted it; and it continued unsettled tUI the
French landed here in 1790.

MASSACHUSBTS.

One of the States of North America. It was so named from a
tribe of Indians who formerly inhabited this quarter. It is 160 miles
long and 90 broad ; boundeo on the north by New Hampshire, and
west by New York.

MARSEILLES.

The history of Marseilles is full of interest Its origin borders on
romance. Six hundred years before the Christian era, a band of pi-
ratical adventurers from Ionia, in .Asia Minor, by dint of superior
skill in navi^tion, poshed their discoveries to the month of the Rhine.
Charmed with the white cliffs, green vales, blue watera, and brij^t
sikiei, which they here found, they returned to their native country,
and persuaded a colony to follow them to the barbarous shores of
Oanl, bearing with them their reli^on, language, manners, and cus-
toms. On the verf day of their arrival, so says tradition, the daughter
<^the native chief was to choose a husband, and her affections were
placed upon one of the leaders of the polished emigrants. The fnend-
shq> of the aborigines was conciliated by marriajg^, and their rude
manneirs were softened by the refinement of their new allies in war,
their Bew associates in peace. In arts and arms tiie emigrants soon
acquired the ascendancy, and the most musical of all the Greek dia-
lects became the preTalUng language of the colony.

MEDITERRANBAN.

The Mediterranean Sea is thus denominated, because it flows be-
tween Europe and Africa, washing the shores of each. Medi, sig-
nifjring between, and terra, earth, L e. between two continents ; the
latter syllables^ fU-an being merely added for the sake of harmony.

MAIDSTONE.

Maidstone was ancientiy called Medway-town, from its being
seated on the river of that name. Nennius, who wrote about the
ninth century, calls it Caer Megwad, corruptiy, as is supposed, for
Medway, or the Medway city ; and states, that it was the third
considerable city in Britain, before the arrival of the Saxons; and
it appears from Domesday fiook to have been a b<nx>i:^h by pre-
scription, although it did not send representatives to paruament till
the reign of Queen Elizabeth, when it received a charter of incorpo-
ration to be governed by a mayor, assisted by twelve of the [nrin-
cipal inhabitants.

MIDDLESEX.

The Saxons under Ella, on their arrival in this country, had ooo-
tinual wars with the Britons, the particulars whereof are unknown,
except that they settied on the sea coast m Sussex, and were called
the South Saxons^ from whence Sussex ww d«iw«d» TWwa ^^doiX

2^ THB VrmOLOOICAL COMPBNDIUM.

were settled on the East Coast were called East Saxons, from
whence came Essex. The country between Essex and Sossez wa4
hence termed fifiddlesez. Kent retained its ancient name*

NORTHUMBERLAND.

Most of oor readers are acqaainted with the great divisions of this
kingdom in ancient times, and will recollect those which were esta-
bliwed North and Sontii of the H amber, nnder which a large pro-
portion of Yorkshire, and the whole of Cnmberland, Westmoreland,
and Nor^ Homber land, belonged to Edwin, king of Northombria.

OXFORD. ,

This famous University town derives its name from its being an-
ciently a ereat Cattle or Oxen-ford ; having to pass the river at this
point on the way to the London markets. Henry 2d, whose famed
amour with ^ fiLosamond of Woodstock'* gave a celebrity to this part
of the country, jkiilt a bridge over the same ford— now called Ox-
ford.

OTTOMAN EMPIRE.

So called, because Ottoman was the first of the Turkish Empe-
rors. Hie present Turkish Empire began in Bythinia, in 1396.

PORTE.

The principal entrance into the Seraglio, or palace of the Grand
Seignior, is a huge pavilion, called Capi, the gate or porte, firon
whence some imagme |the name of Porte has been appfied to the
Turkish seat of government Other writers say this is not the case,
as the term porte originated from that city being the pniici{»l port
or harbour of the Turkish Empire.

PERSIA.

By the poets, this country is supposed to have derived its appella-
tion from Perseus, the son of Jupiter and Danoe ; and by the graver,
but periiaps, on this oocasioo, equally unsuccessful enquirers, from
the word paras, which signifies a horseman, the Persians or Pfur-
thians having been idways celebrated for their extraordinary skill in
horsemanship.

PERE LA CHAISE.

This far-famed burial ^und, which is the first in Europe, from
its size, its picturesque situation, and its fine monuments, derives its
name from Father Lachaise, confessor to Louis 14th, frt>m its occu-
pying the site on which stood Lachafse's house.

PENSYLVANIA.

So called, firom William Penn, a quaker, who obtained a charter
for planting it in 1680.

PEtERSBURGH.

This modem capital of Russia, derives its name from its royal
founder, Peter the Great It is bnilt in the gulph of Cronstadt, in-
tersected by artificial chaoDels of the Neva, which limit Uie districts
irf'the city. This magnificent capital was in 1702 a putrid fen.

THB STYM0L06ICAL COMPENDIUM. 288

PRUSSIA.

*nusja wa« anciently posMssed by the Veoedi, whose kings wem
iently descended from Athirias, nrst kiog of the Herali, on the
tic, 320 B. C. The Venedi were conqaered by the Bornsn, who
abibd the Riphoean Mountains. Hence the country was called
vaaia, or Prossia.

PEERLESS POOL.

** And in hyghe sommer eueriche daye I wene,

Scapyin^ the hot son's euer bemynf eface.

He dyd hym wend unto a pleasauat place,
TVhere auncieat trees shut owht escorchyiig sheae;
And in a solempne lyghte, throu^ brnunches grene,

■ In quyet, sytting on a lytel stole.
For hys defection he woulde ther* anlace.

Within an arfore, where bryddes onlie bene

And goe, and bayn hym in the waters cool

That alway wellyd there and made a peerlesse pocdfe.**

^eerless Pool, as it is now called, was anciently a pablic condnit,
ch supplied the metropolis witn water, before the New River
I brought to liondon by Sir Hugh Myddleton. Stowe speaks of
cleere water, called Perilous Pond, " because," says omr chro-
,er^ " divers vouths, by swimming therein, have been drowned."
liahe says, ^ Upon Saterday the 19th of January, 1633, size
tty young lads, going to sport themselves upon the frozen dockinff
d, neere to Clearkenwell, the iceioo weake to support them, fell
» the water, concluding their pastime with the lamentable lease
beir lives ; to the great griefe c^many^ that saw them dpng, msaxv
'e-tliat afterwards saw uem dead, with tha ineipresmble griefe
Mr parents." This water was afterwards filled up^ andrender-
nitirely useless, till one Kemp, an eminent jeweller of the city
iOndon, who had a high opinion of this water, having got clear m
dent pain in the head by oathing in it, to which he had for many
n been subject, generously re-opened the same spring for the
lie benefit, in the year 1743, and formed the completest swim-
g bath in the whole world ; and in reference to the improvements
lad made on the ruins of that once Perilous Pond, and by a very
iral transition, he changed that disagreeable appellation of pe-
ts, '' that is," says Maitland, ^ dangerous or hazardous, to the
e agreeable name of Peerless Pool, that is. Matchless Bath, a
Le which carries its own reason with it"

The sprightly youth
Speeds to the well known pool. Awhile he stands
Gazing th' inverted landscape, half afraid
. To meditate the blue profound below ;

Then lounges headlong down the circling flood.

His ebon tresses, and his rosy cheek.

Instant emerge ; and thro' the obedient wave.

At ekch breathing by his lip repelPd,

With arms and legs accordmg well, he makes.

As humour leads an easy winding path ;

While from his polish'd sides, a dewy 11^ ht

Effuses on the pieas'd spectators round. TTumuom,

PALATINATE OF DURHAM.

ruthred being seated on the throne of Northumberland, nnder
ans p i c e s of Alfred, the sovereigns, as ^ joint act, granted, that
rever St. Cuthbert's senains should rest, there should be an in-

4|^ THB BTTMOLOOICAL COMPBNDIUlf .

violable sanctaary; and that the possesrions of St Cnthbert* and
his church, as well sach as were at that thne, ot dieretofore granted,
as those which might thereafter be acqnired by purchase on odier-
wise, should be for ever freed and discharged finmn all costoms and
services, and should be held and enjoyed by the churchj with 00
muh sovereign jurisdiction and power as the demesne qfthe crown
was held ; and this was confirmed by the acclamations of the assent-
ing people, assembled on this solemn occasion ; and became an or-
dinance established for ever. This was the origin of the ** Jora re>
galia,** which dignifies the ** Palatine of Dnrham.** Durliam' is de-
rived from Donholme, Bishop, and Earl of Sandbeig.

PACIFIC OCEAN,

Otherwise called the Sonth Sea, lying between Asia and Ainerica«
and upwards of 10,000 miles in breadth. When Magellan entered
this ocean, through the dangeroas strait that bears his name, he
sailed three months and twenty days in a unifmn direction to the
N.W., without discovering land, and enjoyed such unintemqited
fiur weather, with fair winds, that hc$ gave the ocean the name of
Pacific.

POI4AND.

The name Poland is said to be derived from the Sclavonian word
Pole, which signifies plain and even,^ as is the face of this coufary.
Some derive it from rolachi, which signifies the posterity of Leefaos,
who is held to be the founder of this monarchy.

PALESTINE.

Tt was called Palestine from the Philistines, who inhabited the'
sea coasts. It was also called Judea, ^from Juda ; and the Holy
Land, from our Savioor's residence and sufferings ; and it is called
Canaan, and the Promised Land, in the Scriptures. It is 160 miles
in length, and 80 in breadth ; and in the time of Solomon, it seems
to have extended from the Mediterranean Sea to the river Ba*
phrates. As a part of Asiatic Turkey, it is bounded by Mount Le-
nanus, which divides it from Syria on the north ; by Mount Herman,
which separates it from Arabia de Serta, on the east : by the moun-
tains of 8eir, and the desarts of Arabia Petroea, on the sooth ; and
by the Mediterranean Sea on the west

RECULVERS.

These ruins, viewed vrith such peculiar interest by those who visit
the Isle of Thanet, and which are a well known water mark to ma-
riners, was called by the Romans Regulbium ; by the Saxons first
Racuir, afterwards Raculfcester, on account of its castle, and then
Racolfniinster, from the monastery afterwards built there. In the
time of the Romans it had a watch tower and fort, said to be built
by Severus, anno ^6 ; in which, as the ** Notitia** tells us, " lay in
garrison the first cohert of the Vetasians.**

Its two spires, commonly called " the Sisters'* (from the romanlic
notion of their being built by relatives, who went from thence on a
pilgrimage and returned in safety), are of great utility as a land
mark, and from the pier of Margate, and the neighbouring cli£fs, may
be viewed distinctly.

* Bishop of Dnrham.

THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMPBNDUIMi 286

RIEYAULX ABBEY, YORKSHIRE.

** Here hilU irith dales, here voods irith waters vie ;
Here Art with Nature strives to feast the eye ;
Here Espec's tov'rin§^ fkbric clad in green.
And monkish grandeur decorates the scene;
Here architects- engravM the Ionic scroll.
And ftun'd Bemke's pencil crowns the whole.**

Rieyaolz Abbey, as it is termed^ is the most saperb roiQ in Eng-
land. It is on the estate of Charles Slingsby Dancombe, Esq. of
Donoombe Psak, In the vicinity also, is a Roman Catholic College.
If ever, reader, yon sojoom at the ancient city of Yorli, forget not
to visit Doncombe Park and Rievanlx Abbey. A pleasant ride of
16 milea will bring yoa to this second Elysium, where yoor curiosity
will be amply repaid. The following notice is taken of it, by A
spirited little work of the present day :

*' In the reign of Henry 1st flourished St Bernard, abbot of Clare-
val, a man full of devotion, and chief of many monks, some of whom
he sent to England, about A. D. 1128, 38th of Henrv 1st, who were
honourably received by both king and kingdom, and particularly by
Sir Walter L'Espec ; who abont A. D. 1131, allotted to some of
them a solitary place in Blakroore, near Hemelac, now Helmsley,*
sornxmded by steep hills, and covered with wood and ling, near the
angles of three different vales, with each a rivulet running through
them ; that, passing by where the abbey was built being called Rie,
whence this vale took its name, and this religious house was thence
called the abbey of Rie-val or Rie-vale.-)* The descent of this val-
ky reaches chiefly from north to south. Here William, the first
abbot (one of these monks sent by Bernard), a man fall of great vir-
toe, and of an excellent memory, began the building of the moha^ry,
and dedicated it to the Virgin Mary, which the said Sir Walter
L'Espec amply endowed.** Again, ** the site was granted, in ez-
chai^ for other lands, to Thomas, Earl of Rutland, in 30th of Henry
8th ; and from him it descended to the dissolute George Villiers,
Duke of Bakingham; and from him, by purchase, to Sir Charles
Duncombe, knight, from whom it passed to his grand nephew, Tho-
mas Duocombe, Esq. M. P., who, in 1758, erected one of the finest
terraces in England, on the brink of the hill that overlooks the ruin,
and a temple at each end of the walk ; one of which is enriched
with mythological paintings by Bemice, an Italian artist. The view
from the woody steep of these Ionic temples surjpasees all concep-
tion ; suffice it to quote the words of a descriptive author on the
subject, who says, ' to be believed, it mast be seen ; and, once seen,
can never be forgotten.'

RED SEA.

So called, not from any redness of either water or weeds, &c. but
because anciently styled the Sea of Edom (as being partly on the
coast of Edom). The Greeks, knowing that Edom signified red, by
mistake called it the Eryth-rean, or Red Sea.

* Nov vulgarly called " Helmsley Blackamoor.**
t Now corru]>ted to Riveaulz.

296 '^'^^^ ETYMOLOOICAli COMlWlllllUM.

RICHMOin).

** Encbanting vale I beyond what e'«r the Muse
Has of Achaia or Heiperia mmg I
O vale of bliss ! O softly swelling hills !
On which the power of cultivation lies.
And joys to see the wonder of his toil.
Heavens ! what a ^odly prospect spreads arooad.
Of hills, and dales, and woods, and fawns, and spires,
And flittering towns, and elided streams, till all
The stretching landscape into smoke decays.**

The ancient name for Richmond, or Bich Monnd, wbb SkfBtn,
which signifies spiendoor. The choice of a walk in a place like
RichmoTO, where all is beantv, is rather perplexing, the mote so to
him who pays his first visit We are invariaoly at a loss to know,
oat of the vast number of paths, vduch to adopt : —

Say, shall we wind

'Mong the streams ? or walk the smiling mead ?
Or court the forest glades ? or wander wild.
Among the way of harvests ? or ascend

Thy hilb delightful Shene ?'*

RAPE OF BRAMBEa.

The Saxon division of the coanty of Sassex into Rapes, wfaidi m
the sinfftdar number is Saxon for district, or barony, and vrfdch term
is pecnliar to Sassex, was strictly adhered to at the Gonqneft To
each was'annexed a castle, with large demesnes. There are six
Rapes, with their separate baronies, as originally granted. Chi*
Chester and Arundel were held jointly by Montgomerie and De Al-
bine, in succession, till the extinction of the last mentioned family,
when the barony was held to have ceased, by reason of partition —
The Rape of Bramber was given to William de Bariose ; Lewes,
to William de Warren ; Hastings, to Robert de Owe ; and Peven-
sey, to the Earl of Mortein.

ROME.

" Omnium, renun vicissitndo.'*

Romulus commenced the foundations of Rome, 753 B. G. His
brother Remus was slain by him. or his workmen, for having ridi-
culed the slendemess of the walls. Thus raised in blood, tiiey be-
came the sanctuary of refugees and criminals, and to increase the
population, neighbouring females (the Sabine women) were forcibly
dragged within its boundaries. Such was the origin of the once
.mighty city of Rome, which derives its name from its founder.

OLD SARUM.

Few places have exercised the ingenuity of etymologists more than
this. Old Baxter will have it tr* be a corruption of the British Sar-
Avon, that is, angry or violent river, which ran at the base of the
hill on which is placed Old Sarum, and flows through the streets of
the new.

Johannes Sarisburiensis calls it Severia, iirom the emperor Sete-
rus ; but the Roman name of Sorbiodunum. is much nearer the mark,
being an almost literal translation of its original British appellation.
Caer Sarfiog, the fortified place aboun(^ng with the Service Tree.
Now, Sorhus is Service Tree in Latin, and dunitm is a common

THB BTYMOIiOaiCiLli GOttPttHDnm. 397

Latin termiDation for places which have the adjunct dun, or aier, in
the British ; so that it was impossible to Latinize the word with less
violence to the original.

8T0NEHEN6R.

*< I like the neighbourtM>od too,— the ancient places
That brings back the past agea to the eye.
Filling the gap of centoriea — the traces

that lie

Mouldering beneath your head !

SoDie remarkable origins have been given to these ancient -and
venerable piles, and aluoogh savouring strong of the snperatitioas,
one of them is tiionght worthy of a place here. A cnriomi old work,
entitled, ^ Campion's Histone of Irland," has the following:

** Li the plain of Kildare, stood that monstrons heap of stones,
brooght thither by gyants from Afiriqne, and removed thence to the
j^ainof Salisbor^, at the instance of Aurel Ambrose, king of Britain !**
The same historian says : ^ S. Bede writeth, that serpents conveyed
hither, did presently aie« being touched with smell of the land ; and
that whatsoever came hence was then of soveraigne vertu against
poyson. He exemplifieth in certain men aimxe with adders, w1k>
dranke in water the scrapings of bookes that had been of frland,
and were cared." Campion piously adds, ^ neither is this propertie
to be ascribed to St. Patrick's blessing, (as they commonly nold)
bnt to the original blessing of God, who gave snch nature the sitna^
tion and soyle from the beginning. And though I doubt not bnt it
fared tiie better in many respects for that holy man's praver, yet had
h this condition notified one hundred years ere he was doto."

To return, however, to Stonehenge, the preceding historian, and
believer in miracles, shews us how wide from the fact were the anti-
ouarian comectures of Stukely, Webb, and others, respecting the
rormation of these Dmidal monuments: we must, nevertheless^ with
due submission to the pious historian, rest satisfied with their account
of them ; viz. that the said pile of stones were originally Druidal
altars, on which the Druids made their periodical sacrifices to their
deities!

Jefirev of Monmouth ascribes the erection of it to Merlin, -who, as
he lived in the time of Aurelius Ambrosins, in Welsh £mrvs, is
called MerddinEmr^s, to commemorate the Saxon treachery, m the
massacre of the British nobles there assembled to meet Hengist,
(and the true Saxon name is Stonhens^ist).

Camden considers it a piece of work, such as Cicero calls tnsa-'
nam substructionem; for, says he, there are erected in form of a
crown, in three ranks, or courses, one within another, certain mightv
stones, whereof some are twenty-eight feet hi^h, and seven broad,
on the heads of which others rest crosswise, with tenon and mortise,
so that the whole frame seem to hang, and therefore stone-hang, or
henge.

ST. CLOUD.

Saint Cloud, the country residence of the French monarchs, is a
corruption from Clovis, the founder of the French monarchy. It has
been called by the continental lawyers, a ducal peerage, and was
attached to the archbishopric of Pavis, the incumbent of which, from
that application attained the rank of duke of St Cloud, and peer of
France.

288 "^^^ BTTMOLOQICAL COMFRNDnTM.

SCOTCH HIGHLANDERS.

In ancieDt days, Dennot M'Mnrroiiffh, a petty king of Mmuler,
was on friendly terms with Fingal Maccorran, a petty prince of
Caithness, in Scotland ; the latter had lose in a |fale of wind, all the
oars with which he rowed his ships, and his snlyects were ill off for
shoes. Scotland then, was totally barren of wood, and Ireland a fo-
rest rising from the waves. Fingal, therefore, sent to hit friend
Dermot an acconnt of his distress, and begged him to send over for
his nse 500 pair of oars, and 500 pair of brognes. Dermot was no
schobur, ana consnltiiMf his prime minister, they decided he wanted
600 pair of whores and nmies, and sent them off accordingly, with
an assurance that he conldhave as many more as he pleased, so well
was Ireland then stocked with those materials. The Scottish (^f
coald not help smiling at the mistake, bot was much passled what
to do with this extraordinary importation.

The Highlands of Scotland were then considered nninhabitalile,
and thidier prince Fingal drove the reingees to perish, as he thooght
They, however, were a hardy race, lived and multiplied exceed-
ingly, so that all the genoine Highland families, who now boast of
the antiquity of their houses and clans are descended from Irish
whores and rogues ! !

SEVEN OAKS.

Seven Oaks received its name from seven tall oaks, which for-
merly grew on the spot where the town is built In the re^of
Henry 5th, one Sir John Sevenoak, lord mayor of London, and once
a poor foundling, brought up by the benevolence of the people, and
named of course after the place in which he was found, a custom
generally adopted by the parish officers, built an hospital here, fot
me support of aged persons, and a free school for the education of
the youth of the town, in gratitude for the charity he had himself re-
ceived formerly from the inhabitants. His school was further en-
dowed by queen Elizabeth.

SOT'S HOLE.

The great lord Chesterfield formerly resided at the house, now
occupied by the princess Sophia of Gloucester, at Black heaUL His
servants were accustomed to use an ale-hou8e, in the vicinity, too
frequently. On one occasion he said to his butler, ** fetch the fel-
lows from that Sot's hole I** which circumstance gave a name to tfie
house known by that sign.

8EVERNDR00O CASTLE.

This building, on the ri^ht of Shooter's Hill, and which is so pro-
minent an object, was built by Lady James, in commemoration of die
storming and capture of Sevemdroog, in the East Indies, by commo-
dore James, her husband, on the 2d of April, 1755. litis place i»
well known to cockneys as ^ Lady James's Folly."

SHOOTER'S HILL.

This spot, so well known to Londoners, is so denominated, from
the London archers who shot here, and particularly on May Da^.
An old chronicler relates, that ^ Henry the Eijirhth, in thethira of hu
reigne, and divers other yeeres, so namely in the seventh of his
reigne, on May Day in the morning, with queen Katherine, his wife,

THB BTYMOJUOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 289

accompanied with many lords and ladies, rode a Maying from Oreen-
wich to the high ground of Shooter's Hill : where, as they passed by
the way, they espyed a cmnpany of tall yeomen, clothed all in
greene, with greene hoods, and with bowes and arrowes, to the
Bomber of 200. One, being their chieflaine, was called Robin Hood,
who reqoired the king and all his company to stay and see his men
shoot : whereonto, the king granting, Kobin Hood whistled, and all
the 900 archers shot off, looNung all at once ; and when he whistled
againe, they likewise shot againe : their arrowes whistled by craft of
tiie head, so that the noise was s^ange and lond, which greatly de-
Vgfajted tne king, qaeene, and their company.**

SADLER'S WELLS.

Sadler's Wells, so called, from there being within the premises,
two Wells of a-chalybeate water, and from having, formerly, been
in the possession of a man named Sadler ; originally, (i. e. the ground
on which it stands), belonged to the monastery of St. J<An's, Clerk-
enwell, hot to what purpose it was then appropriated we do not
know. In process of time, the wells were opened to the public, as
the Tunbriage Spa, Islington, St. Chad's Well, Gray's Inn Lane,
&c. are now, and numbers resorted there to drink the waters. In
the time of Oliver Cromwell, they continued to be visited by invalids,
but were prohibited, among others, by the then hypocritical rulers
of the land, as objects of superstitious notice. During the reign of
Charles the Second, Sadler took the ground, and whatever buildings
might be upon it, and opened a place of public recreation and en-
tertainment, called ^ Midler's Wells' Music House,*' and he re-
opened the two Wells. The latter are still on the premises ; one in
the yard arched over ; the cither in the cellar of the theatre, where
there is also a well of pure water. The water for the exhibition
comes through pipes from the New River Reservoir, Pentonville.

SOUTHWARK.

So denominated, from a forti6cation, or work, which anciently
stood here, and from its situation being southerly, vms called Sutii-
wark, or South-work.

SCLAVONIA.

A province, subject to the House of Austria, and bounded on the
ncMrth-east by the rivers Drave and Danube, which separate it from
Hungary, being about two hundred miles long, and sixty broad. It
takes its name from the Sclavi, an ancient people of European Scy-
thia ; from whom is likewise derived the Sclavonic language, which
is said to be the most extensive language in the world, except the
Arabic, -as being the common mother of the Russian, Hungarian,
Polish, Bulgarian, Corinthian, Bohemian, &c. languages.

STRAITS OF MAGELLAN.

' The Straits of Magellan, or, aif they are vulgarlv called, the
Straits of Magdalen, derive their title from one Magellan, who was
in the service of Spain ; and who discovered them in the &cat voyago
round the world ; he was killed by the savages in the Mariaams
Islands. These straits were discovered in 1518.

8TEYNE AT BRKiiHTON.

It has been stated, that this celebrated promenade derives its
name from the Roman way, called Stane Street; but this snpposi-

290 THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

tion is the collective of fancy, for we find in the addeemnm of
Richard of Cirencester, in his 15th Iter, that the Roman weiters
road, called Stane Street, commenced at the east gate of Chichester,
and taking a northern direction, pursued its coarse to Bignor Bill,
within a few foriongs of the Roman pavements of a villa, cuscoTered
in 1811* After passing Bignor, the direction it took was throogfa
Hardham to Palooroagh. It has been further traced to Woodcote,
Dorking chorch-yard, to London, which is now distinguished b^ the
name of West Ermine Street; it is therefore impossime to attribute
its name to this Roman road.

The fact is, before the late inroads of the sea, the Steyne was
^durted, or edged on that side by chalk rocks, and finom that circum-
stance received its name.

Stein,' or Steen, a rock, in the imported language of the Flemish
emigrants, was then a proper denomination for this verdant maigia
of a chalky cliff. How it came to be called Steyne moat be attri-
buted to fanion :

** The Steyne is confessed by all.
To abound vith females fkir;
But more so since famM Russel* has
Preferr'd the waters there.*'

TUNBR1DGE.

^ Tunbridge, or as it is frequently called, Tnnbridge Town, to dis-
tinguish it from the well-known watering place in tiie same county,
is situated in the south-western part of Kent, on the banks of the
Med way, and derives its name from the number of bridges over the
river, which here separates itself into five streams. The district
round this town is called the ^ Lowy of Tunbridge," which, ia
Doomsday Book, is mentioned as Jjenna Rieardi de Tonbriga ; and
in old Latin deeds is called Districtus Leuca de Tonbridfce. The
reason why it is so named, is this : Richard Fitz-Oilbert, afterwards
earl of Clare, a descendant of the natural son of Richard, the first
duke of Normandy, who came over to England with William the
Conqueror, and distinguished himself at the battle of Hastings, ob-
tained the manor of Tunbridge from Lanfranc, archbishop of Canter-
bury, in exchange for the castle of Brion, in Normandy, each estate
being measured with the same line. At that time, it was the custom
in ^rmandy, to term the district round an abbey, castle^ or chief
mansion, Leuca, or Leucata ; in English, the Lowy, in which the

{>os8es8or had generally a grant of several peculiar liberties, privi-
eges, and exemptions ; and Gilbert procured from the king similar
grants to those he enjoyed in Normandy, to this, as well as to his
adjoining manor of Madlow, whence he called it the ^ Lowy of
Tunbridge," by which name it has gone ever since.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS.

Tunbridge Wells is said to be the oldest watering-place in Eo^
land, Bath excepted. The Wells are about five miles south of the
town, and are situated in a sandy bottom, at the foot of three hills,
called Mount Ephraim, Mount Sion, and Mount Pleasant. The air
is particularly salubrious, which, with the well known virtues (^tfae
Wells, and their vicinity to town, being only thirty-six miles distant,
Bsakes them much frequented. The discovery of the medici)ial

* A. c elebrateOi -^iVi-^avcvaxL oucft t«nd«iit thars.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 29l

waten at Tunbridflre Wells, io the year 1606, is generally attribated
to yoanff Dudley, lord North, who haviag ix^nred his health by his
diasipaaonsatthe coart of Henry, prince of Wales, son of James 1st,
b¥ the advice of his physicians, took np his abode within two miles
ot the Wells, at a place called Edridge House. After a residence
of aeyeral weeks, findii^ his disorder rather increased than dimi-
niahed, and his spirits greatly lowered, he abmptly qnitted this re-
tired mansion, and began his jonmey to London. Fortanately, adda
the narrator, his road lay directly through the wood, in whicn these
naefui springs were concealed from the knowledge of mankind ; so
that when his lordship came upon the spot, he could not pass by
witibout taking notice of a water which seemed to claim his atten-
tioD, on account of the shining mineral scum that swam on its surface,
«8 well as the ochreous substance which subsided at the bottom.

These uncommon appearances induced him to alight from his car-
riage, and to order one of his servants to borrow a little vessel from
a neighbouriDg hovel, that he might taste it The ferciginous flavour
induced his lordship to think it was embued with some medicinal
properties, which might be beneficial to mankind . Having submitted
it therefore to chymical analysis, he determined to try its restorative
powers upon himself; and after about two months continuance at
C^dridge, returned to town so perfectly free from all complaints, that
he lived in the indulgence of every courtly enjoyment, till he attained
the age of eighty five.

TARPEIAN ROCK.

The Tarpeian Rock, off the coast of Sicily, derives its name firom
the following :

Tarpeia, according to Heathen Mythology, was a vestal virgin,
who agreed with the Albans, to deliver up tliejcapitol for their brace-
lets ; but they being entered, tiirew their shields upon her, and bu-
ried her under them. Hence is derived the name Tarpeian Rock*

VIRGINIA.

On the discoverv of this portion of North America by Sir Walter
Raleigh, in 1584, he callea it Virginia, in compliment to his virgin
mistress, queen Elizabeth.

VENICE.

The first inhabitants of this country were the Veneti ; firom whence
•the term Venice is derived. They were conquered by the Oanls,
and made a kingdom about 356. The islands on which the city
stands, began to be inhabited by Italians, about 421 ; the first house
erected on the morass, was by Entinopus, who fled from the Goths ;
the people of Padua took refuge there also, and were assisted by
Entmopus in building the eighty houses, which formed the first city,
lb 4X3. They were first governed by a doge in 697, but its republic
was not independent till 803. The conspiracy on which Ot«ay*s
(lay is founded, veas in 1618. The Doge omitted the ceremony of
weading the Adriatic Sea firom 1173.

WEALD OP KENT.

The Weald of Kent comprises a large district, containing several
market towns, viz. Cranbriook, Smarden, Tenterden, Biddenden,
Sec. Itissocalled, firom the jfrowth of large timVJet,cwlVvM^c»^^^^
weald being a Saxon term, ngmfying a broody ^tncl.

o 2

393 ^I'HB BTTMOIiOGICAL COMPENDnXM.

WOODSTOCK.

HaTUig already given an article on Blenheim, it will periiaps not
prove unacceptable to say something of Woodstock ; more especially
as the pablic attention has been recently drawn to a work tnos en-
titled, nrom the pen of the aothor of Waveiiey.
^ The ancient manor, house, or royal palace of Woodstock, was
■toate near the old town of tnat name,* about eight miles fitMn the
dtr of Oxford, on the north bank of the valley, through which the
little river Olyme has its course. It was erected, (accordii^ to
Camden), by Henry Ist, who joined to it a large park, enclosed with
a stone wall, which Rons afimns to have been the fint park in Kig-
land, and which, says Dr. Plott, was not only stocked with de6r> bvt
with all kinds of foreign wild beasts, which he procured abroad flf
other princes. Woodstock, however, seems to have been a royal
seat, tn the time of the Saxons, and was formerly called, leeui

Shestris; it also appears from a IMS. in the Cottonian Irtbrair^
it king Alfred translated Boethis there. In tike reign of EtluM'-
dred, an assembly of the states was held at Woodstock, andsevrand
laws enacted.

The most remarkable event connected with tlie manenon ^lelf^
and from which it received its principal interest, was, its bekig tiie
residence of the celebrated Rosamond Clifford, the favoorite mis*
tress of Henry 3nd. She was buried in the chapel <^ the mmnery
at Gk>dstow, with this curious inscription on her tomb :

** Hie jacet in tnmba, Rosamandi, non JLosa. munda :
Non redolet sed olet, quae redolere solet.^

Of which various translations have been made by different anthors,
we shall, however, select that given by Stowe :

** The rose of the vorlde, but not the cleane flowre,
la no-w here graven ; to 'whom beauty was lent:
In this grave full darke now is her bourne.
That by her life was sweet and redolent.
But now that she is from this life blent,
Though she were sweete, now foully doth she stinke.
A minrour good for all men, that on her thinke.

In the fourth year of the reign of queen Anne, the honoar and
estates of Woodstock were bestowed by the queen, on John, duke
of Marlborough, for the signal victory obtained by him, at Blenheim,
in Germany ; at which time, the old palace ef Woodstock was razed
to the ground, and the magnificent mansion of Blenheim erected in
lis stead.

WESTMINSTER.

So denominated, to distinguish it from Enst Minster, which for-
merly stood on Tower Hill. When Henry the Eighth took posses-
sion of York Palace, he left the new palace of Westminster : the
former had been finished and fitted up in great magnificence by Car-
dinal Wolsey, on whose death, Henry made it his residence. To
reconcile, however, the good people of Westminster to his leaving
them, he made it a city, by act of parliament : he also built the Cock-
pi^ and the Tennis-court; cock-fighting being only used in England
at that period, but tennis was a diversion introduced from France
about the time of Henry 5th. To beautify this palace of Whitehall
j(to which he now changed its name) still more, ne built the gateway
next the Banqueting House, to have the convenience of a gallery

TH9 JBTTMOLOGIGAL COMPENDIUM. 203

into the parki to see the sports of tflts end tommaments. winch were
perfiMrmed on solemn days, for the acccMnmodation of tne ladies.

YORK.

** I like the neigrhbourhood too,— the ancient places
That bring back the past ages to the eye,
Filling the gap of centuries— the traces
Of monastic greatness, likewise, that lie
Mouldering within its walls r

Next to the city of London, in antiquity, f and at one period, in
importance ), stands the city of York. It was lonnded by the Romans
aa a iNurrier against the ipcaiisions of the northern hordes. TheY
called it Eboracam ; it was afterwards abbreviated to Ebor, whicn
algi^es a fortified town, station, or city. The archbishop, who if
aunoner to the king, signs ** Edward Ebor." York, as it is now
odled, is famed as the birth-place of Constantino the Glreat, thn
&st Christian emperor^ and tne founder of tiie eastern empire*
Many important battles have been fought in its vicinity, ana the
lUnnans have left lasting mementos of one, called Sevems's Hilla.
The battle of Towton, daring the wars of York and Lancaster, waa
^ragfai within a few miles of it, as well as that of Marston Moor,
where the parliamentary forces, nnder Fairfax, beat the royalists,
nnder Chanes the First York was the rallying post of the royalistSy
dnruig the troubles of that period, and the imhappy monarch and Ina
fio^y resided here for some time. In the reigns of Henry %idt
ftichard 1st, and John, several bloody massacres of the Jews took
place within its walls, one of which, was marked by a peculiar cir-
eomstance. Those thiat escaped the immediate rage of the citizens,
fled to the castle, and sooner than surrender, when called upon so
to do, destroved one another. How reversed is the sitaation and
treatment of tne Jews of the present day.

** Was ever Christian land so rich in Jews ?
They parted with their teeth to good king John!
And now, ye kings! thej kindly draw your own!"

JBproM*

The castle is now a modem building, (with the exception of a
tower, caHed difford's Tower), and is the county prison. The ca-
thedral, or minster, is the largest and most magnificent in Europe,
and comprises the nve orders of architecture. At some little dis-
tance from it, stand the ruins of a monastery, called St. Mary's,
and which formerly had a communication nndergronnd with the
cathedral.

** This building, beautiful even in rain, has.
Shame to the owners, been suffered to &llto decay;

■■ O ! it pities as

To see those antique towers, and hallo w*d walls.
Split with the winter's frost, or mould'ring down.
Their very ruins ruined : the crush'd pavement.
Time's marble register, deep overgrown
With hemlock, or rank fumitory, hides
Together, with their perishable mould.
The brave man's trophies, and the good man's praise ;
Envying the worth of buried ancestoy!*'

There are four nrincipal gates, or bars, to this ancient town, but
the walls, althougn standing, are in a very delapidated state. It is
governed by a corporation, comprising a lord mayor, twelve alder-
snen, and common council ; each ward (four) retmrning twenty-four.
Althongh precluded, by its corporate nghts, firombeutf a commer*

394 "^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

cial town, it nevertheless possesses many requisites for constitiitinff
it such ; amonff others, its two rivers, the Ouse and the Fosa, whieh
flow through toe city. The immortal General Wolfe, was also boqi
in this ancient city.*

THE ZUIDER SEA.

The Znider. Sea, or as the Dutch have it, the Znider Zee, was at
one period a large tract of grazing land, belon^ng to an eminent
grazer^ of the name of Zaider. who, on one occasion, when walking
over his pastures, discoveredf in a ditch, a herring ! This omen
made sucn an impression on his mind, that he hastened home, and
disposed of the whole of his landed property in that district. His
judgment was correct, as the result proved : for, within six monlhs,
the whole of the land, with a large tract adjacent to it, became an
immense water, and has remained so to this day, well known mider
tiie appellation of the Zuider Sea, or Znider Zee.

BARROWS, OR CAIRNS.

Dr. Armstrong's ^ Gaelic Dictionary^ states, that Barrows, or
Cairns, are very numerous in the Highlands of Scotland, in Ireland,
and in Wales ; they are likewise to be seen in Sweden, in Norway,
and in other parts of the continent, as also in America. Tliey were
intended for monuments ; and the probabiKty is, that they were used
as such from the earliest ages, by every people vdio could assodate
tl^ ideas of duration vrith the properties ot stone and rock. Gaims
often measure 300 feet in circumference at the base, and twenty
feet in height ; they consist of stone, and the whole pile is shaped
like a cone. Several opinions have been formed concerning die iii>
tention of them. In many instances they have been explored, and
found to contain sepulchral urns ; a circumstance which seems to be
decisive in favour of the opinion, that they are monuments of die
dead.

Many of these piles consist wholly of earth ; and this gave rise to
an opinion, that the coped heaps of stone were intended for nude-
factors, and those of earth for the virtuous and the brave. The
doctor continues, I never could ascertain to what extent this £»>
tinction was observed. From ancient authors we learn, that male-
factors were buried under heaps of stone ; and we know, that it was
a common practice among the Druids, to erect Cairns on the wptA
where a criminal had been burnt Hence, a ^ man beneath a Cairn,**
means in Gaelic, an ^ outlaw.** ^ I'd rather be under a Caim«**
means, ^ Td rather be punished as an outlaw.** Though the. oere-
mony of Cairn-raising is still prevalent in the Highlands, the mean-
ing of it is changed ; for on whatever spot a person is found dead,
a few stones are immediately huddled together, and every passenger
pays his tribute of a stone ; the larger it is, the greater the respect
shewn to the deceased. Hence a saying among the OaeL wluch,
translated, is, ** I will add to thy Cairn,** oetokens a friendly inten-
tion, and means, ^ I will keep the remembrance of thee alive." The
fhost of the departed was supposed to haunt his Cairn ; and lew
iighlanders would choose to pass it for the first time without adding
to the heap> and thus keep on good terms with the spectre.

* Tanner Row.-^iSJ.

THB BTTMOLOOICAL COMPBimiUM. 295

NUMBS OF A FEW PIiACBS AND PBR80NS.

Ah, in the begiDDing of the names of places^ \b genenllj a con-
traction ni abbot, and denotea a monasterr to have been tomieriy
there, or else ^at it belonged to some aoDej ; as Abington, q. a.
Abbey Town.

Ac, Ak. These initial ayllables take their origin from the Saxon
word ae, which signifies an odtc; thus Aclon is Oak-town, or a town
emrircMied with oaks.

Ady Adely signifies nohU,famou8, as Adelstan for .Aithelstan, the
termination stan being anciently a mark of the soperUitive degree :
and it is worthy of remark here, that instead of oar modem word
gentleman, noblemau, &c. our ancestors used the word Aedlenutn*

Al, Aid, signifies old or ancient, as Aldborough, i. e. Old Borouah ;
Aldgate, OldGatef && Thoogh many names have the initial k/
from the Saxon al, as Albert, AUbright; Alfred, All-peace, &c.

AU or kal comes from the Saxon kidl or 'palace, and hence it be*
came a common termination, as White-hall, Moor-hall, &c.

Bald signifies Bold, as Baldred, Baldwin, &c. Berth, brave, as
Bertha. ^lYu/oomes from the Saxon 6r(Nid; thus Bradford is BnMU^
ford, onginally.

Bowm or Bwm, is firom the Saxon, signifying a river, hence se-
veral towns are simply called Bourne, which stand near a rivulet or
stream. Others have it in their composition, as Wimboomey 8cc.

Brig, Brix, from the Saxon, a bridge, as Stockbridge, Brixton, &c.

Burgh comes from the Saxon, a city, town, or castle; originally
from tiie Gothic, bairg, a rock or mountain ; for anciently most cities
were built on rocky hills, and afterwards in vales, for the conve-
niency of water. Thus Edinburgh, i. e. the town on the hill Eden.-^
Petersburgfa, a town dedicated to St. Peter, it being frequenUy wrote
borough ana oftentimes bury^ as Salisbury, Edmondsbury^ 8cc.

Bfte, Bee, are termini^ns firom the Saxon, an habittUton ; than
KetUeby, i. e. a town where kettle makers Uved. So Derby, Ap-
I^eby, &C.

Car is derived from caer^ a city, as Carlisle. Cardiff, &c.

Chester and Caster, signify a city or camp ; hence Chichester was
the town or city of Sissa, who built it

Cheap, Chip, Chipping, all come firom the Saxoo to buy, and the j
denote market towns ; as Chippenham, Chipping Norton, &c.

CHft CU»e, come from the $axon, a roc^, or steep place; hence
Radcliffe, RedcUff, or Red Rock ; so Whitecliff, for White Rock ;
dereland, for Rocky Land, &c. Still cliffs and recks with us are
synonymous terms. Comb at the end and cotmp in the beginning of.
words indicate the low situation of the place, from the Saxon comb,
which signifies a valley. Hence those places called Compton, i« e.
Valetown, and those which end in comb, as Wycomb, Winch-;
«omb, &c.

Cot^ Cote, a house, denotes a hut or cottage, or a village of sncb
little houses to have been in the places bearing this syllable, as Co-
teswG^d, &c.

Crqft signifies a little plot of ground, which we call a close ;i
hence sundry names as Bancroft, Bearcroft, &c.

Cuth, known or famed, is found in several Saxon names, as Cutb-
bert, tec. . ,

Dale, a little valley, is used in several names, as Oreendale, Dib-
dale, for Deepdale. a

* This is doabtfiiL See JBUnburgh.'-Eo*

200 THE BTTlf OIiOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Den, Dean^ are firom the Saxon, siffiiiiymg both a ¥ale and any
woody place ; hence Tenterden, Moraen, &c.

Dun, Don, a mountain or ridge qf hills, from whence our name
lor them. Downs ; hence Heydon, Swindon, Dirastable. &c.

Ea, ee, ey, from the Saxon Ea, water, as Eaton, IVater-towi;
Anglesey, Jersey, So;.

£d is from the Saxon, bleBsed, happy, as Ed-mnnd, &c.

Ethel, noble, as in Ethelbert, &c.

Ford, a shallow stream or rivtUet, as Bradford, Onilford, Oi-
fiMd,&c.

Fred, peace, hence Frederic is literally, rich in peace.

Gate, a way or passage, as Highgate, a highway or road ; and
grave in Saxon implies a grove, and sometimes a cave, as NovgniYe,
Waldgrave, Sec.

Ham, a house, farm, or viUage, as Hamton, Wareham, &c.
From this word comes onr English word home, also Hamlet.

Hokn comes from the Saxon Holm, a place sarro^nded bv water
or a little island ; hence we find several sach places called ^
Holmes,

Hurst, from the Saxon, a wood or forest, as Midhorst, Sand-
hnrst, &c.

Ltke, in Saxon, signifies to unload mpur^e. It generally sigmfies
the month of a river, either where it empties itselt into the sea, or
some greater river, as at Cricklade, Leechlade, Su;.

Marsh, from the Saxon, signifying /mny, watery, hence Marsh-
fielfll, Saitmarsh, &e. ; also Mere, a take or pond, is foand in many
names ofplaces, as Haslemere.

R^, Ridge, seem to be derived from the Saxon, signifying the
hack ; hence our phrase, a rid^e of hills, and this is denoted in die
names where it is foand^ as Lmdndge, Eldridge, &c.

Sel signifies good, large, or spacious, which it denotes in vanons
names, as Selby, Selwood, i. e. a great wood.

Stead ot" Stai signifies a place, and is in many names, Grimstead,
Hampstead, &c.

Stan, a stone, and hence the names of many places and persons,
Stanton, i. e. Stony-town, Stanley, Stony-field, Stanstead, Slony-
place, &c.

South, Sut, and Suth, are all from the Saxon South, as Sotton,
South-town, Sotfawell, South-well, &c. So also Sus in Sussex, i. e.
South Saxony; hence also SaflTolk, or the South Folk, in opposition
to Norfolk, or the North Folk.

Thorp, a viUage, some villages and: small towns are called so yet,
as Thorp, near Ghertsey, in Sorry. Adlestrop seems to be con-
tracted from Adelsthorp ; also the surname Longthorp, Colthorpe,
&c. denotes such families as had originally the lordship of someone
or more of those thorps.

Ton signifies a town. This is one of the most common termina-
tions of the names ofplaces, as Hampton, Boston, Taunton, &c.

Weald, Waid, Walt, are all derived from si forest or wood, and
imply the same thing in places which have these words in their
names, as Walton, Waltham, Walden, &c.

Wie, Wich, signify sometimes a village, sometimes a port or
harbour, and often a castle ; hence Harwich, Norwich, Warwick,
Wycomb, &c.

Win, a battle ; hence this syllable in the names of places imprnti
some battle to have been fought there, or victory obtained, as Win-
boro^ Winchester, ^c, «ad vnt\v^ T»jftfc% ol ^^^t^snv^vt. Implies that

T«B ITTMOLOGICAL CO M « E in mW > ^207

flome of the ancestors of the family had been great warriors and lit-
torioos, as Edwin, Baldwin, Qodwin.

Worth signifies a co9irt wfontnu which is implied to hays bees
in those places, the names of whicn are terminated herewith, as
Wandsworth, retworth, &c. — Clavis,

ADDITIONAL.

Sach towns, citii^s, or villages, whose termiM^ions are eheiter^
rafter, or center , show that the Romans, in their stay among ds,
made fortifications about the places where they are nowsitoated.
In the Lafin tongue, castra is the name of these fortifications. Soch
are Castor, Tadcaster, Ghesteu Do^):<a^ter, Leicester. Don* sig-
fufies a moontain, and ley, (fttn^ ground widely overgrown, in oar
weieat tongue. Wve, u>uk, or wich, oMans a place of reAige, as
in the termiafllioii of 'WarwicK,.8aQdwich, €h«enwich, Woolwick.
ThorPi before the word viliage was borrowed from the French, was
asedi in its ste^^d, and is looad at the end of many town^s names ; ibr
•nsiance, BishopM^fpe, Middle^ftorpf ^ SaddleiAorpe, Thorpe-^aitik.
BwTfy bwrghi Mfy, sinifles mftaphonoally, « town, having a waV
aboot it ; somethnesmhigb or chief place, likewise a pkMM of bwial:
see Bary S^ EdsMnds. Wold means a plain <^)en ooantiw, buft iii
Bsany instances applied to hills ; take for instance the lorksl^re
Wolds. Combe, a valley between two hills ; ftfiedk^ a hi]l> for iai-
staace. Knock \ofty; Attr«^- signifies a woody place, soch as Mid-
bttni, ChiselAurft. Mag^h, a field ; taaes an island ; worth a of ace
aitoated between two rivers ; and mfc or tuff 9 a track of meadows.
The word wtn, at the beginning, or ending of the naa»es of i>laces,
implies, that some «reat battle was fooghtf or a victory gaiaed there.
Ilie word is from the Saxon winnan, to wia, or avMoetfei Benra,
<ft bowmej signifies a brook, stream, or riviUet, and tennioates the
names of many towns and places, soch t»mirfAt'bomne,f Hoi-
Patera, or Oid-bourne, East-^m^, ^dng-bowrue^ Ice

ADDltlOVAIi. ^

Waltham, fitMB WeajUhuim,

Worcester, fhwa ii^trefffasfer.

Wolverhampton, fima Fa^^ea^'s-hainploii.

FamhauK from Femham, a bed of Ferns.

Surrey, from Suthrey, the south side the rtcer«

Sevmotir, from Saint JUaur,

Selvedge, Sohfedge, or A/e edge.

Rosemary, from K os-inore*

Rosamond, from Rosa Mundi*

Gib<altar, firom Ghibd Tarif.

To oabbage, shoald be kabage^ a northern word for steA

■**"

* It rnnst here be observed, that Doncaster derivec its name /ran
abe river Don, therefore the «bove u not an invariable r«le.~jEI(BL
4^ .ftee liary'le-boue.

298 THB ETTMOL06ICAL COMPmiUH^

SECTION XV.

EPITHBTS AND PHRASE&

EPITHETS.

Hie meamiur of the word Wretch is oneneCgenerally vndentoodr
It was origiiuuly, and is now, in some parts of England, osed as a
term of the softest and fondest tenderness. This is not tiie only in-
fltance in which words in their present ^neral acceptation bear a
very opposite meanine to what they did u Sbakjqp»eare's time. Hie
word tveneh, formerly, was not used in that low and vnlgar accep-
tation it is at present. Damul was the appellation of yoon^^ la^^
of quality, and Dame a title of distinction. Ktutoe once sigidfied
a servant; and in an early translation of the New Testament, in-
■tead of ** Panl the Servant," we read ** Paol the Knave of Jesos
Christ" On the other hand, the word Companion, instead of being
the honoorable synonime of Associate, occurs in the play of Othello,
with the same contemptiioos meaning viiiich we now affix, in its abu-
sive sense, to the word " Fellow" — tor Emelia, perceiving that some
secret villain had aspersed the character of the virtooos Desde-
mooa, thus indignantly exclaims : —

** O, Heaven! that such Companions tbou'dst unfold.
And put in every honest hand a vhip.
To lash the rascal naked through the worid 1**

SPINSTER.

Formerlv it was a maxim, that a young woman shoidd never be
married till she had spun heraelf a set of body, table, and bed linen.
fVom this custom all unmarried women were termed SpiiMters, an
appellation they still retain in all deeds and law proceedings.

ROUNDHEAD.

Tlie first origin c£ this party epithet, well known as beii^ wed
during the troubles in the reign of Charies 1st, was introdoced by
Captain Hyde, drawing, his sword amidst the mob at Weetudnsier,
on 28th December, 1641, and sayinf, he would crop the ears of
ti&ose round-headed do^s that bawled against the bishops. The ap-
prentices wore their hair cot round. From this triffing circiimfltanee
originated the distinction of " Roundheads" and " Uavalius," and
which, m a reign or two, gave way to the present one of ** Whig
and Tory."

CUT-PURSE.

This term, which we meet with so often in Shakspeare's plays
and indeed in many works of more modem authors, is derived fiE<om
the circnmstance of persons in former days having tiieir pones
handng in front from their girdles, from whence they wen cit by
tkcPick-pnrse or Cnt-pmrse^of iormer times.

THB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPBNBIUM^, 299-

MISER.

^ The term Miser, winch we well know, si^^pifies a man who makes *
hie monef his god; is derired from iHiwrtt, L e« Misery, or Mi-
serable.

«* UiimoT*d by Nature, ansubdned by art.
Vain are thy words lo mend a Miser's heart ;
Not all the powers the preacher can employ.
Can raise his sonl, impart a moment's Joy —
Tis to the eyes your speech you must address.
Show him bright gold— nought else would he possess.**

MTaMIDON.

MyrmidoD is derived from MyrmidoDS,a people ofThessaly, whoj
by miracle, being Ants (states the Heathen Mythology), were tam-
ed into men, at uie request of (Eacos, when the most destructive
plague had destroyed the old inhabitants. They followed Achilles
to ue siege of Troy. Hence the term Myrmidon has been applied
to foUowers, or hangers on.

ASS!

** Thoa wouldst (perhaps) he should become thy. foe.
And to that end dost beat him many times ;
He cares, not for himselfe, much lesse thy blow."

The Ass is of Assyrian origin, and from the former syllable also
derives its name.

Nature, foreseeing the cmel usage which this useiur servant to
man should receive at man's hands, did prudently in furmshing him
with at^oment impervious to ordinary stripes. The malice of a
child, or a weak hand, can make feeble impressions oil him. ^ To a
common whip or switch his hide presents an absolute insensibility.
His back <^er8 no mark to a puny foeman. You might as well pre-
tend to scourge a school-boy with a tough pair of leather breeches
on. His jerun is well fortified.

** One other gift this beast liath as his owne
Wherewith the rest could not be furnished :
On man himselfe the same was not bestowne ;
To wit — on him is ne*er engendered
The hatefttll vermine that doth teare the skin
And to tlie bode (body) doth make his passage in."

And truly, when one thinks on the suit of impenetrable s&rmour
vrith which Nature (like Vulcan to Achilles) has provided him, these
subtle enemies to our repose woald have shown some dexterity in
getting into his quarters. The term Ass, as applied to the disciples
of folly, has been of very long standing, and the origin of which, no
doubt, took place from their stupidity ; to conclude with a paia-,>—
" Am til groeMeiUi seldom makes a Wise Man infuturo/*

ASSASSIN.
** Assassin like he struck a fktal blow,"

There was, says Home, a petty Prince in Asia, commonly called
" The Old Man of the Mooniiin,'' ^idio had acquired sach an ascen-
dant over his fimatical subjects, that (hey paid the most implicit de-
ference to his commands; esteemed Assassination meritorioas, when
smctumed by his mandate ; courted danger, and even certain death,
IB the ■ztcatiun of his orders; and fancied that when they sacrificed

300 '^^^ 8TTM0L0GtCAL CtyM VBIfmUM.

their lives for hit sake, the highest joys of paradise were the infal-
lible reward of their devoted obedience. It was the cnstom of this
FkiBce, whea he inagitied himself iqiired, to desMitdl seore^ some
of his salnects agaia^ the aggreggor, to charge tliem with me exe-
cution of his revenge, to insSnict them in every art of disgnisiiqf iheir
porpose ; and no precaotion was sofficieni to gmurd any man, how-
ever powerful, against the attempts of those subtle and determined
mffians.

The greatest monarchs stood in awe of this Prince of file Aisassins
or Hassassinah, (for this was the name ofhis pecmle ; whence tke word
has pas9ed^ into most Eoropean lanffoages ), ana it was fhe h%hest m •
discretion in Comrade, Marqois cKtMontserraty to offend and affiroat
him. The inhabitants of Tyre, who were governed by that noble-
man, had pot to death some of this dangenios people. The Prince
demanded satis&ction; for, as he piqoed himself on never begin-
ning any offence, he had his regnhir and established formalities b
requrii^ atcmeikient. Conrade treated his messengers with disdain.
Tm Prince issued his fatal orders. Two of his subjects, vffco had
insinuated themselves in disguise among Conrade's guards, openly,
in the streets of Sidon, wounded him mortallv; and when tney were
seized and put to the most cruel tortures, tney triumphed amidst
tiieir agonies, and rejoiced that they had b^en destined by heaven
to suffer in so just and meritorious a cause.

A DUN!

•«ADinr!
Horrible monster! hated by f^ods and men.
To my aerial citadel ascends I** '

Some erroneously suppose, that the word Dun comes fixim the
French donnef, to give, implying a demand ; but the true origin of
this word, or epithet, so freqaently used, is from one John Duim, a
famous bailiff, or sheriffs* officer, of the town of Lincoln ; so ex-
tremely active and dexterous at the management of his rough busi-
ness, that it became a proverb, when a man refused, or perhaps
could not pay his debts, ** Why don't you dunn him ?^ tnat is, ** Way
don't you send Dunn to arrest him T** Hence it became a custom,
and a proverb, and is as old as the days of Henry the Seventh.

But the word Dun is not merely confined to demanding payment
vrith importunity, but to any other thing demanded in a similar
manner.

BAILIFF.

Bailiff (states the Cabinet Lawyer) is of doubtful etymology, and
applies to offices very different in rank and jurisdiction.

Thus, the Sheriff is Bailiff to the Crown, in the county of which
he has the care, and in which he executes the King's writs. There
are likewise Bailifi^ to whom the king's castles are committed, ai
the Bailiff of Dover Castle.

Lastly, the Chief Magistrates in divers ancient corporations, a«
Ipswich, Yarmouth, Colchester, Scarborough, and other places, are
termed Bailiffs.

With due submission to the above authority, cannot we give ano-
flier application to the term, and which may be recognized in the
following lines : —

Here stood a ruffian 'vrith a horrid face.
Lording it o*er a pile of massy plate,
Gambled into a heap for public sale ;

THE BTTMOLOGICAL COMPBNDflTM. 30l

Tbere> wm another making TUIafnous Jetti
At thy undoing, Ac. &e. VemUt Preserv*iL

The fenn BailfflTis no doubt derived from the word Bail, impking
responnbility, or a responsible person, as a Bailiff moit assoredfy it.

ANTHONY PIG!

^ Hie officers, who had the inspection of the city markets in former
thiies, were very diligent in detecting persons that brought' bad pro-
visioDS to sell ; and Ph^ being then sold alive, they seized aU that
were foimd nmnarketame. and bestowed the same upon St An-
tiioo^'s Hostntal, which tne proctors or overseers thereof no sooner
receired, tiian they hung a bell round each of their necks, as to
nnmy testimonials of Aeir belonging to them ; and sent them abroad
into the world to shift for themselves. These pigs, by freaaenting
the several parts of the city, soon became acqnainted with their be-
nefactors, whom they fc^owed with a continual whining (which gave
birth to a proverb, that *^ yon follow and whine hke a St Anthoay's>
Pig.)*" till they received a benevolence ; whereby in a short time they
became so fat, that they were taken up for the use of the firatenuty.
Another pleasant observer says, " This was a common nick-name
for a dangler among onr old writers f* its origin, which is ratknr en-
rioDs, was as follows :—

Philip of France, son of Louis the fat, was killed, riding one day
in the streets of Paris, by a pig running between his horse's legs,
and throwii^ him down. In consequence of this accident, an order
was made that pigs should not, on pain of the severest penalties, nui
about the^ public streets : but an exception was made in favour of -
those which beloi^i^d to the monks ot the convent of Saint Antmsy,
out of the partiality in*which King Louis held that saint. Whence
the term " Antony Pig," (according to several French writers) ap-
plied to any fellow who seemed to run up and down as he pleased.

Goldsmith, in lus " She Stoops to Conquer," makes his To»y
Lumpkin tell his cousin, ^ not to be following him about like a
Tantony Pig."

RIBALD.

** It was." says Yerstegan, ^the proper name ofRabod, a heathen
king of Friesland, who being instructed in the faith of Christy by the
godly Bishop Ulfran, faythfully promised to be baptized,^ ana ap-
pointed the tyme and place : where being come, ana standing in the
water, he asked of the Bishop where all his forefathers were, that
in former ages were deceased? The Bishop answered, * that dying
without the knowledge of the true God, &c. they were in Hell !'
' Then,* quoth Rabod, ' I hold it better, and more praiseworthy, to
go with the multitude to Hell, than with your few Christians to
Heaven !' and therewith, he went out of the water unchristened, and
returned both to his wonted idolatory and his evil life, notwithstand-
ing the good admonitions of the Bishop, and an evident miracley
which (through the power of God) the said Bishop wrought even in
his own presence. He was afterwards surprised with a sudden and
nnproviaed death, about the yeere of onr Lord 720^ and his very
name became so odious through his wickedness, that it grew to bs a
title of reproach and sliame, and hath so continued ever since."

BEEF-RATER.

Beef-eater is a corruption of the word Buffetier, one who waits at
the side-board ; this ought to have been observable to a Frenchnan ;

902 TB^ BTTM OLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

it is cwioiu, however, that Boyer, in his French Dictionarj, tram-
hoes Beef-eater» Mangeurde Boettf, and snbjoins, by way of re-
mark^ that this is a nick name given to the Gnarda of CSngland, be-
cafose while od daty, they are ied upon beef; that otiierwiae, th^
true name is Yeomen of the Guard.

MAN OF STRAW!

It is a notorious fact, that many years ago, wretches sold them-
selves to give any evidence, upon oath, that might be required ; and.
some of these openly walked Westminster Hall, with a Straw in
their Shoe, to signify they wanted employ as* witnesses ; such was
one of the customs of the ^ good old tunes," which some c^ps regret
we were not bom in. From this custom originated the saying, " he
is a Man of Straw."

LUNATIC!

Hie term Lunatic is derived from Luna, the moon, all who are
mentally deranged being more or less affected by the change in tiiat
Iwninary.

POLTROON !

According to Suetonius, in VU. August, c. 34, a Roman kni^t,
wholhad cot off the thumb of his two sons, to prevent them being
called to a military life, was, by order of Augustus, publicly sold,
both he and bis property.

Calmut remarks, that the Italian language has preserved a term
poitrone, which signifies one whose thumb is cut off, to designate^ a
soldier destitute of courage and valour. We use poltroon to siffnify
a dastardly fellow, virithont considering the import of the original.

BIGOT !

The word Bigot is derived by that judicious antiquarv, Oamdeo,
from tiie following circumstance : — When Hollo, Duke of Normandy,
received Gisla, me daughter of Charles the Simple, King of France,
in marriage, together with the investiture of that dukedom, he would
not submit to kiss Charles's feet ; and when his friends urged him by
all means to comply with that ceremony, he made answer in the
En^ish tongne, ** Ne se, by God," i. e. " Not so, by God *• Upon*
which, the king and his courtiers deriding him, and corruptly repeat-
ing his answer, called him iBigot, from whence the Normans were
^uled Bigodi, or Bigots.

TURN COAT!

The Duke of Savoy took indifferently some times part with France,
and sometimes with Spain, for that purpose he had a juateau corpt,
white on one side, and scarlet on the other, so that when he meant
to declare for France, he wore the white outside, and when for Spain
the red. This is the origin of the proverb, taumer casaqiu, or
** turn coat"

YANKEE!

The current American term Yankee, was a cant or farooriteword
with one Jonathan Hastings, a settler at Cambridge, North Ammca,
about the year 1713. The inventor used it to express Excellency.
For instance, a ^ Yankee good horse," or " Yankee cider," meaat
an excellent horse, and excellent cider, llie students of a oeigh-
bonring college were accustomed to hire horses of Jonathan ; tMir

THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPBHDIUM. ^(0

m teic o urte with him* and his me of the word upon all oocaaioiWj led.
them to adopt ^t,^ and they gave him the name of ^ Yankee Jona-
than." It was cBspened by the Collegians thronghoot New Ens*
land, nntil it became a settled tenn of reproach to all New Englana-
era, and eTentaally to all North Americans.

CAT»S-PAW!

The term Cat VPkw, or the phrase ** he is the Cat* s-Paw of the
PartT," took its origin from the following anecdote :

** A monkey and a turn-spit, a kind of dog between the Iracher
and the terrier, were at one period considered indispensable reqm- .
sites in the cnlinary department, y'clep'd the kitchen. Omr readers
will recollect the story of the roasted chesnats in Don Saltero's kit*
dien, where the monkey, taking a fancy to them as they were crack*
liqg within the bars of the fire-place, catching hold of the cat as sha
lay sleeping before the fire, and making ase of her paw, to withdraw
some <n the chesnnts firom the scorching situation in which they wera
placed. From this circumstance, when one person pushes forward
another to do that which he himself is either afraid to do, or ashamed .
to appear in, or^nated the saying, ^ he is the Cat's-Paw of such a.
one^" or ** he is (he Cat's-Paw of the party."

bankrupt:

The term Bankrupt is derived from the Italian Banku, or Bmua, -
Bench, and rupta, broken. The Italian monev lenders, in the va-
rious cities of Italy, had a place of assembly of tneir own, and eveij
one had a Bench or table, at which they stood and transacted Uiexr -
business. When any of them failed in their covenanta, it was the
custom to break up the Bench of the individual, and hence came the
term banca-intpta, or the bench is broken, and from whence also,
came our term Bankrupt, as applied to a man whose name is pub-
lished in the Gazette. In former times, if not even now, it was tha
custom in our corn-market, in Mark I^ne, to break up the tahle or
bench of any salesman who could not meet his paymenta.

JACK KETCH!

It is now about one hundred and fort^ years ago, since one Dnn,
the &en ftusher of th^ law, departed this life, when one Jack Ketch
was advanced to the office, ana who has left his name to his sac-
eessors ever since. This appears from ^ Butler's Ghost," publish-
ed in 1683. When the author wrote the first part of it, it is plain
that Dun was the executioner's name, or nick-name :

" For you yourself to act *Squire Dun-
Such ignominy ne'er saw the Suu ;"

Bit before he had printed off his poem. Jack Keteh was in office ;

** Till Ketch observing he was chous'd.
And in his profits much abus'd.
In open Hall the tribunes dunn'd
To do his office, or refund.**

MY LORD !

This title has a Grecian origin. ** My Lord" was a mcL-naose
for deformed men, and is from the Greek word tardus, i, e. crooked*
During the feudd times the lower class, by way of humour, called
a man that was half an idiot, or deformed, ^ My Lord," in lidicnlft
oftfaeirsoperiori. This we suspect; says a writer in the *'Ntw

a04 ^THB ETYMOLOOICIL COMPHNlftltJlf.

Monthly Mftgazme,'* m a popalar faltocT, far after a oweM pwM al
of the moat approved #ork» that treat oi Nohility, aa^ of ita crigiB,
in these realios in particalar, we are left veiy noch n the darkaa
to the orifrinal patent, in which this branoh of it is fecOgnlBeC Nei-
ther Camden, in his ** Etymologie aB<i Original of BagmoB^ nor
Dogdale, in his ^ Baronetage of England," nor Selden (a more ez
act and laborious inquirer than either), in his ^ Titles of Hooonr,"
afibrd a gKmpse of satislaetion mpom the s«hj«f«^ ThoBe ia a» he-
laldic term, indeed, which seems to imply gentiltty> tad tbv ngiitlo
coat armoiir (bat nothing faiiher), in persons thus qiudifiedL ^ Bat
the shUster ben4 is more properly interpreted, by the beat wiH a i a a
this acience, of some ifregaUiity of birth, than of.>bodSly cioufoi—
tkm. NobiKty is either hereditaiy, or by cieatioB, OMa&MHily^ealleA
pateal. Of the former kind the title in qnestioo eannot be, aeaiiig
niat the action of it is limited to a personal distinction, wkieb doss
not necessarily follow in the blood. Honours of this nature, aa lb.
Anstey yery well observes, descend moreover in a right Um. U
nnat be by patent then, if any thing. Bat, who can show it ? ' How
oomes it to be dormant ? Under what king's reign Is it pretended ?
Among the grOands of nobility, dted (p^ the learned ' Mr. Ashmole,
after ^ Services in the Field or ia the Cooncil Chamber,*^ be jadi-
cioosly sets down ^ Honours conferred by the sovereign oat of saere
benevolence, or as favouring one subject rather than another, for
aome Ukeness ur conformity observed (or bat aoppoaed) in him to
the royal nature ;" and instances the graces showered upon Charles
Brandon, who ^ in his goodly peiaon being thoogfat not a little to
favour the ^rt and bearing of the king's own majesty, vraa by that
aovereign, King Henry the Eighth, for some or one (rf* these respects,
highly promoted and preferred." Here, if any where, we thoo^
we had discovered a clue to oar researches. But after a painfiil in-
vestigation of the rolls and records under the reign of Richard the
Thiro, or Richard Croachback, as he is more osually designated ia
the chronicles, from a traditionary stoop, or gibbosity in that imrt,—
we do not find that that monarch conforred any such lordsh^, as
are here pretended, upon any subject, or subjects, on a siinple plea
of ** conformity" in that respect to the **' royal nature." The pos-
ture of affiiirs in those tumaltuous times, preceding the battle of Bos-
worth, possibly left him at no leisure to attend to such nicetie8.»
Further than his reign we have not extended our inquiries ; the kings
of England who preceded, or followed him, being generally describ-
ed by historians to have been of straight and clean limbs, the ** na-
tural derivative (says Daniel) of high blood, if not its primitive rs-
commendation to such ennobleoient, as denoting strength and mar-
tial prowess — ^the qualities set most by in that fighting age." Ano-
ther motive, which inclines us to scruple the validity of this cbim,
is the remarkable fact, that none of the persons, in whom the r^ht
is supposed to be vested, do ever insist upon it themselves. There
is no instance of any of tiiem ^ sueing his patent," as tiie law-books
call it ; much less of his having actually stepped up into his mper
seat, as, so qualified, we might expect that some of them vrould have
had the spirit to do, in the House of Lords. On the contrary, it
seems to oe a distinction thrust upon them. ^ Their title of Lord
(says one of their own body, speaking of the common people) I never
ipuch valued, and now I entirely despise : and yet they will force it
npon me as an honour which they have a right to bestow, and wl^k
I have none to refuse." Upon a dispassionate review of the sab-

THE ETTMOIiOGICAL COMPBNDIUM. 3Q5

ject, we are disposed to believe that there is no right to tHe peerage
incident to inere bodily confi^aration ; that the title in dispute is
merely honorary, and depending upon the breath of the common
people ; which in these realms is so far from the power of conferring
nobility, that the ablest constitutionalists have agreed in nothing:
more pnanimoasly, than in the maxim that the King is the aole
fovntain of honour.

OOWK AND CUCKOO.

^ " On the first day of April,

Hunt tbe C^vk another mile.*'

This ii called *^ hunting the Gowk f* and the bearer of the fool's
errand is called an ^ April Oowk.'' Brand says, that Oowk is pro-
perly a Cuckoo, and is use<l here metaphorically for a fool ; this ap-
peara correct, for from the Saxon geac, a cuckoo, is deriyed geek.*
which means, one easily imposed on. Malvolio, who had been made
ft fixJ by a letter purporting to have been written by Olivia, enquires
of her—

*• Why have you suflfered me to be —
Made tlie most notorioiui geek and guU
That e'er invention play'd on ?"

Olivia affirms, that the letter was not written by her, and exclaims
toBIalvolio—

** Alas, Tpoor fool f how they have baffled thee !*'
Oeok is likewise derivable from the Teutonic geck,joau.\

STAIiKING HORSE.

This general term for some insignificant person or thing, thnist
intentionally forward to conceal a more important object, had on-
ffinany a more definite meaning. The Albanian sportsmen. Dr.
Clark says, still use it, practising the old method of shooting with
one, i. e. by carrying the picture oi a horse or a cow, behind which
they concealed themselves, and take their aim through a hole in the
picture. Among us, the ^ Stalking-horse" was either a real horse,
(an old jade trained for the parpose), and Mraiking up and down in
the water, which way the sportsman pleased, or a piece of old can-
vas shaped like a horse grazing, stuffed, painted brown, and fixed
to a staff, with a sharp iron at one end to stick in the ground ^ when
the fowl became familiar with the horse, the snortionen vaned the
device by using a stalking ox or cow, and stalxing stags or deer,
especially for fenny grounds, and even trees, shrubs, and bushes, all
of painted canvas.

BEARS AND BULLS.

The word Bear, applied to a certain class on the Stock Exchange,
signifies one who insures a real value apon an imapnary thing, and
wno is said to sell a Bear, which is the same thing as a promise
among courtiera, or a vow between lovers. The pajd^ called a Bull
is the opposite contracting party. It takes its origin merely from
tiie circumstance, that the Bear being a voracious animal generally
sacrifices the Ball when an opportnnity presents itself.

« Ash, t JamiesiM), in Nare's Glossary.

90Q THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

YORKSHIRE BITE!

The misapplicatioii of the original meaning of this tenn is rtirj
seneral. Vve always use it to convey a feehn^ of mis-tmat; or, a
war of coming in contact with one nunre adept m cunning than our-
selTes- It is true Yorkshiremen are keen dealers ; this, however,
is no detraction ; on the contrary, it is an evidence of indnstnons
iMbits. The hospitality for which they are so famous eave rise to
the term Yorkshire-bite. It is said, that the fatted calf and flowing
bowl greet the stranger at ever^ step, and after the common salota-
fion, the question ^ will you bite V*^ or " will you sup ?" is sure to
follow ; and from this originated a tenn, used as a sarcasm, but
which, in point of fact, derived as it is, ought to be used as a com-
pliment

VILLAIN.

The epithet Villain, now a term of great reproach, is derived from
vUl, or lordship ; and which signified one who was a servant during
life, and deviseable as chattels, in the feudal times; In 1572,
Queen Elizabeth ordered her bond-men to be set free, at rery easy
rates.

VICAR OP BRAY !

This epithet is derived from Bray, in Berks, whose Vicar, from
the reign of Henry 8th to Elizabeth, changed his religion three
times, and being called a turn-coat, said, he kept to his principles,
that of living and dying Vicar of Bray.

BUGG-A-BO !

Bngg-a-bo, or Bnggan-bo, was originally no more than mothers
frightening their cmidren with the ** bull-bo, bull-bo," which the
little one, nbt rightly pronouncing, called Bu^g-a-bo. It is properly
bogle-bo, — bogle signifying a malevolent spirit; the Shropshire term,
bnggan-bo, meaning the same thing. If a horse takes fright, tiiey
say, he spies a buggan !

COWARD.

A feudal expression, implying Cow- herd, for which oS&ce a man
void of courage was deemed only fit for.

APRIL FOOL!

** April the first, stands mark'd by customs mles,
A day for making, and for being fools.
But say, what custom or what rule supplies
A day for making, or for being wise.**

It has been very often inquired, from whence this custom was de-
rived. The Editor believes it to be a custom of great anti(]|uity.--
The ancients Imd many rites and ceremonies in honour of their gods.
The Romans kept their Satnmalia, in honour of Saturn, beginning
on the 17th December, which lasted during five days. Bocharios
is of opinion, they took their origin from Noan's drunkenness, lliese
were times when all business ceased, except cooking ; when ser-
vants might command their masters, and slaves become unruly vrith-
ont fear of punishment. The Bachanalia, or feasts in honour of
Bacchus, lasted three days, and commenced after the vine harvests,
and then drunkenness was the privilege of all. The Stultinaria
were confined to one day, tiie first of April, when the idiots had

THB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. ^fjff

raal holiday, and when children were encoaraged to make
of them, and send them on needless erranda, &c. Some
ure of opinion, that the Romans had much policy in allowing
ists, or holidays. By the first (Satnrnalia), they saw how

and slaves woald act, had they power. By the second
aUa), they were able to discover the natnral inclinations and

all that inebriated themselves. And the pncooragemeBl
e to children, in the third instance (Stnltinaria), ia derido
mid, they hoped, make them desirous to receive their edn*
est diey might, in time, become themselves obrjects of .dari-

contempt..

AN APRIL FOOL.

The First of April's AU-fools* Day,
You*il grant me this fact ?— nay, sir, nay,
The first of every month's the same,
Ditto the last— the more's the shame.
Each year, past or to come*s fools' year-
Folly ne'er halts in her career ,
When time is o'er and worlds have fled.
Then — only then, is folly dead.

Tom £rown»

Dok for truth in deism, or sense in absenteeism,
* discouragement to theism, in a Cambridge school,
rt an author for his pence, read Shelley for his sense,
id dub yourself from hence — forth an April fool.

eve that rebel Brougham, with Benuet and with Home,
ith caused our present gloom, like an envious goule,
bat Canning in his station has delivered to the nation
1 exceeding dull oration — oh, you April fool !

eve that Irving preaches in a pair of shooting breeches^
id that Mrs. Coutts enriches each aspiring tool,
hat holy Theodore Hook (.who will soon be made a duke)
ith writ a pious book->oh, you April fool !

eve that the Lord Mayor (oh wondrous !) had a share
the writing of that ere *' Paul Pry" with Poole,
that Alderman Sir Billy, most shamefUly called silly,

nnposed ** Sir Andrew Wylie*'— oh, you April fool I

eve that of Blackwood the editor is Packwood,
Iftose razors will hack wood, and by the same rule
t our very famous hero, Duke Wellington, like Nero,*
Guu:ed in Berlin a bolero— oh, you April fool !

eve, sir, moreover, that Coleridge sailed over

x>m Calais to Dover on a witch's stool,

eve, too, which is oddest, (or in Latin nUrum quod est J

bat Cobbett has turned modest— oh, yon April fool !

ieve, if you please, that the moon is made of cheese,
ad that lawyers pocket fees as a novel rule ;
t BiUingsgate's foir ftrys no longer d— n your eyes,
at are elegant and wise — oh, you April fool !

ieve all this, I pray, set forth in my lay,
)on't you think it witty, eh }) and you'll need no school
to tell you that this song is as humorous as long,
nd as seiisible as strong — oh, you April fool !

Monthly Magaalme,

The rti3rme obliges me to this— sometimet

KiiHS* are not more imperative than rhymes.— • Byron.

^g THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPBIimUM.

WHIGS AND TORIES.
** Party ia the madness of many, fbr the gain of a few.**

In tbe year 1680, two parties were formed, called the AddresBen
and Abborrers ; oat of which arose the after-party appellations cdf
Wbigs and Tories. The Whigs were directed by (he Earl of
Shaflesbary, and the Tories by Mr. afterwards Sir Roger L'Estraiige,
and others. Another writer gives the following derivation :—

*^ Whig and Tory, the epoch of 1680. T& first was a name
of reproach, given by the Conrt party to their antagonists, for le-
aeQiblingthe principles of the Whigs, or fanatical Conventiclers io
Scotland ; and the other was given b^ the country party to that €£
the court, comparing them to the Tories, or Popish noboers in Ire-
land. They formerly were called Whigs from whiggamors, anniM
given to the Scots in the South-west, who for want of com in that
^uarter^ used annually to repair to Leith, to boy stores that came
irom^ the North, and all that drove were called Whiggamors. or
Whiggs, from the term Whiggam, which they used in£rivii^ meir
horses. In the year 1638, the Presbyterian Ministers incited aa
insurrection against the conrt, and marched withthie people to Edin-
burgh ; this was called ** the Whiggamor's Inroad," and after thii,
ail who opposed administration were called Whiga ; hence die term
was adopted in England."

CAMARILLA.

The party thns termed in Spain,- take tiieir name frota a small
room in the king's apartments, formerly desthoied as a sittiag nom
for the attendants of the second class, whose <^ce was to answer
the king's bell.

llie pleasure which Ferdinand even from his infimcy always
found in the company of the lowest and most vulgar of the royal
household, made him so often frequent this place, that at lasl it be-
came the general rendezvous of his friends. Here assembled a
swarm of ambitious intriguers, monks, spies, inquisitors, sycophant
military> and various other vagabonds.

These were the elements with which &e secret society, called
by some ** The anchor of the faith and of the king," b^an tiieir
labours.

MEN OF KENT.

** When Harold was invaded, and falling lost his crown.
And Norman William waded, thro' gore to pull him down ;
When countries round, with fear profound,
BewaiPd their sad condition;
Tbe Men oj Kent, to battle went.
Bold Kent made no submission:

Then sing in praise of the men, so loyal, brave, and firee.
Among Britain's sons, if one surpass, the Man of Kent is he."

It is recorded, when Harold, or rather England, was invaded by
William, a portion of the inhabitants of Kent went out tq'meet him,
covered with oak boughs, in order to deceive him as to their num-
bers. They were headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Upon
arriving at Hastings, which was just at the crisis of the battle, uey
only agreed to lay down their arms, on condition that their ancient
privileges of Gavel-kind Law, and the exemption of tythes, was se-
cured to them. This William readily granted, foreseeing that men
who fought for their ancient privileges and liberties> were fiur more

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 309

dangeroas oj^nents than those who merely foaght for their pay.
On reference fo Hasted's ^ History of Kent,'' the boandary linev,
which distinguish the Men of Kent from the Kentish Men, will be
seen. The principal features of the Law of Gavel-kind is, that on
ft person dying intestate, the property is equally divided among the
chilflren ; likewise, that a person is of age to convey property at
•isteen, and his receipt also is valid.

JOHN DOE AND RICHARD ROE.

Tliese worthies, so well known to those unfortunate wights who
incnr thd serving of a certain process^ derive their consequence from
it being the custom, in former times, to find two sureties on arrest-
iag a man, who were bound over in heavy penalties, that the Pur-
suer shonld prove the justice and the legality of his claim ; other-
wise, Haai the pursued should receive indemnity from the parties
thos bound over. This good old custom, however, in process of
time, degenerated into the mere nominal recognizances or safeties
of *^ Jaiuk Doe and Richard Roe,*' and from which have arisen all
tiiose fidse arrests and false imprisonments which have so long dis-
graced this once moral country ; now more famed for the anomalies
of its statnte-bookj and the impure dispensation of its laws.

In the year 1734. a Frenchman of the name of LouissartHonssart
was tried at the Old Bailey for the murder of his wife, and acquit-
ted, bnt detained in custody on a charge of bigamy. An appeal
was brought against him by the brother of 4he deceased, and he was
brought to a second trial, when some new evidence being produced,
he was found guilty, and afterwards executed. It is remarkable,
that in tips case the prisoner made some objections to the plea,
which were referred to the jury, who decided against him on them
alL One of the prisoner's objections was, that ^ there were no
such persons as John Doe and Richard Roe," who are mentioned
as pledges in the appeal ; bat a vntness deposed, that there were
two such persons hvrng in Middlesex, one a weaver, and the other
a soldier.

JOHN AUDLEY.

When Theatric performers intend to abridge an act or play^ they
are accustomed to say, ** We will John Andlev it \*^ It originated
thus : — ^In the year 1749, Shuter was master of a droll at Bsurthoio-
mew Fair, ana it was his mode to lengthen the exhibition, until a
sufficient number of persons were gathered at the door to fill the
house. This event was signified, by a fellow popping his head in
at ti^e gallery door and bellowing out " John Audley,*' as if in act of
enquiry, though the intention was to let §hoter know that a fresh
auoience were in high expectation below. The consequence of this
notification was, that the entertainments were immediately con-
cluded, and the gates of the booth throvm open for a ne%v au<utory.

OLD ROWLEY.

This was the nick-name of Charles the Second, who was famous,
for his amours. Old Rowley was a famous Stallion in his Majesty's
stud. George the Firet had also his nick-name, viz. the Turnip
Hoer : it is said, when his Majesty first came to England, he talkea
of turning St James's park into a Turnip Ground.

The old Jacobites, and old Whigs, used to annoy each other by
the singing of two songs, the one was Old Rowley and the other the

510 THB BTTMOLOGICAL COMFBADIUII.

Timip Hoer ; the fonner a lampoon upon Chariet the Secoad Ar
lufl royal amoon ; and the latter upon George the J^atA, for Im
prinooly eoooomy.

SKIN-FLINT.

Tlie antiquity of certain proverba is among the moat striking iiBgiH
larities in the aonals of the hnman mind. Abdalmalek, one of the
khafiffii of the race of Ommiades, was samamed Raachal Hegianh,
that iii> ^ the skinner of a flint ;" and to this day we call an afari-
cioiu man, — a Skin-flint

BARON MUNCHAUSEN!

It is generally believed (says the ** New Monthly MagBabe"},
that Monch-Haasen is only a nom de guerre. Snch, howerer, u
not the fact Baron Manch-Hansen was a Hanoverian nobieoMD,
and even so late as five and forty years a^o he was alive and hfing.
It is tme, that the Travels published as his, though not by him, were
intended as a satire or parody on the Travels of the fisimoos Baron
de Tott ; bat Monch- Hansen was really in the habit of relating the
adventures, now sanctioned by the authority of his mendacious name,
as having positively occurred to him; and from the frequency of the
repetition of the same stones, without the slightest variation even in
their most minute points, he at length believed the narratives he had
himself invented^ and delivered them with as much sangjroid as if
they had described nothing but so many probable events. There
was nothing of the Far^faron, or braggut, in his manner ; on die
contraiT, he was distinguished by the peculiar modesty of his man-
ner and demeanour,

CAPABILITY BROWN:

•* Him too, the living leader of thy pow'ra.
Great Nnture ! him the muse shall hail in notes
Which antedate the praise true tenuis claims
From Just posterity. Bards yet unborn
Shall pay to Brotvn that tribute, fitliest paid
lu strains the beauty of his scenes inspire.'*

English Garden.

Lanncelot Brown, called '^ Capability Brown," from his comtaDt
usage of the term, as well as for his genius for maJdng sterile grounds
firuitful, and naked and nnseeming, beautiful and enchanting. He
was employed by Lord Cobham in improving the grounds at Stovre,
and afterwards at Richmond, Blenheim, Luton, 1^ imbledon, &c.
He successfully exploded the old, stiff", unnatural Dutch style of gar-
dening, and introduced an improved fashion that prevailed f<n- nearly
half a century. His works discover a highly cultivated taste, ana
have commanded the admiration both of Englishmen and foreigners.
He associated familiarly with many of his noble and opulent em-
ployers, and realized a handsome fortune. In 1759 he was appoint-
ed head gardener to King Qeorge 2d at Hampton Court In J 770,
he served the office of High Sheriff' for the counties of Hontiagdoo
and Cambridge ; and died suddenly in Hertford Street, May-fair,
Febraary 6, 1783.

ADMIRABLE CRICHTON.

" The air, a chartered libertine, was still ;
And the mute wonder lurked in men's ears.
To steal his sweet and honied sentences."

This most extraordinary man derived his appellation froai his na*

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 3]|

nerons and wonderful endowments. He lived in tlie time of James
the First. He spoke fluently every known langoage ; be was versed
in every science, and skilled in every accomplisnment. He chal-
lenged to disputation the whole College of Cardinals, and almost
«very pablic and learned body in Europe, and bore off the palm !
The Dake of Maotna was bis patron, and appointed him preceptor t»
his son, who, envioas of his merits, waylaid (with some others) and
mortally wonnded him ; he, however, as well as -the other assas-
sins, paid with their lives the forfeit of their temerity, Crichton
killing every one of them.

PEEPING TOM OF COVENTRY !

" f , Laricke, for the love of thee.
Doe make Coventrc tol-free."

' Peeping Tom, a person of nearly as much notoriety as the countess
Godiva, and an auxiliary in the drama, under that denomiuaticmy
derives his importance from the following historical circumstance. ,

In the early part of the reign of £dward the Confessor, Leofric,
the fifth earl of Mercia, and his countess Godiva, sister to Thorold,
sheriff of Lincolnshire, founded a monastery on the ruins of St. Os-
barg's nunnery, for an abbot an twenty-four monks of the Benedictine
order. This monastery was so liberally endowed ,by Leofric, that
it surpassed all others in the county in splendour and magnificence ;
so that Malmsbnry relates, that it was enriched and beautified with
so much gold and silver, that the walls seemed too narirow to contain
it ; insomuch, that Rob de Limesie, bishop of this diocese, in the
time of king William Ruius, scraped from one beam that supported
the shrines, five hundred marks of silver.

With the foundation of its monastic structure, commenced the
prosperity of Coventry ; but it seems, the city had yet to complain of
the grievance of excessive tolls, which Leofric, as lord of the town,
levied ; and concerning the manner in which they were relieved from
it, is told a romantic tale, which Dugdale thus relates :

The countess Godiva, bearing an extraordinarv affection to this
place, often and earnestly besought her husband, that for the love of
God. and the blessed Virgin, he would free it from that grievous ser-
vitude whereunto it was subject ; but he, rebuking her for impor-
tuning him in a matter so inconsistent with his (nrofit, commanded
that she should thenceforth forbear to move therein ; yet she. out of
her womanish pertinacity, continued to solicit him : insomuch, that
he told her, if she would ride on horseback, naked, from one end of
the town to the other, in the sight of all the people, he would grant
her request Whereunto, she answered, but will you give me leave
so to do ? And he replying, yes^ the noble lady, upon an appointed
day, got on horseback, naked, with her hair loose, so that it covered
all her body but her legs, and thus performing the joumev, returned
with joy to her husband, who therefore granted to the inhabitants a
charter of freedom; which immunity I rather conceive to have been
a kind of manumission from some such servile tenure, whereby they
then held what they had under this great earl, than only a freedom
from all manner of toll, except horses, as Knighton affirms. It is
said by Rapin, that the countess, previous to her riding, commanded
all persons to keep within doors, and from their windows, on pain
of death ; but, notwithstanding this severe penalty, there was out
person who could not forbear giving a look, out of curiosity ; but it
€Ost him his life. From this circomstance, reader, originated tha

3X2 '^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

ftmiliar epitiiet of ** Peeping Tom of Coventry." A figure^ comme-
moretiTe of the {>eeper, nas long been preserved there, and is now
inserted in the niche oi a new hoase, communicating with the High
Street

JACK OF NEWBURY.

This title was given to John Winchcomb, who was, in the time of
Henry 8th, the greatest clothier in England. He kept one hundred
looms in his own house at Newbury, and armed and clothed, atliis
own expense, one hundred of bis men, to march in the expedition
against the Scots at Flodden Field.

SON OF A GUN!

This is derived from Gone, an old word for the temple of Cloacina,
of course, it implies bastard, or bom in a necessary !

CURSE OF SCOTLAND.

The nine of diamonds, being termed the ^ Corse of Scotland,'*
originates from a Scotch member, whdse family arms is the nine of
diamonds, voting for the introduction of the Malt Tax into Scotland.

GOOD OLD TIMES!

** The ** Good Old Times,*' (all limes when old are good>^
Are gone ; the present might be, if they would ;
Great things have been, and are, and greater still
Want little of mere mortals but their will;
A wider space, a greener field is given
To those who play their tricks before high heaven.
I know not if the angels weep, but men
Have wept enough — for what ? to weep again. — Byron.

It has been supposed by many, that this phrase is of uncertain
data, and that it has been made use of, as it were, from time imme-
morial. In Godwin's History of the Commonwealth, however, we
are informed, that it first came into use at that period. The cant
and hypocrisy of the day, became so disgusting, that two-thirds of
the nation, began to wish in their hearts, however cautions they were
with their tongues, for the restoration of the royal family Being
restrained from speaking their sentiments openly, they strong toge-
ther a many ambiguoas terms : among others, was, wishing for a re-
turn of the " good old times,'' which really meant a retom to the
monarchial system, and the demolition of CromwelPs government ;
althoogh, if required, a less objectional (to the governors) explana-
tion might have been given.

BY HOOK OR BY CROOK!

Judges Crook and Button, were the two judges (says Butler, in bit
Hudibras) who dissented from their ten brethren, in the case of ship-
money, when it was argued in the Exchequer, which occasioned the
wags to say, that " the king carried it by Hook, but not by Crook \^

HOBSON'S CHOICE!

This saying is derived from one Hobson, who let out horses at
Cambridge, and obliged such as wanted one, to take that next the
stable door, being the one which had had most rest.

THE ETTH(»iOGICAL COMPfiNDIVM.

DRUNK AS A LORD!

31Q

*^ Ehmnk as a Lord !" the old proverb was ^ Dnnik as a Beggar,**
bat this vice prevailing among the great of late years, it thus became
altered.

GOOD WINE NEBOS NO BU^.

Bodies of evergreen, .sach as ivy, cypress, 8ec. were anciently
si^S; where wine was sold, hence tixe proverb, or saying, ^ good
wine needs no bosh !**

Commentators have been sadly pnzzled to find oat tiie meaning of
this proverb, which a residence in France, daring the aotamn, woafd
easily have solved. In the departments where the vine is caltivated,
the peasant selis its vintage : and as a sign, a green bash is stack in
the wall o\'er the door ; this is a regnlation of the police ; and as long
as the peasant has any wine txi sell, so long must the bosh remain.
If one has made better wine than another, the news is soon spread
abroad among the topers, and hence the proverb, " good wine needs
no bosh."

THEY ARE SWORN BROTHERS!

The tevm ^ sworn bsothers," fu-ose from a costomin Morlachia,
and other places, where friendship between the same sex, are like
marriages ratified at the altar. Others say, from persons covenant-
ing formerly, to share each others fortune, in any expedition to in-
vade a country, as were Robert de Oily, and Robert de Ivery, in
William the First's expedition into England ; ot, the three Pizarros
to Fern. Hence also, the term of ^ brethren in iniquity,^ because
of their dividing plonaer.

WHAT ! YOtJ^RE KBTURN'D TO THE OLD TRADE OP

BASKET MAKING!

This phrase is supposed to have originated from the ingenuity of
the ancient Britons in roakinp: baskets, which they exported in laige
qoaniities, and implies, sliding back into old habits, or returning to
tne more primitive occupations of barbaroas ages.

GOD BLESS YOU ! TO THE SNEEZER.

The costom of saying " God bless yon !** to the sneezer, originated
according to Strada, among the ancients, who through an opinion of
the danger attending it, after sneezing, made a short prayer to the
^ods, as " Jupiter help me !^ Folydore Virgil says, it took its rise
HI the plague of 594, in which the infected fell down dead sneezing j
though seemingly in good health. This custom is practised among
the Jews and among the Abyssinians. When the kiqg of Mono-
motapa sneezes, those who are near him loudly wish him happiness,
this is catched by those farther off, and is echoed through the whole
city.

DINING WITH DUKE HUMPHREY!

** Dining with duke Humphrey," is said of those who walked in
Saint Pwrs Gbwrcfa, during dinner time. Humphrey, doke of Glou-
cester, being a nan of greatt hospitality, and supposed to have been
buried in Saint Paiil?8.

314

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

AS STUPID AS A GOOSE !

^ As stapid as a goose/' is a very common saying indeed, and is
used to denote the extreme of stupidity. It may be truly said, as
regards geese in general, that it carries with it its origin ; and is ia-
trmluced here, merely to show that all geese are not stupid alike.
History informs us, tnat the cackling of geese saved the capitol of
Rome ; and the Glasgow Courier, not long ago, gav^ us the following
instance of the above position. ^ A haughty dung- hill cock, at a
farm at the head of this country, took a particular antipathy to a fine
goose, the guardian of a numerous brood; and accordingly, where-
soever and whenever they met, the cock immediately set uixm bis
antagonist The goose, who had little chance with the nimble and
sharp heels of his opponent, and who had accordingly suffered se-
verely in various rencontres, got so exasperated against his assail-
ant, that one day, daring a severe combat, he grasped the neck of
his foe with his bill, and dragging him along by main force, he
plunged him into an adjoining pond, keeping his head, in spite of
every effort, under water, and where the cock would have been
drowned, had not a servant who witnessed the proceeding, rescued
the humble foe. From that day forward the goose received no far-
ther trouble from his enemy.

The compiler here suggests, that the North Country Geese may
be an exception to the general rule, especially after laying his hand
on the following.

" One morning lately, during the frost, the geese were as usual
let out of their roosting-place, and according to their customary
habit, went directly to the pond on the common; they wereobsenred
by the family to come back immediately, but yon may guess their
astonishment, when in a few minutes they were seen to return to the
pond, each, five in number, with a woman's patten in their mouths ! ! !
The females, to rescue so useful a part of their dress from the pos-
session of the invaders of their property, immediately made an attack,
when the waddling banditti made such a stout resistance, tiiat it
was not till some male allies were called in, that a victory could be
obtained :^ the relator continues, " I was much concerned when
this anecdote was related to me, that the geese were not suffered
to proceed." — Letter from York.

So much for the saying, ^ as stupid as a goose !"

WHAT*S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HORSE-CHESNUT,

AND A CHESNUT HORSE ?

In the reign of queen Anne, lived two gentlemen, both members
in the same parliament ; the one was called Montague Matthieu, the
other Matthew Montague : the former a tall handsome man, the
latter, a deformed ugly one. On one occasion, in the house, an ho-
nourable member, inadvertently attributed something that had been
said by Mr. Matthew Montague, to Mr. Montague Matthieu : upon
which, the latter got up and appealed to the speaker, and the house,
in tbe following manner.

^^ Sir, an honourable member has chained me with having said
that, which I never gave utterance to, but which came from iMr.
Matthew Montague.

Now, Sir, I must appeal to you, and this honourable house, whe-
ther there is not as much difference between Mr. Matthew Montague,
and Mr. Montague Matthieu, as there is between aHorse-chesuut,

THB ETTMOLOGICAIi COMPBITOIUM. 3x5

Mid a Chffsont Horne ?" It is almost needless to add, tiiat the house
yms convulsed with laughter, in which Mr. Matthew Montague most
heartily joined : hence we origin of the whimsical question, ^what's
the dinerence between a Horse-chesnnt, and a Chesnat Hone ?"

ANOTHER FOR HECTOR!

The following is the origin of this saying :— In the battle of Inver-
keithing, b«>tween the Royalists and Oliver Cromwell's troops, 500
of the rollowers of the Laird of Maclean were left dead on die field.
In the heat of the conflict, seven brothers, of the clan, sacrificed
their lives in defence of their leader, Sir Hector Maclean, who, being
hard pressed by the enemy, was supported and covered from their
attacks by these brothers, and as one fell, another came np in sac-
cession, to cover him, crying " Another for Hector !"

This phrase has ever since continued as a proverb, or watch word,
viiien a man encounters any sudden danger that requires instant
success.

HECTOR'S CLOAK.

The earl of Northumberland having joined the duke of Norfolk,
and others, who were the supporters of Mary Queen of Scots, the
former was betrayed by a faithless borderer to the regent Moray,
whose successor, Morton, sold his unfortunate captive to lord Huns-
don, governor of Berwick, to expiate his errors on the scaffold.
This borderer, was Hectw Qraham, of Harelaw. A list of tiie
Border Clans, in 1605, enumerates among them this name, and
^ the griefs and cnti of Harelaw." It may be some satisfaction to
learn, that this villain did not go unpunished : from afBuent circum-
stances he sank into nnacconn^ble poverty ; and to take ^ Hector^
Cloak," has become proverbial throughout the country, for betray-
ing a tiriend. — Surtees's History*

I PLEDGE YOU !

This drinking phrase originated firom the murder of Edward, by
lus stepmother Elfrida, while drinking on horseback at the gate <n
Corfe castle, in the Isle of Purbeck. The treachery of the crime
occasioned a general distrust, no one would drink, without security
from him who sat beside him, that he was safe while the bowl was
at his lips ; and hence is said to have originated the customary ex-
pression at table of ^ I pledge yon," when one person invited another
to drink first.

SOUND AS A ROACH!

Butler states, that St. Roche being afflicted with a pestilence,
crawled into a forest, where he bore such pains, and manifested so
much patience under his afflictioas, that an angel visited him, healed
his wounds, and made him perfectly sound. He was esteemed the
patron saint, from that period of all afflicted with the plague, for it
was believed, that the miraculous intermission of St. Roche, could
make them as sound as himself; and from hence came the saying,
^ sound as a roach."

NERO FIDDLED WHILE ROME WAS BURNING.

Suetonius relates, that somebody in conversation saving, ** when
I am dead let fire devour the world :" ^ nay," rejoinea Nero, ^ let
it be whilst I am living;" and then he set Rome on fire, in so bare-

p 2

318 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPBMDIUlf.

It was on the occasion of the death of David Rizzio, at Holyrood
Hoiue, the residence of Henry (Darnly) and Mary, that this saying
first emanated from the month of Knox, and which in the Scottish
tongae, is a common phrase to this day. It need scarcely be nh-
served, that Mary was charged with an illicit interconrse with Rizaio,
in the verv hoose, where with her husband, she resided. Hence
originated the cntiing reproach used by the Scottish reformer, io
allusion to the circumstance, via. ** It's a dirty bird that befools its
own nest"

HE MAY PAY TOO DEAR FOR HIS WHISTLE!

This saying originated with Dr. Franklin, of celebrated memory.
Proceeding to France as Charae d' Affairs of the United States, the
vessel which bore^ him passed very near a vessel of the enemjf
when the boatswain, a bold bat impradent man, and who was very
expert on his caU, whistled a kind of threat of defiance, which he
had no sooner done, than a shot from the main-top of the enemy,
sent him to another world ! Dr. Franklin, who was standing close
to him, observed, with all the naiveti imaginable, ^ poor fellow ! he

mon

paid dear for his whistle !" and from hence originated the com-
1 spying, ** he may pay too dear for his whistle !"

IF IT RAINS ON ST. SWITHIN'S DAY, THERE WILL BE RAIN

FOR FORTY DAYS AFTER.

•* St. Svithin's day if thou dost rain.
For forty days it will remain :
8t. Swithin's day if thou be &ir,
For forty days 'twill rain na mair."

In Brand*s Popular Antiquities, there is a printed statement to the
following purport :

In the year 865, St. Swithin, bishop of Winchester, to which rank
he was raised by king Ethelwolfe the Dane, dying, was canonized
by the then pope.

He was singular for his desire to be buried in the open church-
yard, and not in the chancel of the minster, as was usual with other
bishops, which request was complied with ; but the monks, on his
being canonized, taking it into their heads, that it was disgraceful
for the saint to be in the open chnrch-yard, resolved to remove his
body into the choir, which was to have been done with solemn pro-
cession on the 15th of July. It rained, however, so violently on that
day, and for forty days succeeding, as had hardly ever been known,
which made them set aside their design as heretical and blasqshemous ;
and, instead, they erected a chapel over his grave, at wmch many
miracles are said to have been wrought. Hence, reader, came the
saying, ^ if it rains on St Swithin's day, there will be rain for forty
days after."

In Poor Robin's Almanack, for 1697, tiie saying, together with one
of the miracles before alluded to, is noticed in these lines :

*< In this month is St. Swithin's day ;
On which, if that it rain, they say
Fidl forty days after it will.
Or more, or less, some rain distil.
This Swithin, was a saint, I trow.
And Winchester's bishop also.
Who in his time did many a feat.
As popish legends do repeat :
A woman having broke her egga
By stumbling at another's legs^

THR ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM* 319

For ▼hich she made a woful cry,
St. S within chancM for to come by,
'Who made them all as sound, or more
Than ever that they were before.
But whether this were so or no
'Tis more than you or I do know :
Better it is to rise betime.
And to make hay while sun doth shine,
Than to believe in tales ^r lies
Which idle monks and friars devise !**

TAKE A DROP OF THE SAME !

After a debaach of punch, wine, or liqaor of any sort, generally
comes an argument, the next morning, between the nead and the sto-
mach, with an attendant naasea. On such occasions we meet with
Utde sympathy, bat very generally on stating onr case, receive in
reply tiie recommendatory phrase ^ take a drop of the same." Ex-
cessive fasting begat excessive feasting, and mere was no feast in
old times without excessive drinking. A morning head-ache from
the contents of the tankard was cored by ^ a hair of the same dog."
a phrase well understood by hard drinkers, and from whence ori-
ginated the more modem one, ^ take a drop of the same," or in
other words, madness from drinking, is only to be cored by tiie.mad-
ness of drinking again.

** A toper 's a thorough game cock.
His head is as hard as a rock.
He's frank and he*s free.
For good liqnor^s the key *
The hypocrite*s heart to unlock.
Then drink, drink— hypocrites drink !
Tipple like fishes— and say what you think.

The poet^ whose foncy grows dim.
For true inspiration and whim.
Finds Helicon's stream
Has a bright rosy beam
In a goblet fill'd up to the brim.
^ Then drink, drink — merry bards drink !

Tipple, and wake up the muse if she wink.

Your fighting-man, Croat or Cossack,
If valour he happen'd to lack.
His courage to jog.
Finds a rummer of grog.
The best friend he has to his back.
Then drink, drink— cavaliers drink.
Tipple, and hark how your weapons will clink.

A ROLAND FOR AN OLIVER!

** Cheiies wanne firo the hethen houndes
The spere and nayles of Crystes woundes
And also the croune of thome
And many a ryche relyke mo
Mau^e of them he wanne also
And kylled them even and mom*'*

Romance qfSpomjfdon.

Who has not read of Charlemagne's expedition against the Sara-
cens, for the recovery of the relics of the Passion ? Tnose who have,
will recollect, that if Alexander had his Bncephalos, Charlemagne
had "twain steeds,"*!- who, if they were not endowed with the in-

• A cork-screw is the best pick-lock to a man's heart,
f Some writers say Roland and Oliver were his pages.

QjjQ THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

stinctive destnictiveness of the former, possessed at least a tractibi-
lity and fidelity not to be surpassed. These, were his Roland and
his Oliver, whose qonlities were so equally poised, that Roland was
as good 'as Oliver, and Oliver was as good as Roland ; and hence
arose the saying, " I'll give yon a Roland for your Oliver ;** or, *^ I'll
give as good as yoa*ll send."

Yi'ILKES AND FORTY-FIVE.

^ ^yiIkes and Forty-five," originated from a pamphlet, called the
North Britain, which was written by Mr. Wilkes, and his friends ;
and the forty-fifth number of which, was so obnoxious, that it was
ordered, by law, to be publiclv bnmed by the common hai^Bmo,
before the Royal Exchange, which was the cause of much pqjralar
clamour for a season. John Wilkes was elected lord mayor of
London, in 1775.

Foote used to relate, that on the day for celebrating Wilkes* lH>c-
ration, an old fish- salesman, at Billingsgate, well known hj the ap-
pellation of King Cole, invited forty-five male and female friends to
dine at the Gun. Every thing that bore on that number, gave the
possessor a local importance : the devil was in the nuoobef Ibity-
five!

On the occasion, there was a gigantic plnmb-pndding, with 46 R».
of flour, and 45 of fruit, which was boiled the same number of b6an,
and paraded from Wapping, with flags, and 45 butchers with marrow-
bones and cleavers : 45 pigeons in pies, and 45 apple dumplings.
Each bowl of punch, said the player, as he smacked his lips, each
had 45 Seville oranges, and lemons in' due proportions. At nig^t
there was a well regulated riot The watcWen and police inter-
fered, (and, continued the wag), 45 of the noisy politicians were
committed to the Compter. The commencement of this Billingsgate
row, arose from 45 sailors, each with a wooden leg, bearing about
an old besotted captain, who had crossed the Atlantic 45 times, who
chose to quarrel with another drunken ass, a bankrupt stock -broker,
who went roaring about, (such Was the general infatuation), " 1 don't
care who knows it, but I'm the man who stopped for five and forty
thousand pounds !"

This same old fishmonger, afterwards lost a son, whom he used to
call the staff of his old age : he consoled himself, however, in the
mystical number, inviting 45 fishmongers to attend the funeral, had
him interred at Queenborough, (smelling strong of fish), being 45
miles from town, paid two pounds five shillings to the sexton, which
was the best day's work he ever had, for 45 tolls of the tenor bell,
at one shilling per toll, and to eke out the last consolation from the
memorable 45, they mourned ninety days, namely, in deep mourning,
five and forty, and in half mourning, forty-five !

UNDER, THE ROSE!

Roses were first brought from Italy to England in the year 1532.
They were consecrated as presents from the pope, and in 1526, they
were placed over the ^oals of confessionals, as the symbols of se-
crecy. Hence the origin of the phrase, ** under the rose."

TO SLEEP ON IT !

•* To sleep on it," or, " go to bed, and sleep on it," derives its
origin from the following circumstance. A French soldier, who,
having lost all hia laoaey at play, wished to fight with any of hi&

THG ETVMOLOOICAL COMPfil^lDll- 321

compamoDS that would come oat. No one accepting the challenge,
he threw himself down by the side of a tent, and went to sleep. Two
or three hours after, it happened, that another soldier who had met
with the same fortmie, was passing by the tent and heard the ot^er
snoring — waking him, he cried, ** get ap, comrade, I have lost my
money as well as yoo; quick, draw yomr sword, and let as fight !^
" Kght ? we fight f" cried the other, robbing his eyes : "no, notJreC,
lay down a bit, and take a nap as I have done, and then well nght
aslmttch as yoa please."

O, YES ! O, YES? O, YES!

This cry, so well known in oar courts of justice, is a corruption
from oyez !* oyez ! oyez ! sigpufyinp^, hear ! hear !- hear ! When the
French language was discontinued in par courts of law,-|- this portion
bf it remained, and custom, which is yiery absolute, has palmed it
upon OS in its present phraseology.

ENGLAND AND ST. GEOROE,

This ancient battle crjr of the English was first used by Henry.dd,
in Ireland. Nares, in ms Glossary, obselres, there is also this in-
jdnction to the En^h in ah old art of war : " Item, that all aonldiers
entering into battaile, assault, skirmish, or other Action of armes,
shall have for their common crye and word, ** St George forward,"
or ** upon them St George>'' whereby the sovildicr is mucn coojibrted,
and the enemie dismaied, by calling to minde the ancietit valour of
England, which with that name has so often been victorious."

Shakspeare so uses it. in his ** Richard 3d ;" he makes Richmond
conclude his address to nis soldiery with^

*' Soimd, drums and trumpets, bold and cheerfolly,
God and St. C^eorge, Richmoad and victory.'*

So also, Richard, after he receives the news of Stanley's defec-
tion, exclaims,

*^ Advance! od^ standards, set a|x>n our fo^ !
Our ancient word of cuura^, fair St. Geoi^e,
laspirei lis -with the sjtieen of fiery dragons f
Upon tbem !**

MERRY IN THE HAUL, WHEN BEARDS WAG ALL!

Mr. Brand sayir, ** in Ghristtiiasholi^ys. ih^ tiibles were all spread
from the first to the last; the sirloins of beef; the dilkced pies, the
plumb porridge, the capons, ftttkles, geese, and ItlfoJob-paddings^
were alt brought upon the board; ever^ one eat heartily, aind was
welcome, which g&ve rise to the proverb, " toterry hi tiie hall when
beards wag all."

NINE TAILORS MAKE A MAN!

This is a conrnption of a ver^ reveme and true saying, vis, ** fhki
one tailor was (he making of mneteen men :" for, as the poet says,

•< Men three parts made by tailors and by barbers."

The great lord Burleigh osied to observe, when he tfurew off his
treasury rob^s, ** there lye loihl treasurer !" woAld it Aot be some-

* Norman. -■-.,._

t Se« Origin of English langua^, &e. In courts of lav.

322 '^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

where aboot the mark, if, when two-thirds of oar sprigs of fashion
took of their olothes, were to say, ^ there lyes manhood."

NOT FIT TO HOLD A CANDLE TO HIM!

Candle-bearers preceded candie-sticks, and so did (however
strange it may appear) chandeliers. Candlesticks did not come into
general use, nntil the latter end of the reign of Edward the Sixth.

Prior to that period, candles were held to, borne, or carried be-
fore, by youths expressly for that purpose. It was a situation whidi
required a tact, independent of a steady hand ; hence there arose a
ouestion as to the candidates fitness, and out of that, the saying,
^ Not fit to hold a candle to him."

SEND HIM TO COVENTRY f

The phrase of ^ sendii^ to Coventry !" originated, according to
Button, the Birmingham historian, in me Birmingham people appre-
hending all messengers and suspected persons, ^and frequent^ at-
tacking and reducing small parties of the royalists during the civil
war, whom they sent prisoners to Coventt^tf. Bbrmingham is noted
by lord Clarendon, under the name of Bromicham (unite Bmmigem),
as a singularly disaffected and puritanical village.

Anotiier writer says, Merridean, or Merriden, (firom Meridian),,
is a village vdthin six miles, of Coventry, and is supposed to be the
centre of England. Hence arose a common phrase, ^send him to
Coventry," i. e. enclose him, or debar him of the society of his fellow
men, &c. The former origin, however,, seems the most probable.

IT*S AN ILL WIND THAT BLOWS NO ONE GOOD!

Antiquarians generally agree, that this phrase has a Cornish origin.
The coast of Cornwall is, perhaps, the most disastrous to the mari-
ner of any, and what makes it still more lamentable, the Cornish
people, (not even excepting the more intelligent classes), look upon
the plunder of a wreck as a birth-right. If the wind blows haid,
thousands are immediately on the look out, impatient for their prey,
and if any one makes the common place remark, of "it's boisterous
weather, neighbour," or "it's a boisterous morning;" the very gene-
ral reply is, " it's an ill wind that blows Cornwall no luck !" and from
hence arose the common saying, " it's an ill wind that blows no one

good!"

WE^LL NOT CARRY COALS !

This saving, so common in the northern counties, takea its origin
firom the following anecdote :

"Three soldiers, in the I5th century, a Gennan, a Scot, and an
Englishman, bein^ condenmed to be hanged, in the low couDtries,
ibr plunder, their lives were begged — ^the '* benefit of clergy,"* in that
part of the world, by persons who had occasion for their services.
A brick-maker saved tne German's life, that he might help him in
his business ; and the culprit thanked his stars. The Scot was taken
by a brewer; and he only covenanted, that he should not be com
pelled to make small beer. When the Englishman's turn came, a
collier appeared to demand him, dressed in the costume of the mine
— grim, black, and sooty : the Briton, looking at him for a time,
coolly observed, that he had not been used to carry coals, and that
the law had better take its course ! hence came the saying, " we'll
not carnr coals'," half-proverbially used by Shakespeare, and others^
to signify the utterer would not pot up vrith indignity.

THE BTTM0L061CAL COMPENDIUM, 3^3

NE SUTOR ULTRA CREPIDAM.

^Ne sntor ultra crepidam," owes its origio to this practice of
Apelles. A shoemaker having foand faalt with a slipper, Apelles
corrected the fault, which the shoemaker observing the next time he
saw the pictmne, proceeded to remark upon the leg : when Apelles,
springing from beoind the canvass, desired him, in wrath, ** to stick
to his last**

THOSE WHO HAVE GLASS HEADS SHOULD BE CAREFUL
HOW THEY THROW STONES!

A great many of our phrases and sayings, take their data from the
reign of onr James the First, and some of Uiem originated from that
sapient monarch himself: this is one of them.

On that monarch's accession to the English throne, London
swarmed with Scotch adventurers, who were continaaily hovering
about the coort, and very generally succeeded (maagre the obstacles
that were opposed to them by the English coortiersX in gaining the
monarch's tavoar, as well as employ. This gave great umbrage to
the chevaliers of the court, and parbcnlarly to the gay and sprightly
Backioxham himself, the orincipal favourite of the king. His man-
sion, which was in Saint Martin's Fields, was famed for its multi-
plicity of windows, and was denominated, by the wags of the day,
the Olass House. Buckingham, with others of his fraternity, took
evefy opportunity of annoying, in the most mischievous manner, the
poor Scotchmen ; indeed, it was not confined to the court ; they were
considered intruders, consequently fair game. Missiles were even
resorted to ; among the rest, was a tin tube of a portable size, through
which the assailants could propel with their mouths, a small pebble,
or stone ; it was somewhat similar to what the boys of the present
day call a Pea Shooter. Buckingham not only wmked at iois an-
noyance, but with others of his grade, adopted it ; whether from
vrant of dexterity, or otherwise, it is not said, but the persecuted
Caledonians found him out, and by the way of retribution, broke his
windows ! The favourite complamed to his royal master, but the
wary Scot had been beforehand with him, and on stating his com-
plaint, the monarch replied, ^ those who live in glass houses,Steenie,*
sfaoald be careful how they throw stones !" Hence originated the
common saying, ^ those who have glass heads, should be careful how
they throw stones."

COMMEND ME TO SUCH A FRIEND.

I. e. tell him, I am his humble servant; originated in the word
commendatuSj in the ^ Doomsday Book,*' meaning one who lived
nnder the patronage of a great man.

TO PAY A SHIP'S SIDE.

From pix, pitch, distorted into potx, and pronounced pay ; hence
the expression, ^ here's the devil to pay, and no pitch hot.'

WHEN ROGUES FALL OUT, HONEST MEN COME BY

THEIR OWN!

This saying originated with the great Sir Matthew Hale. A
plaintiff and a defendant, who previous to their assuming those cha-
racters had rowed in the same boat, had a matter at issue, tried be-
fore that upright judge ; when it came out in evidence that the pro-

* A &miUar name by which he inyaxiablir adtot»ft^ ^xnrikNi^^wtft*

Qf4 tM trrtiMiiOc^fcAL ccmMmmvA.

perty they were eontendiog for, liad ori^nallf eome into their.
pOMeasion fay imjast means ; and, that the real owner had beea nda^
Dj ^eir joint concurrence. It was then Sir Matthew made nse oS
fne SK^jring, ^ when rognes fell oat, honest men come by their own.**
T%e tnal was qnadied, and the rigirt owner was pot in possessioD of
hii property.

THE BITER*S BIT !

This sayinff originated from bishop Tonstall, in tfa€ f^gil ef
Heni^ 8th, who was far fonder of burning booki^ than men, havkig
enployed an agent on the continent, where the bi8ho|> watf tnv«N
ling to boy tip tbe works of Tindal, the seetarist.

Thb agent was secretly a 'HndaKst, and commnnicated th« dr-
cttmstance to 'Hndal himself, who was at that period rei^<£ng' at
Geneva, 'findal was highly pleased at the circnmstance, fof b^Md
long been desiroas of pnntiDg a cori'ected edition, bat ma pav^idf
prerented him: he had also, a quantity of thci first editioii by hh&,
v^cfa he had now an opportunity of taming info cash. The ag^t
WHS vei^ inddstrioas, and famished the bishop with an ittMi^iM^
qonitity ; the latter was highly pleased, paid the mobey, Ktid hiid (Ite
books bornt in Cheapside. Tindal bronght out hi» second ^ifftion}
sMit his agents to London, where he had many sectet foltow^ysy
sod consequently, sold many of hid books.

One of these agents was detected, and taken before the chatWefior,
who promised him a pardon, on contHtion of his giving n^ Hbe prin-
cipal in the tfatisaction. The man agreed, and limited bishop Ton*
■fall ! diat in consequence of the latter having bought tip edl tilathe
Gotrtd lay hht hands on of the first edition, they had been able toii^s-
tribute a second ; and which, they coald not possibly have effeeted
without the assistance of the bishop. " I'f^ith.'' exclaimed the
chancellor, turning round to some of the council, **■ I must confess the
biter*s bit.'' The man was pardoned, and the sayiag has continued
to this day.

A BIRD IN HAND^S WORTH TWO IK THE BCJSHr

This originated from the following circnmstance : Wilt ^mers,
the celebrated jeilter to Henry 8th, happening to call at my Lora
Surry's, whom he had often, by a well-timed jest, saved from tiie
displeasure of his royal master ; and who consequently #as alwa3FS

flad to see him, was on this occasion ushered into Ae aviary, where
e found my Loitl^ amusing himself ^dth his birds.
Will, happening to admire the plumage of a king-fisher—*' By my
Lady," said Surry, ** my prince oi wits, I will give it you." Will
skipped about with delight, and SMore b^ the great Harry, he was a
most noble gentleman. Away went Will with his king-fisher, tell-
ing all his acquainMAiee whom he met, that his firiend Surfy had jost
presented him with' itv Now it so happened that my Lora North-
ampton, who bad seen this bird the day previous, just arrived at my
Lord Slurry '9 as Will Somers had If^ft, widl the intentioii of aftking
it of Surry, for a present to his (Northsmpton's) mistress. Great
wad his chagrin, on finding the bitxigone. Sntrv, bowev^r> coastiled
Urn wHh 9a3ring. tliat ^ he knew Somers would restore it hini, on
be (Suity) promising Wtn two another da^" Away wen* a messen-
ger to the prince of witS) whom he found in raptures with hisbipd,
and-te-whMB'he deJivered his Lord's message. Great was_Wiirs
surprise^.buthe^vas not to be bamboozled by even the Monarch
himseli! ^ Biirrah/ says tie ** tell y6wf ffiftstertlmt f am ol%ed ibr

THE fiTYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. q2&

ilia liberal offer of two for one ; bot that I prefer ooe bird in the
hand to two in the bosh !" Hence originated this mnch repeated
saying.

THE PROOF OP THE PUDDING IS IN THE EATING!

That James the First was a pedant is well known to all literary
men ; but that he also professeed a knowledge of the cnlhiary art,
may have been thought unworthy of a page in history. Buckingham,
his faTourite^ was not only a regular bon vivantt* but availea him-
self of his royal master's penctuint, as one of the means of seeming
that favour which he ultimately enjoyed. It happened one day when
dEning with Buckingham, that a discussion on the merits of various
viands took place, some of the most costly and delicious then being
before them ; one of which, was particularly recommended by Buck-
ingham to his Majesty, as being superior to any other. ^ It may be
so, Steniejf replied the king, ^ but the prufe of a gude thing is in
the eating on't, so here's at it !"

THROWING A TUB TO THE WHALE.

The Oreenkmd vessels, and mdeed the South Sea vessels, are
soBietiaies (especially after stormy weather) so surrounded with
whales, tiiat the situation of the crew becomes dangerous. Wh«n
this is the case, it is usual to throw out a tiA>, in order to divert their
attention ; when the marine monsters amuse themselves in tossing
this singular sort of aplay-thing into the air, to and fro, as children
do a smttle-cock. Tneir attention being drawn, every sail is hoist-
ed, and the vessel pursues its course to its destination. Hence caqie
the saying, "^ Throwing a Tub to the Whale I'*

THE DEVIL TERMED «• THE LAWYERS* PATRON!**

Sahit Bvona, a lawyer of Britain, went to Rome to entreat the
Pope to give ^e lawyers a patron ; the Pope replied, that he knew
df no Saint not disposed of to some other profession. His Holiness
proposed, however, to Saint Evona, that he should go round the
church ot St Giovanni de Laterano, blindfold, and after saying a
certain number of ave-marias. the first Saint ne laid his hand on
should be his patron. This the good old lawyer undertook, and at
the end of his ave-marias, stopped at the nltar of St. Michael, where
he laid hold^ not of the Saint, but unfortunately of the Devil, under
the Sainf s feet, crying out, **" This is our Saint, let him be our
patron !*^

AS MERRY AS A GR£EK!

This proverb obtained existence since the subjugation of the
oounhry by Mahomet {the Second, in 1465. Patrick Gordon, in a
work published 77 years ago, thus writes — ** The Greeks (most fa-
moos of old both for arms and arts, and every thing else that's truly
valuable) are so wonderfully degenerated from their forefathers,
that instead of those excellent qualities, there is nothing to be seen
an^oQ^ them but the very reverse There is, nevertheless, no people
more jovial and merrily disposed, being so much ^ven to singing
and dailkcing, that it is now become a proverbial saying, ' As merry
as a €^ek.' **

* Se(6 Correif]^ondMce of Sir Jamas Melvil.

t ArflHjBiUarnaiMby wUehJaitiesusedtoaddrMiBucldngham.

^26 I^B BTYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND •

The Diamond is the hardest substance in natur?, and hettc€ ttieie
is no way of grinding or polishing diamonds but by acting upon them
with tibeir own powder, which is obtained by. laborious rubbing of
them one against another. Hence the ]^rase of ^ Diamond cot
Diamond," so generally applied when canning and dexterity come
in contact

PUT A BEGGAR ON HORSEBACK, AND HE'LL RIDE TO

THE DEVIL!

A centory ago> there existed in Scotland a class of privileged
persons, or Beggars, called Blue-gowns. These itinerants were a
Tery hardy race, and from the knowledge they attained of the country
from tiieir ramblings, were often envployed as messengers. Every
village and every mansion had its Blae-gown ; ^e secrets of the
laird, and of his fair daughter, were alike known to him. In every
case of importance, whether to the magistracy, to the mid-wife, or
to the post-oflSce, the Bloe-govm was the Mercury employed. Every
cross-cut, by-patii, and winding of the country, was better known to
him than it was to any of the Scottish lieges ; indeed, he was the
oracle of the locality in which he vegetated, — the lover's messenger,
the laird's confidant, and the gossip's chronicler. His privileges
were also greater than any ; for what would get the Bine-gown re-
primanded, would get another trans^iorted. In his ramblings he did
not always use his own extremities, but would sometimes make free
with a neighbour's horse, on when he could not do that, wonld avail
himself of one of the halt wild stragglers with which Scotland
abounded at that period. In fact, when the Blue-gown was sup-
posed to be in the north, he would be in the west ; and when he was
considered to be on some distant errand, he wonld suddenly make his
appearance before the astonished narties. Of course, his knowledge
of the cross country, and his four-legged assistant, gave him this ce-
lerity. Hence, when the laird want( d a special messenger. Bine-
gown was employed, and " Pot the beggar on horseback !" was the
charge given, and frt)m whence originated the common saying, —
" Put a beggar on horseback and he will ride to the devil !**

HE IS GONE TO POT!

A tailor of Sarmacand, living near the gate that led to the burybg
place, had, by his shop-board, an earthen Pot, hanging on a nail,
into which he tlirew a little stone when any corpse was carried by ;
and at the end of every moon, he counted the contents of his pot,
in order to ascertain the number of the deceased. At length, the
tailor died himself; and some time after, one that was unacquainted
with his death, observing his shop to be deserted, enquired what
was become of him. One of the neighbours answered, ^ the tailor
is gone to the Pot as well as the rest.*'

AS DRUNK AS DAVID'S SOW!

A common saying, which took its rise from the following circum-
stance : — David Lloyd, a Welshman, who kept an alehouse at Here-
ford, had a living Sow with six legs, which was greatly resorted to
by the curious : ne had also a wife much addicted to drunkenness ;
for which he used sometimes to give her due correction. One day,
David's wife having taken a cup too mucb^ and being fearfol oC the

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. $27

consequences, tamed out the sow, and laid down to sleep herself
sc^r. Company coming to see the sow, David ushered them into
the stye, saying, ^ There is a sow for you ! Did any of yon ever see
sach another ?'' — all the while supposing the sow to have been there.
To which some of the company, seeing the state the woman was in,
replied, ** that it was the drunkennest sow that had ever been be-
held ;^ — ^whence the woman was ever after called ^ David's Sow."

GIVE US A TQAST !

It happened on a public day at Bath, a celebrated beauty of those
times was in the cross-bath, and one of the crowd of her admirers
took a glass of the vrater in which the fair one stood, and drank
health to the company. There was in the place a gay fellow, half-
fuddled, who offered to jump in, and swore ^ Tho'he liked not the
liquor, he would have the Toast !^ He was opposed in his res<du-
tioD ; yet this whim gave foundation to the present honour, which is
done to the lady or gentleman we mention in our liquors, and has
ever since been called a Toast

LADY IN THE STRAW.

Hie situation of a ^ Lady in the Straw" has something in it pleas-
ing and dignified ; she commands at once our admiration and respect.
It has puzzled many to know from whence this expression took its
rise, otners have attributed it to, and which is most probably cor-
rect, the state of the blessed Mary, when she brought forward the
child Jesus in the stable. The Roman church have always made a
point of introducing these sayings, that every thing more or less
might keep pace with the New Testament.

So late as Henry the Eighth's time, there were directions for cer-
tain persons to examine evi^ry night the Straw of the king's bed,
** that no dangers might be concealed therein."

Again — Formerly when the kings of France quitted Paris to re-
side elsewhere, the Straw of their beds and their chamber beloiu^ed
to the poor of the Hospital, Hotel Dieu. This anecdote proves that
former kings of France were no better bedded than felons in the
dungeons of our days.

SHE IS IN HER WILLOWS.

" The Willow," old Puller says, " is a sad tree, whereof such
who have lost their love make their mourning garlands ; and we
know that exiles hung up their harps upon such doleful supporters.
The twig^ hereof are physick to dnve out the folly of children. This
tree delighteth in most places, and is triumphant in the Isle of Ely,
virhere the roots strengthen their banks, and the top affords fuel for
their fire. It groweth incredibly fast, it being a oye-word in this
county (Cambridge) that ' the profit by willows will bnv the owner
a horse before that by other trees will pay for his saddle.' Let me
add, that if greene ashe may born before a queen, withered willows
may be allowed to burne before a lady." The old saying, ^ She
is in her Willows," is here illustrated ; it implies the mourning of a
female for her love.

NEVER LOOK A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH!

This very familiar, and often repeated saying, takes its ori^nfirom
a circumstonce which occurred maqy years ago in the vicinity of
Carlisle. ^ Two farmers, who had been, neighboon for many years.

3)9 THB BTTMOIiOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

and who had H^^ecl upon verv fifiendly terms, mohially agreed, tliat
which erer died first, ohonld leave to the otoer a valuable consider-
atioD, Dot Boeafyfing, however^ what it was to be. The one was
called Marun TinisoD, and the other David Deati. David was call-
ed away first, and bequeathed to Martin a favoarite Hchtm. When
it waa communicated to the latter he manifested a great deal of dis-
appointment, and observed, that ^ he did expect something better
uan an old horse." ** Not so old neither," said the party who had
brooffht him the information. A disptite now arose aboot tiie age,
and n was agreed to go to the stable and examine it Martiii \rent
■p to the horBe*s head, and in the act of opening its moaUi to hjpk
at its teeth, the horse made a snatch and bit his nose off i A BMVti-
fioation in a few hours ensued, and strange to sav, Martili followed
David to the grave. Hence came the saying ** Never look a Gift
Horse io the Movth !"

GIVE HIM A BONE TO P(CK !

• • •

This saying probably took its rise from a custom at marriage feasts,
among the poor in Sicily, when, afler dinner, the bride's fathergives
the bridegroom a bone, saying, ** Pick this bone, for yon have an-
dertaken to pick one more difficult"

I*LL SET YOU DOWN IN MY BLACK BOOlt !

The Black Book was a book kept by the Bnglish moxmai^ries, b
which a detafl of the scandalous enormities poetised were entered,
for flie inspection of visitors under Henry 8th, in order tx> blacken
them, and hasten thehr dissolution. H^nce the vulgar pfaraa^^^ril
set you down in my Black-book."

SECTION XVI.

WrrCHCRAFT, SUPERSTITION, SURGERY, CRA
NIOLOGY, CLASSICAL TERMS, &c.

WITCHES AND WITCHCRAFT.

** To whom all people &r and near,
On deep impDrtance do repair ;
When brass and pewter hap to stray.
And linen slinks out of the way :
When geese and puDet are seduced,
And sows of sucking pi^s are chous'd ;
When cattle feel indisposition,
And need th' opinion of physician ;
When butter does refuse to come,
And love proves cross and humoursome ;
To her with questions and with nrine.
They for dfocovVy flock, or curing'.^*

HtuUbrasB

Magic wai formeriy itodied by most persons. It was used to
render persons unfit uv aaioroin pleasure ; tvas employed in liga-

THB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 3^

tares to cure diseases ; and the Visigoths nsed to steal the Sarco-
phagi of the chead for this purpose. Bot the application of maffic
was endless. There were two kinds which ohtamed notice in uis
conntry : one, that of scientific sorcery, derived from the Arabians
in Spain, and consisting of judicial astrology, divination by horo-
scopes, caps, i^asses, nurrors, swords, &c. ; and the other witchcraft
of noiihem ongin, implying diirect communication with fiends. An^
gnry^ formed part of the science of our Anglo-Saxon witches ; and
it is expressly denominated the old augury. Hie Sabbath of Witches
was supposed to be a nocturnal assembly on a Saturday, in which
the devil was said to appear in the shape of a goat, about whom they
made several dances, and performed magical ceremonies. They
had tiieir cauldrons into which they cast various ingredients, at the
same time telling and making hideous noises : —

"^ound about the cauldron go ;
In the poison'd entrails throw, —
Toad that und^er the cold stone,.
Days and n%hts,bas thirty •oi\e,
Swelter*d venom, sleeping*, got.
Boil thou first i' the charmed pot!'*

In order to prepare themselves for this meeting, they took several
soporific drugs ; after which they were fancied to fly up the chimney,
and to be spirited and carried through the air, riding on a switch to
their Sabbath assemblies. The property of conveyance was com-
manicated to broomsticks, by rubmng them with a peculiar mutment

A G«t^

. « . . (** Thrice the brinded cat hath meved.**)

an anJMai highly revered by the Egyptians and Romans, was a sine
qua %(m ; and Knighton mentions persons accused of keeping devils
in the shape of cats. They had particular instruments which they
used in their arts, in cure of the headache, 8z.c. The Anglo-Saxon
witches practised the ancient augury ; they even retained the an-
cient art of divination, by cutting up victims.

We find, that if a lover could not obtain his fair object, he caused
her to be bewitched ; that witches were brought out to enchant the
engines of besiegers ; that favour vtras supposed to be granted by
witchcraft ; that the practice was firmly supposed to be the cause of
extraordinary actions, and made the subject of accusation firom ma-
lice. In fact, the clergy made it a means of intimidating and go-
verning the laity, in the manner of the inquisition, by charging ene-
mies with it, and so excommunicating them, and endangering their
lives and property.

We see horse-shoes, owls, hawks, &c. nailed oA doors. This was
one Roman method of preventing witchcraft Brand mentions va-
rious other modes. The trial by immersion was an abuse of the
cold water system. The right hand was tied to the left foot, and
the left hand to the right foot If they swam, they were strongly
suspected, and exposed to the stronger trial. It would be utterly
impossible, in a limited work like this, to give the contents of the
two large quartos forming the ** Popular Antiquities ; this article,
therefore, with some particular superstitions which will follow it,
must suffice.

DEATH WATCH.

Among the nopular superstitions, which the illumination of moderi;^
times has not been able to obliterate, the dread of the Death-watch
may be considered ds one of the most predominant, and still conii-

330 "^HB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

uiies to disturb the habitations of rural tranqaility with absurd ap-

{>rehension8. It is chiefly in the advanced state of spring that tiu^
ittle animal (for it is nothing more) commences its roands, which is
no other than the call or signal by which the male and female are
led to each other, and which may be considered as analogous to the
call of birds, though not owing to the voice of the insect, bnt to its
beating on any hard substance with the shield or forepart of its head.
The prevailing number of distinct strokes which it beats is from seven
to nine, or eleven, which very circumstance tnay still add in some
degree to the ominous character it bears among the vulgar. These
sounds or beats, which are given in pretty quick succession, are re-
peated at uncertain intervals, and in old houses, where the insects
are numerous, may be heard almost at any hour of the day> espe-
cially if the weather be warm.

The insect is so nearly of the colour resembling decayed wood,
that it may for a considerable time elude the search of an enquirer.
It is about a quarter of an inch in length, and is moderately thick in
proportion ; and the wing shells are marked with innumerable irre-

Salar variegations of a lighter or grayer colour than the ground colour,
nch, reader, ia the important Death-watch !

BANSHEE.

'* Hence in green Erin
The old woman comes."

The Banshee is a species of Aristocratic fairy, who, in the sha|)e
of a little hideous old woman, has been known to appear, and heard
to sing in a supernatural and mournful voice under the windows of
great nouses, to warn the family that some of them are soon to die.
In the last century, every great family in Ireland had a Banshee, who
attended regularly, but latterly their visits and songs have been dis-
continued !

APPARITION !

These appearances, rather unfortanately for the credit of the mar-
vellous stones connected with them, have usually been seen at the
stillest hour of night, in lonely places, and are observed to shun the
presence of any witness, except the single person to whom they ad-
dress themselves. Hence then their name, which differs but a little
in orthography, from A-pair-I-shun, and which was originally ap-
plied to them ! !

MERMAID.

" Hail foreign wonder, that these climes ne'er bred I"

Comus.

** Do you put tricks upon us with savages, and men of Inde ?"

7'he Tempest.

The ^ British Chronologist'^ informs us, that a fish resembling a
Man, was, in the year 1205, taken off the coast of Suffolk, and was
kept alive for six months !

The Yankees, in modern times, however, have given us equally
astounding information, and were kind enough to manufacture John
Bull one of these amphibious animals, and amused John's gullibility
by an exhibition of it some few years ago in Bond Street, but it
would not do.

The Mermaids were in former times considered as the agents of
witches, and were employed in divers errands to the watery deep.
. The term is derived from Mere, a lake^ water, or sea. For in-

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDUIMJ 331

stance, there is Wittlesea-Mere in Cambridgeshire, and Winder-
Mere in Camberland. The follo^ving Ir^formation Exttaordinary,
will perhaps prove interesting to the reader: —

^ The Lords of the Admiralty, it is said, have lately received pro-
posalH (accompanied with an accurate model, which fully explains
the idea), for introducing an entire new invention, by which those
extra-rare marine productions — Mermaids and Mermen, ma^ be
taken alive. The machine is a sort of floating Gin-trap, which is to
be baited with a Comb, mechanically attached to a Mirror, or Look-
ing-glass ! The projector proposes, when a suflScit^nt number of
eimer sex shall be taken, that a nautical academy shall be esta-
blished in one of the sea-ports, wherein an attempt may be made to
give them so much of a marine education, on the Lancasierian plan,
as may render them highly serviceable to the British navy. The
Men to be distributed among the guard-ships ; and the Maids to at-
tend and keep clean the Telegraph-houses, light the fires in the
Light-houses, and snuff the lights on the floating beacons. In case
of good behaviour, they are to be indulged occasionally with liberty
to visit their relations and friends.

^ As the latter part of the proposed services are more immediately
under the direction of the Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, their
Lordships have been pleased to promise to commune with that ho-
nourable body on so promising a scheme !"

BROWNIES.

Some have compared this class of imaginary beings (states Arm-
strong's Gaelic Dictionary), to the satjrs of the ancients ; but with-
out reason, since they had no disposition or point of character in
common, excepting a fondness for solitude, which the Brownie pos-
sesses only at certain seasons of the year. About the end of the
harvest he became more sociable, and hovered about farm-yards,
stables, and cattle-houses. He had a particular fondness for the
products of the dairy, and was a fearful intruder on milk maids, who
made regular libations of milk or cream, to charm him off, or tapro-
cure Ids favour. He could be seen only by those who had the se-
cond sight : yet I have heard of instances where he made himself
visible to those who were not so gifted. He is said to have been a
jolly, personable being, with a broad bine bonnet, flowing yellow
hair, and a long walking staff. Every manor-house had its Uruisg,
or brownie, and in the kitchen, close by the fire, was a seat which
was left unoccupied for him. The house of a proprietor on the banka
oifthe Tay is, even at this day, believed to nave been haunted by
this sprite, and a particular apartment therein has been for centuries
callea brownie's room. When irritated through neglect, or disre-
spectful treatment, he would not hesitate to become wantonly mis-
chievous. He was, notwithstanding, rather gainly and good-natured
than formidable. Though, on the whole, a lazy lounging hobgob-
lin, he would often bestir himself in behalf of those who understood
his humours, and suited themselves thereto. WTien in this mood,
he was known to perform many arduous exploits in the kitchen,
bam, and stable Cnec cemitur ulli), with marvellous precision and
rapidity. These kind turns were done without bribe, fee, or re-
ward, lor the offer of any of these would banish him for ever. Kind
treatment was all that he wished for, and it never failed to procure
his favour.
In the northern parts of Scotland^ the brownie's disposition waa

332 THB BTTMOLOGICAL COMPBVDIUM.

more merceiMury. Brand, in hk description c£ Zetland^ obsemei,
thnt ** not above forty cm: fiftv yean ago, almost every family had a
brownie, or evil spirit so called, which served them, to whiDh they
rnve a sacrifice for his service ; as when fliey chamed their wSEi,
any took a ^art thereof, and sprinkled every part of ^ honse with
it, tor brownies's ose ; likewise, when they Inewed, they had astoie,
ii^ch they called ^ brownie's stane," wherein there was a little hslp,
into which they ponred some wort for a sacrifice to bxiwnie.

** They also nad stacks of com, which they called ** brovaie^
stacks," which, thonrii they were not bound with straw, or waof wiy
fenced, as other stacks used to be, yet the greatest storm of wiud
was not able to blow any straw oflTthem^

^ The brownies seldom discoursed widi man, bat they, held fie-
qaent and affectionate converse with one another*

^'They had. their general assemblies too ; and on these occasioDf
they commonly selected for their rendezvons the rocky recMses of
smne remote torrent, whence their load voices,* min^Iiog with the
water's roar, carried to the ears of wondering superstition, detached
parts of their unearthly coUoqaies."

SPITTING!

Spitting, according to Pliny, was snperstitiously observed in aveft-
ix^ witchcraft, and in giving a shrewder blow to an enemy. Hence
seems to be derived the custom our brnizers have of Spitting in their
hands, before they begin their fight. Several other vestiges of the
superstition relative to fasting Spittle ( Fcucinationes stdiva jejuna
rmelle veteri superstitume creditum est. Alex. aJt Alex. J menUon-
ed also in Pliny, may yet be traced among our vulgar. Boys have
a custom jftft^er sej of spitting their faith when required to make
asseverations in a matter of consequence. In comoinations of the
colliers, Sec. in the north, for the purpose of raising their wi^s, they
are said to spit upon a stone together, by way of cementmg their
confederacy. We have, too, a kind of popular saying, when per-
sons are of the same party, or agree in sentiments, ^ they egit on
the same stone.**

THE HOUSE LEEK,

Was also common in witchcra{]t, and it is usual even now, in the
north of England, to plant it upon the top of cottage houses. The
learned author of Viuffar Errors^ informs us, that it was an ancient
superstition, and this herb was planted on the tops of houses, as a
defensative against lightning and thunder. — Quincunx, 136.

CITRON.

'* Nor be the citron. Media's boast, unsung.
Though harsh its juice, and lingering^ on the tongue.
When the drug'd bowl, 'mid witching curses brew'd.
Wastes the pale youth by stepdanie bate pursued.
Its powerful aid unbinds the muttered spell.
And frees the victim from the draught of Hell.*'

Sothebifs VirgWs Georgics.

The j nice of the citron was used by the ancients as an antidote
to, and against poison : hence it became esteemed as a preveittive
to the eflfects ot witchcraft ; at least, when the bewitched party were
Supposed to have imbibed poison, or any deleterious drug, through
the agency of witches.

In our day the juice of the citron is used in chemistry, and is call-
ed Citric Acid.

THS ETTMOLOGICAL COMPBMDipif. 333

WATER ORDEAL.

It was formerly a cattom in seTeral countries to weifh thofee that
were •nspected (tf magpie, U being generally imagined mat sorcerers
were specifically lighter than other men. This w«s the (vigin of the
practice of throwing the accused person into water ; when, if his
oody floated upon the surface, he was convicted of witchcraft and
burnt, but if it sunk to the bottom he was acquitted.* M. Ameilhon
has pnli^shed a curious paper in the 37th toI. of the Memoirs of the
Roy^ Academy, on this particular subject, in which he endeavours
to show the probability that some of these miserable persons did ac-
tually float on the water. He states, that among tne multitude of
pers<Mis subject to hysteria, and other similar complaints, there are
several who cannot sink in the water ; and hence ne concludes that
the pretended magicians and sorcerers who floated when tried by
the water ordeal, were persons deeply affected with nervous dis-
OTders. Pomme, the celebrated French physician, in his Traits ^s
Affections Vapoureuses, supports the same opinion.

DISSECTION.

It is said that Democritins, a philosopher of Abdera, while dis-
secting a brute, was surprised in the act by Hippocrates, who ex-
pressed himself greatly astonished that his friend could be guilty <^
so base an nction, as it was considered nothing less than a contempt
of the works of the Deity. Hippocrates added, that it was tbrtonate
no other person witnessed his impiety. This is said to be the first
dissection on record.

CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD.

The celebrated Harvey, in the year 1628, published his discoveiy
of the circulation of the blood, which was of the most importance to
physic of any that was ever made, and acquired him an immortal
name. Nevertheless there are others who contend for the glory of
this important discovery. Leonicenns says, that Fran. Paoli Sarpi^
a Venetian, discovered the circulation, bat durst not publish his cus-
covery for fear of the inqoisition ; that he therefore only communi-
cated the secret to Fab. ab Aquapendente, who. after his death, de-
posited the book he had composed on it in the library of St. Mark,
where it lay a long time, till Aquapendente discovered the secret to
Harvey, who then studied under him at Padua, and who, upon his
return to Enc^Iand, a land of liberty, published it as his own But
Sir George £nt has shewn, that Father Paul received the first no-
tion of the circulation of the blood from Harvey's book on that sub-
ject, which was carried to Venice by the ambassador of the republic
at the court of England. As a benefactor of mankind, he is, as
Hume proceeds, ** entitled to the glory of having made, by reason-
ing alone, without any mixture of accident, a capital discovery in
one of the most important branches of science. He had also the
happiness of establishing at once this theory on the most solid and
convincing proofs ; and posterity has addedf little to the arguments
suggested by his industry and ingenuity. His treatise of the circu-
lation of the blood is farther embellished by that warmth and spirit
which so naturally accompany the genius of invention. This great

• See Dead Sea.

334 ^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

man was much faTonred by Charles I., who gave him the libeity of
anng^ all the deer in the royal foresta for perfectinjg^ his discoveries
CD the generation of animals. It was remarked, that no phytician
in Europe, who had reached forty years of age, ever, to me end of
his life, adopted Harvey's doctrine of the circcdation of the blood,
and that his practice in London diminished extremely, finom the rt-
proach drawn upon him by that great and signal discovery. So
slow is the progress of troth in every science, even when not op-
posed by factioas or snperstitioas prejudices." He died in 166/,
aged 79. As to the velocity of the circulating blood, and the thne
wherein the circulation is completed, several compntaiions have
been made. By Dr. Keil's account, tne blood is driven ont of tiie
heart into the aorta with a velocity which would carry it twenty>five
feet in a minute ; but this velocity is continually abated in the pro-
gress of the blood, in the numerous sections or branches of the ar-
teries, so that before it arrive at the extremities of the body, its mo*
tion is infinitely diminished. The space of time wherein the wh(Je
mass of blood ordinarily circulates, is variously determined ; some
state it thus, supposing the heart to make two thousand pnlses in an
honr, and that at every pulse there is expelled an ounce of blood, as
the whole mass of blood is not ordinarily computed to exceed 34
poands, it must be circulated seven or eight times over in the apace
of an hour. The quantity of blood taken in the heart, and expelled
therefrom into arteries, by successive pulsations, in the coarse of 34
hoars, has been lately estimated by Dr. Kidd at 24i hogsheads in an
ordinary man, and 8000 hogsheads in a lar^ whale. So that the
whole mass of blood, in such a man, reckoning at 65 pints, passes
288 times through his heart daily, or once in five minutes, by 375
pulsations, each expelling about li oz. of blood, or about three table
spoonsful in a minute.

CRANIOLOGY, Ac.

The origin of this art is attributed by an author, who has lately
published a dissertation upon the subject, to one John Rohan de
Retham, who published a tract thereon, in the year 1600. That the
modern discovery is about 300 years too late, is, he tells os, evident
from this tract. The terms in both are the same, generally ending
in iva. The local seats of the mind are as determinately indicated
in each. The ancient German speaks of the 'cellula imaginatifM,
ceUvla comfpunvt sensits, ceUula estimativa, seu cogitativa, et ra-
tvmaliSy cellula memorativa, &c. The fable is, therefore, as obso-
lete as it is absurd ; and presents but the " organic remains^ of a
craniology exploded more than 300 years ago.

Donna Olivia Sabuco de Nantes, a native of Alcarez, possessed
an enlightened mind. She had a knowledge of physical science,
medicine, morals, and politics, as her writings aoundantly testify.
But what contributed the most to render her illustrious, was her new
physiological system, which was contrary to the notions of tiie an-
cients. She established the opinion, that it is not the blood which
nourishes the human body. This system which Spain did not at first
appreciate, was warmly embraced in England, and we now receive,
says the Spanish writer, from the hands of strangers as their iovea-
tion, what was, strictiy speaking, our own. Fatel genius of Spain !
before any thing to which thou givest birth can be deemed valuable,
it must be transferred to strangers. It appears that this great woman
assigned the brain as the only dwelling for a human aonl ; in this

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 335

opinion Descartes aflerwards coincided, with this difference only,
that she conceived the whole sabstance of the brain to be the abode
of the sooL and he confined it to the pineal fi^Umd. The confidence
of Donna Olivia in her own opinions was so great, and her determi'
nation in vindicatinsf them so powerful, that, in her dedicatory letter
to the Count de Barajas, President of Castile, she entreated him to
exercise all his aathority among the learned naturalists and medical
men in Spain, to convince them that their heresies were inaccorate,
and she could prove it She flourished in the reign of Philip 3d.

VENEREAL DISEASE.

This calamitous disease was brought into Enrope in the first T07-
age of Columbas,* and broke out in the French army in Naples,
1494 ; whence the French term mal de Naples : in the Netherlands
and England, it obtained the appellation of mal de France ; in the
latter country, it is said to have been known so early as the 12th
century ; about the same period too^ at Florence, one of the Medici
family died of it

ST. VITUS'S DANCE.

It is related, that after St. Vitus and his companions were mar-
tyredj their heads were enclosed in a church wall, and forgotten ; so
that no one knew where they were, until the church was repaired,
when the heads were found, and the church bells began to sound
of themselves, and those who were there to dance^ and their bodies to
undergo strange contortions, and which circumstance has since sup-
plied a name to a disorder peculiar to the human frame, known oy
" St Vitus's Dance.*'

SMALL POX.

The first who introduced innoculation into Europe was Immanuel
Timonis, a Greek physician at Constantinople, who voluntarily coni~
mnnicated the art to the universities of Qxtord and Padua, of which
he was a member.

VACCINATION.

To the discovery of this great blessing we are indebted to the late
Dr. Francis Jenner, of the city of (Moucester, to whom a monument
\a erected in St Paul's Cathedral.

GREY HAIR.

The Medical Adviser states — ^ Some hypotheticals, among whom
is a modem periodical, confidently assert, that the cause of Orey
Hair ia a contraction of the skin about the roots of it, and from this
cause suppose that polar animals become white ; the cold operating
as a contracting power. If this argument were true, we should be
all grey if we happened to be exposed to a hard firost ! There are
fewer grey people in Russia than in Italy or Arabia ; for the Rus-
sians having more generally light-coloured hair, do not so often or
so soon feefthe effects of the grizzly fiend as those whose hair is
black or dark. Cold, therefore, is nonsense ; it assuredly^ cannot be
contraction at the roots of the hairs. Has not the hair of individuals
labouring under certain passions become grey in one night ? Were

• See Colombia.

396 I'HB BTYMOLOGICAI* COMMiNDIUll.

tlieie mffi^ring from cold ? rather^ wera tbey not bnrniDg witibi inte^
Bal feeling? Sudden fright has caosed the hidr to tma grey; bit
tbis» ai well as anv other remote caaae, can be freed froai the idui
of operating by cold or contraction.

Oar opinion is, that the vis vitae is lessened in the extreme iimi-
fications of those almost imperceptible vessels destined to sooply tiie
hair with colooring flnid. The vessels which secrete this flaia ceases
to act, or else the absorbent vessels take it away faster than it is
funrished. This reason will bear aigoment; for grief, debilky)
fright, fever, and age, all have the effect of lessening the power (^
the extreme vessels. It may be said in aignment against thb opi-
num, tliat if the body be again invigorated, uie vessels onght, accord-
ing to our reasoning, to secrete again the colouring flnid ; bnt to this
we say, that the vessels which secrete this fldd are so very minotr,
that upon their ceasing their functions they become obliterated, and
nothing can ever restore them."

LIVER COMPLAINTS IN INDIA.

Most people^ says the Medical Adviser, suppose that it is the heat
of the cUmate in the East Indies that produces so msiny liver com-
plaints : this is not alone the cause ; the Brazils are much hotter,
yet these diseases are not by any means so frequent. It is also sup-
posed that free-living is the cause, but is rettited by the fact, that
mere water-drinkers will be affected^in common with wine-bibbers,
and dogs that go from Europe to India will, in the sniiie profnsioD
of numbers, as men, contract a disease of the liver. The opinion of
the natives is, that this formidable complarnt is occasionea bj the
quality of the water, and with this opinion we acrrf e. People goine:
to India should look to this point ; tney should boil the water which
is for drink, and then filter it.

ANATOMICAL WAX FIGURES.

Madamoiselle de Beheron, the daughter of a Parisian sniveoa,
was the first who invented Anatomical Fij^ures of W&x and Kags.
She modelled her imitations upon corpses, and they were executed
with such perfection, that Sis William Pringle,on seeing them, said,
" they wanted nothing but the smell.*'

WARTS, AND A RECIPE FOR THEIR CURE.

Warts are sometimes the effect of a particular fault in the blood,
which feeds and extrudes a surprising quantity of them. This hap-
pens to some children, from four to ten years old, and especially to
those who feed most plentifrilly on milk, or milk meats. They may
be removed by a moderate change in their diet, and pills made of
equal parts of rhubarb and compound extract of colocjmth. But
tiiey are more frequently an accidentally disorder of the skin, arising
from some external cause. In this last case, if they are very tronble-
some in consequence of their great size, their situation, or their long
standing, they may be destroyed. ]. By tying them closely with a
silk, thread, or witn a strong flaxen one waxed. 2. By cutting them
off with a sharp scissors, and applying a plaister of a diachylon with
the gum over me cut wart, which brings on a small suppuration, that
may dissolve or destroy the root of the wart. 3. By drying, or, as
it were,%ithering them up by some moderately corroding applica- '

THE BTYMOIaOGICAL COBIPBNDIUll.

3S7

tioM, mwh M that as the milky pieces of pimlain, of fig lcat«s, of
swallow wort, or of sparge.

Bnt, besides, them corroding vegetable milks bein^ procnraU*:
only in sammer, people who have very delicate thin skins, should
not make use of them, as they may occasion a considerable and
paiirfal swelling. Strong vinegar, charged with as mach common
salt aa it will dissolve, is a very proper application to them. A gal-
bannn and sal ammoniac, which being kneaded up well together and
applied, seldom fails of destroying them. ^ Tlie most powerful carro-
sivea riioald never be need widiout the direction of a snrgeon, and
even then- it is f«U as pradent not to meddle with them, any more
than with actnal cauteries. We have lately seen some very tedions
and troublesome disorders and ulcerations of the kidneys ensue the
application of a corrosive water, by the advice of a quack. Cutting
them away is a more certain, a less painful,, and a less dangerouis
way of removing them.

CASARIAN OPERATION.

Macbeth, Thoa losest labour ;
As easy may'st thou the intrenchant air
With thy keen sword impress, as make me bleed;
liet fall thy blade on vulnerable crests ;
I bear a charmed life, which must Aot yield
To one of woman bom.

Macduff, Despair thy charm ;
And let the angel, whom thou still hast serv'd.
Tell thee, Macduff was firom his mother'-s womb .
Untimely ripp'd !

The Caesarian operation, is of ancient date, but received its pre*
sent iq>pellation from having been performed' on the mother of Jmina
Cesar. From its vast importance as regards the life of both mother
and cldld, but more particularly the former, as the latter cannot be
but of secondary consideration, both as regards its real value to so-
ciety, and the doubtfulness of its positive vitality, so as to secure its
permanency, — it is generally sni)erceded by one of another kind,
which has for its object the positive salvation of the mother, at the
expense of the child's life, called Embriotomy.

The CsBsarian operation, however, is sometimes without scruple,
or hesitation, had recourse to, for instance, when the mother, whose
gestation is so far advanced, as to calculate upon the child being
capable of permanent animation, and whose death has been sud-
denly occasioned without previous disease, and where surgical at«
tendance is immediately at hand.

LAW ON ANATOMY.

It is said, that the earliest law enacted in any country, for the
promotion of anatomical knowledge, was passed in 1540. It allow-
ed the United Company of " Barber-SurgeGns" to have yearly the
thidies of four criminals to dissect.

GOLDEN AGE.

The Oolden Age, which we often have heard of, is an allusion to
the sera when the then known world was under the dominion of a
single master ; and this state of felicity continued during the reign
•of five successive princes, viz- Nerva, Tngan, Adrian, and the two
Antonini. Mankind was never so happy, and it was the only

338 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

Golden Age which ever had an eziaience (unless in the wann ima-

£* lation of the poeta), from the expulsion from Eden down to this
J.

EPOCHS AND JERAS,

Tenna which constantly recur in history, and the elncidation of
which belongs to the provuce of chronology. An epoch is a certam
point, generally detennined by some remarkable event, from which
ome is reckoned ; and the years computed from that period are de-
nominated an ^ra. The birth of Christ is considered an Epoch—
the years reckoned from that event are called the Christian .^Bra.

PROMETHEAN FIRE.

Prometheus was the son of Japetas, and brother of Atlas, con-
ceminff whom, the poets have feigned, that having first formed men
of earm and water, he stole fire from Heaven, to pot life into them ;
and that having thereby displeased Jupiter, he commanded Vnlcan
to tie him to Mount Caucasus with iron chains, and that a vulture
should prey upon his liver continually ; but the truth of the story is,
that Prometheus was an astrologer, and constant in observing the
stars upon that mountain, and that, among other things, he discover-
ed the art of making fire, either by the means of ajftfit, or hj con^
iracting the sun-beanu in a glass* Bochart will have Magog in the
Scripture, to be the Prometheus of the Pagans. From tne above
came the term *^ Promethean Fire^" He was the author of all the
arts among the Greeks. He lived 1715 B. C.

STENTORIAN LUNGS.

When any one declaims with a stronger voice than usual we are
apt to say, he possesses ** Stentorian Lungs," or, he has a ^ Sten- *
torian Voice.** The term is derived from Stentor, an extraordinary
Grecian, who had as loud a voice (according to Heatiien Mythology)
as fifry men.

AUGEAN STABLE.

Augeas, a King of Elis, had a stable, which would hold three
thousand oxen, and had not been cleansed for thirty years. He
hired Hercules to clean it, which he did by turning the river Al-
pheus through it. Hence is derived the classical quotation (^ ^ the
Augean Stable."

GORDIAN KNOT.

Hiis term, also used by classical speakers, is derived from Gor-
dius, the son of a husbandman, and aUerwardip King of Phrygia, re-
markable for tying a Knot of Cords, on which the empire of Asia
depended, in so intricate a manner, that Alexander, unable to unra-
vel, cut it with a sword.

THE PALLADIUM.

This term so often used in oratory ; for instance, ** The Palladium
of our Liberties," is derived from a wooden image of Pallas, called
Palladium, whose eyes seemed to move. The TVojans affirmed, that
it fell from Heaven, into an uncovered temple ; thej were told by
the oracle, that Troy could not be taken while that image remained
there, which being understood by Dyomedes and Ulysses, they stole
into the Temple, surprised and slew the keepers, and carried away
the image ; the destruction of the city soon tollowed.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 339

PARNASSIAN SPRING.

((

Drink deep, or not at all."

^lie Parnassian, or Gastalian Spring, a term well known to the
lovers ofpoetry, is derived from a nymph, called Castalia, who re-
«ided in Farnassas, and whom Apollo metamorphosed into a foun-
tain ; and those who drank <^the waters were inspired with the Ge-
nius of Poetry.

SONS OF BSCULAPIUS.

** Throw Physic to the Do^s!
1*11 none un*t.** Shakspeare,

This term, or cognomen, as api)]ied to medical men, is derived
from the Heathen Mythology, which informs as, that ** ^sculapios
was a son of Apollo, and the nymph Coronis ; and that the care of
his edacation -was committed to Chiron, who taught him Physic, ,
wherein he was said to be exceedingly dulfol.''

ANACREON MOORE.

This name, by which onr delightfal lyric poet (Moore) is denomi-
nated, or rather distingaished, is derived from ** Anacreon, a famous
lyric poet in times of yore^" and was given to oars as 4 comfdiment
to -his genins.

SECTION XVII.

ETYMONS OF SEVERAL WORDS AND TERM&

I-
\

ADORE.

Is derived from adorare, ajad this from ado8,B. respectful mode of
aadatation, by carrying the hand to the mouth. -

ALLODIAL. I

Allodial, or free lands, is derived from odhtdt implying freeholds
in NonagT) the first being a transposition of the syllables of the latter ;
hence,^-odA, feodum, feudaly denoting stipendiary property,— a
fee being a stipend.

AMAZON.

The Amazons were a warlike women, and derived their name,
says Heathen Mythology, from the Amazon river in Asia, which
flowed through a territory they inhabited. They are said to have I

had bloody wars vn&i their neighboors; bat were at length ahnost |

destroyed by Hercules, \

340

THE BTYMOIiOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

ADIEU!

Adien, althongh admitted into the Enf^Iish vocabalary, is iiever>
theless a French word ; of course signifying, farewell: it is from
ad Deum U eonunendo, i. e. ^ I commend you to Gtod."

** An adiea should be heard in a sigh.
If the tongue pours not on the ear :
If uttered at all — on the lips it shoidd die.
If written— be quenched by a tear."

AIlilOATOR.

Our dictionaries snpply no materials towards the etymology of tlus
word, which was prcoably introduced into Ae language by some of
cor own early Toyagera, to the Spanish and -Portugiaese settlements
in the newly discovered world. They would hear the Spaniards
discoursing of the animal by the name of el lagaxto^ or, the lizard;
Lat lacerta; and on their return home, they would inform their
countrymen, that this sort of crocodile was called an alligator. It
would not be difficult to trace other corrupted words in a similar way.

AN6EL.

Angel in its primitive sense, signifies a messenger, and fre<^ntly

signifies men, when from the common notion of the term, it is con-

" ceived to denote ministering spirits. Angels, as celestial intelli-

fences, have been the objects of over'^mrious enquiry, and of worship.
*aul says, ^ let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary
humility, and the worshipping of angels, intruding into those things
he hath not seen." — Colossiaru il, 17.

. ARAB.

The Arabs trace their descent from Ishmael, the son of Abraham
and Hagar. These children of the tent, have always preserved their
ancient name, for the word Arab signifies a robber, and robbers the
Arabians- always were, and still remain so.

ARTICHOKE.

When this vegetable was first introdaced into this country by Mr.
John Calleron, he asked a party to dine, and giving one to a gentle-
man greatly skilled in the vegetable kingdom, to-eat, he began to
devour the leaves at the wrong end, which occasioned some of the
companv to laugh immoderately. The gentleman observing his mi*-
take, said, ^ well, 1 am happy as long as the error has occasioned a
hearty laugh." ** Yes," replied Mr. Calleron, " and e^d I think
also, it has been a hearty joke .'" Hence, it is said, this vegetable
received the name of Artichoke. ^

ALKALI.

This term, so often made use of by chemists, is of Arabian origio^
and is derived from kali, the name of a species of vegetable, from
which soda is generally extracted. If wp oelieve Albertus Magnos,
the word si^fies /a?a; amariiudinis. the dregs of bitteme^, the par-
ticle AL hayiog, as he says, been adaed bv the Arabs, with the design
of expressiog the superiority of the article obtained from that plant,
over tlie plant itself.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COBfPENDIUM. 341

BANTAMS.

The small fowl, designated by the name of Bantam, derives its
appellation from Bantaum, in the Isle of Java ; and was first intro-
duced into this country in 1683, when an embassy arrived in BngUmd
from thence.

BUMPER.

Bumper is a corruntiun of bon pere, good father, L e. the Pope,
whose nealth was always drank by the monks, after dinner, in a
Mi glass.

BEVERAGE.

** Drink, Stephano, His a good beverage.'*

This term, as applied to every-day potations, is derived fifon tiie
Italian, bevere, to orinL

BLOOD.

The word blood, is derived from the Saxon, blot The month of
November, was called by the Saxons, blot-mofuith, because in this
mouth, they killed great abundance of cattle for winter store ; or^
accorcUog to some, tor purposes of sacrifices to their deities.^

BEEVER, OR BEEVOR.
** He wore his Bevor up."

The term Beever, or Bevor, as worn by the knights of old, says
Dr. Meyrick, was so called in contra-distinction to the common
vizor, and is derived from the Italian bevere, to drink. The knights,
when thirsty, in the absence of a proper vessel, drank £rom their
Bevor.

BELLEROFHON.

« Britania's bulwarks, are her wooden walls.**

As this vessel, or ship of war, will have a place in history, as
being that which received ** Le Grand Nation's ** fallen emperor as
a prisoner, when he surrendered to the British nation ; it is thought,
the derivation of the name may not be unacceptable.

deilerophon, son of Glaucns and £nrymedes, had the misfortune
to kill his brother Pyrrhus as he was hunting, upon which, he took
refuge* with Proetas, king of A]nROs, whose wiie, Stenobia, made
him offers, which he rejected. She, stung with indifference, ac-
cused him to her husband, of attempting her chastity, on account of
which, he underwent numberiess misfortunes.

There is somewhat of an affecting coincidence between the my-
thological circumstance which ^ve a name to tiie ship, and the ex-
traordinarv man who became its inhabitant for a period; which
cannotifeil to strike the most indifferent reader ; and especially those
who were his ardent admirers.

BOH!

Fosbroke says, that this word, used to frighten children, was the
name of Boh, a great general^ the son of Ooui, whose ^"ery appellar
tion struck immediate panic in his enemies.

• <( I throw myself on the generosity of the British nation.*'

IVapoleoH's Letter to the Prince Jtegent»
q3

i
.1

' I

342 THE ETYMOLOGICAL COBfPENDItJM.

BOOK.

The inhabitante of Denmark employed wood for writittjr i£eiV
common letters, almanacks, and other things of minor importance*,
;and as the beech was the most plentifal in that coontry, and vatd
for that porpose. from the name oi that wood, in their laagiiage, bef^f
ttley, and all me northern nations have derived the name, book.
The Latin word liber has a shnilar origin.

BENEVOLENCE AND BENEPlCENCCf.

Benevolence and beneficence are ordinarily nsed as syncmynioafr;

a little attention, however, to the root, or rather roots, whence each

has its rise, will serve to show, that the difference is great, and that

it is highly improper'to place the one instead of the other. Beoe-

I Tolence is compoonded of bene volo, I wish well ; beneficence of bene

^ fado, I do well ; and if therefore, wishing well, and doing well, ait

t not one and the same act, the words benevolent and beneficent, are

expressive of two different and distinct actions, one of the mind, the

other of the body.

BAYONET.

The side arms nsed by infantnr, and called Bayonets, are thus de-
nominated, because they were first made at Bayonne, in France.

BOTHER.

** Don't bother me." or, do not annoy me at both eats ; hence the
conmpted word, bother.

CLOACINA.

, Cloacina was a goddess, whose image Tatias, a king of Ae Sa-
bines, found in the common shore, and he, on that called it, i. e. the
common shore, the ** Temple of Cloacina." ^, ^^

CYONET.

The term cygnet, as applied to yoang swans, is derived firoin
; CycnuSy or Cygnus. the son of Mars, slain by Hercules, also a king

\ ofthe Lignrians, wno bewailing the death of Phaeton, was meta-

morphosed into a swan.

CAROL.

j We have our " Christmas Carols ;** few, perhaps, know the deri-

[ vation of the word. Boame says, carol is derived firom cantare, to

j sing, and rola an inteijection of joy.

' CARAVAN.

In Cairo's crowded streets

The impatient merchant, wondering, waits in vain
Tlie Caravan, and Mecca saddens at the long delay.

»»

It is scarcely necessary to inform the reader, that a caravan in the
eastern world, signifies a namber of merchants travelling in com-
pany. This they do, in order to defend themselves against the Arab
rubers, which they could not do singly, or in small parties ; like-
wise, to render one another assistance, in passing the Great Desart
should they be overtaken by the overwnelming seas of sand ; as well
as to assist each other, in case of their beasts of burden being over-
come by fatigue and thirst. " ..^

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 343

The word Garayan is derived from Cairo and Van; or, a com-
pany from, or to Cairo. Van, i. e. forward in a body.* The whole
convoy, or caravan, have oftentimes been overwhelmed, and never
heard of more. A writer observes, when camels will no longer con^
tinne their jonrney throogh the desarts, all the efforts of their dis-
tressed owners prove but ineffectual to compel them ; for instinct
seems to inform those nseful animals when any extoiordhiary con-
vnlsion of nature is impending ; that it would be dangerous to proceed
on their course. When this is the case, the Arabs, in despair, im-
bibe large quantities of brandy and opium, the effecte of whiclK soon
prove fatal to them, and they expire in misery by the. side 01 their
Deasts.

If after travelling for several days with a scarcity of water, a ca-
ravan approaches a well within flie distance of a league or two, Uie
camels apprise their masters of the jo)rful circumstance, by stretching
cot their necks and opening wide their parched mouths to inhale the
welcome freshness ; for the atmosphere is usually so insufferably
overpowering, and the sands below, are of such a burning nature,
that the freshness of a neighbouring well inspires both man and beast
with greater exertions.

COLDSTREAM GUARDS.

Coldstream, a town of Scotland, in Berwickshire. Here general
Monk first raised the Coldstream Renment of Guards, with which
he marched into England to restore Charles 2nd. It is seated on
the Tweed, over which is a handsome bridge, 13 miles south-west
of Berwick.

COSSACK.

** And 'mong the Cossacks had been bred
Of whom we In diumals retid,**~-HutUbras,

Cossacks are a people that live near Poland: other tribes. of the
Russian empire are also so denominated. This name wa» given
them for their extraordinary nimbleness ; for Cosa, or Koaa, in the
Polish tongue, signifies a goat He that would know more of them,
may read ^ La Laboreur," and ^ Thuldenus."

COACH.

The word Coach is derived from the village of Kotzi, near Pres*
burg, in Hungary, where those vehicles were first made.

CRITIC.

The word critic is of Greek derivation, and implies judgment It
is presumed from the labours of modem critics, that some who have
not understood the original, and have seen the English translatioa
of the jprimitive, have concluded that it meant judgment in the legal
sense, in which it is frequently used as equivalent to condemnation,
A many of these might exclaim,

" Critiques I read on other men.
And Hypers upon them again ;
On twenty books I give opinion.
Yet what is strange — I ne'er look in one."

* We speak, and read of, the vnn-guard, or the forward-guard of a
regiment. We also apply the term Van to a vehicle conveying mer-
chandize. — Ed,

3|i| TBB BTmOLOIHCAL COMFfiNDIDM .

CAPUCHIN.

TIm iDoiiks of the order of Gapoohm, took tbeir tkle ir^
A cap tied nidorlfae chin— p€r cram et eUHonem^ e€p-^t<Mn.

CONSTELLATION.

mie tern cmutellatioD, as applied to tiie heavenly bodies^ is de^
m«d finoiB the Latin, cwi, togetiier, and steUa, a star.

CANDIDA'nB.

^ it was'Hie -cnstom, while the Roman republic subsisted in foH
vigour, for the candidates for high offices, to appear on the day of
election in long white robes ; intimating by this, mat their characters
likewiae ought to be pure and unsullied. Hence the origin of our
word candidate, from candidus, white, pure, sincere, aprigfat, &c.
In the Roman commonwealth, we are told, they were oluiged to
Wear a white gown, during the two years of their soliciting for a
place. Tlie garment, according to Plutarch, they wore without any
other clothes, that the people might not suspect they concealed mo-
ney for purchasing votes : and also, that they might more easily show
to the people the scavs-m those wounds they-had received in fighting
for the commonwealth. It was also unlawful to put up for any pub-
lic office, unless the candidate had attained a certain v^,

CORPS.

This term, as applied to a regiment of soldiers, is derived from the
French word corps — a body. To distingoi^, however, between a
live body of men, and the dead body of an individual, we add the
final e when applied to the latter.

DELF, OR DELFT.

f'ipes, iOes, bricks, and the common yellow earthenware, were
<mginally principally manufactured at Delft, in Holland, and which
oircuffistaace gave a name to all common ware of that description.

DBODAin>.

From Deo, God — dand, a forfeit. Dr. Johnson, or rather Cowley,
from whence the quotation is made, gives the following definition of
Deodand : ** a thing given, or foifeited to God, for the pacifying of
his wrath, in case of any misfortune, by which any Christian comes
to a violent end, without the iault of any reasonable creature.''
Blackstone's account is different, and more rational ; he refers it,
and very properly, to the humane superstition of our ancestors ; and
flie forfeited chattel was intended, as were also the garments of a
fliranger found dead, to purchase masses for the soul of him, who had
been snatched fromihe world by sudden death. Deodands at pre-
sent goio tiie king ; some to the lord of the manor.

ARUID.

Various opinions have been held respecting the origin of the word
Druid ; some have imagined it to come from the Celtic Deru', an oak.
Pliny supposes it to have been derived from the Qreek ApC;, which,
also^ signifies an ooki and were we to compare the deity of the
Druids, worshipped in the 4>aken forest of Anglesea, with Jupiter,
ihe4n<^^^Dity of &e Greeks, we might be led to conclude, that
the Druids borrowed their religion as well as their names from fHoif

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMnSNDIUM. 946

Greeks, dMI we Bot recollect that no 'Ghrecian colony erer came <•
Britain, and therefore, that to the fonner. the religion nnd langwys
oftfae latter, most have been unknown : others derive the word Drud
from the ancient British Tru-wis, or Trourwys, which may be ren-
dered wise m^n ; whilst others suppose it to have 1i«,orighi in tiie
SazflB^ Dru, a soothsayer. Vossius is, however, of (^nttMi, that it

18 derived from the Hebrew verb, tCW, to seek ont, or mqnire diK-
gentiy. Of all these various suppositions, I am most indtised til
adopt the last^ and there can hardly be a doubt, iWt this verb is 6m
root of the Saxon word Dt*u ; yet, as I may be mistaken in my idesh
on tiiis head, I shall be happy in having we error pointed ovUL^ Bind
the true derivation given ; for however unnecessary the tracing of
words to their origin may appear to Some, yet, t doubt not, there are
many who will^ agree, that it is both a j^roiHable and pleasing em-
ployment, particularly when we find, (as is mostly the case), thdt all
words maj, directly, or indirectly, be proved to originate in thrt hm*
goage which the Aunighty made use of, to declare his will to men.

ECHO.
** Sweet Echo, replies to the name."

The word echo, according to Heathen Mythology, Is derived from
Echo, the daughter of Aer and Terra. Juno, condenmed her to re-
peat nothing but the last word of those who asked her any questiwiy
becaiise she had offended her.

FINIS.

The word Finis, was first used at the termination of a book, in the
year J600 ; before that period it was marked with this character <,
called comts, and vriiich may be met with now, in the libraries of
antiquaries; nay, indeed, may occasionally be stumbled upon, amid
the heterogenous collection of a book stall.

GRENADIER.

It was the province of the grenadier company of a regiment, in
times past, to carry vpith them a kind of missile, which was used at
sieges, called a Grenade, which, when ignited, was thrown among,
or against the besieged ; hence originated the term Grenadier.

GINS.

The species of snares or engines, called Gins, and which are used
for ensnaring game, vermin, &c. derive their fqppellative firom a cor-
ruption of the word Engine.

GIPSEY.

This term, which is given to a race of itinerants, is derived firom
Egyptian ; or, in other words, a race of people fi*om Egypt. How
long since they first emigrated firom there, the ablest wnters have
merely conjectured. It is generally believed, however, that they

auitted E^pt when attacked by the Turks, in 1513. Germanv, is
^e most iamed for them ; they have their own laws, rules, ana re-
gulations of society ; and although generally considered and treated
as vagabonds, yet, as a witty writer observes, ^ there is only this
difference between them and us ; their people rob our people, and
our people rob one another."

GENTLEMAN.

Chamberlayne says, that in strictness, a gentleman is one whose
ancestors have been freemeo, and have owed obedience to none but

$46 ^I'BB ETYMOLOGICAL COBfPENDIUM*

their jMrince ; on which footing, no man can be a geuUeman, bitt one
who IS bora sach. But among us, the term gentleman is applic^le
to all above yeomen ; so that noblemen may properly be called gen-

{ tlemen.

4 In our statutes, fcenHUi hoiMfVma adjudged a good addition for

a gentleman ; 27 Edward 3d. The addition of knight is very an-

i cient, but that of esquire, or gentleman, was rare before Ist Henry 5tb«

' Sir Thomas Smith, who wrote in the time of Edward 6th, on the

dignity and titles, says, ^ as for gentlemen, they be made good chatp
in this kingdom, for whosoever studieth the laws of the realm, who

I ttodies in the Universities, who possesses the liberal sciences, and,

to be sh<Mrt, who can live idly and without manaal laboor, and will

} bear the port, charge, and countenance of a gentleman, he shall be

year 1642, is the

^ , , whoever studieth

in the I^versities, who professeth the liberal sciences, and, to be

) short, who can live idly and without manual labour, and will bear

** the port, chaise, and countenance of a gentleman, he shall be called

master : for tms is the title that men give to 'squires and other gen-
tlemen. For, true it is with us, as one said, ^ait^t eris aliis quamti
HMJueris: and, if need be, a king of heralds shall for monev, give
him arms newly made and invented, with the crest and all ; the title
whereof, shall ftretend to have been found by the said herald in pe-

I rasing and viewing of old registers, where his ancestors in time past
had been recorded to bear the same ; or, if he will do it more traly,

t and of better faith, he will write, that former merits of, and certam
qualifications that he doth see in him, and for sundry noble acts

i which he hath performed, he, by the authority which he hath, asked

of the heralds m his province ; and of arms, give unto him and his

J- heirs these, and these heroical bearings in arms.**

GAZETTE.

Newspapers were of Italian origin, and were called Gazettas,
from Gazen^as, L e. Magpies or Chatterers ; and from whence came
the term Gazette, a name given to a publication, ^idiose columns
give authenticity and authority to all that appears therein.

GUINEA.

During the reign of Charles 2nd, when Sir Robert Holmes, of the
Isle of Wight, brought gold dust from the Coast of Guinea, that piece
of money, so highly favoured, and so long in circulation, first re-
ceived its name in this country.

GEHO!

; A learned friend of Mr. Brand's, says, ^ the exclamation Geho,

which carmen use to their horses, is probably of great antiquity. It
is not peculiar to this conntrv, as I have heard it used in France.
In the story of the milk maia who had kicked down her pail, and
with it all her hopes of getting rich, as related in a very ancient col-
1 lection of apologues, entitled " Dialogns Creaturanem," printed at

$ Gouda, in 1480, is the following passage : ^ Et cum sic gmriaretar,

et cogitaret cum quanta gloria duceretur ad ilium viram super equum
dicendo gio, gio, cepit pede percutere terram qua si pungeret equum
calcaribus,

HOCUS-POCUS.

' Hocus-Pocus is derived from hoc est corpus, the form of conse-

' crating the sacramental bread in the Romish church.

THE ETYMOLOGICAIi COMPENDIUM. 347

HURLY-BURLY.

Harly-barly is said to owe its origin to Horleigh and Barleigh,
two neighbouring families, that filled the country around them with
contest and violence.

HOST.

This term, used in the Roman Catholic Church, is derived from
the Latin word, Hostia, meaning a victim. It is a consecrated
wafer, of a circular form, composed of flour and water.

HAGGIS.

The savoury haggis (from hag, to chop,) is a dish commonly made
in Scotland, in a sheep's maw, of its lungs, heart, and liver, mixed
writh suet, onions, salt, and pepper ; or of oatmeal mixed with the
latter, without any animal food.

HONOUR.

** •^— — Honour's but a word
To swear by only in a lord
lu other men 'tis but a huff,
To vapour with instead of proof.
That like a wen, loolis big and swells.
Is senseless, aud just nothing else.*'

HONESTY.

*' Diego, Mungo, can you be honest ?
Mungo, Vat you give me; Massa ?''

The term honesty, is derived from Honestus, a Grecian slave,
whose integrity was such, that although liberty, and an immensity of
^old awaited him, would he but betray a secret he possessed, re-
fused so to do ; alledging, that liberty and gold, were of little value
to him who had lost selfesteem.

Honesty, however, is a very different matter now :

" O monstrous world !
Take note, take note, O world *
To be direct and honest, is not safe." — Othello,

HUSTING.

The term Hnsting. or Hustings, as applied to the scaffold erected
at elections, from which candidates address the electors, is derived
from the Court of Husting, of Saxon origin, and the most ancient in
the kingdom. Its name is a compound of hus and ding ; the former,
implying a house, and the latter a thing, cause, suit, or plea ; whereby
'tis manifest, that Hosding imports a house or hall, wherein causes
are heard and determined ; which is further evinced by the Saxon
dingere, or thingere, an advocate, or lawyer.

HERMAPHRODITE.

" One of the marvellous works of nature."

This term, as applied to one, partaking of the nature of the two
sexes, is derived from Hermaphroditus, the son of Hermes and
Venus. The nymph Salmacis fell in love with him, and begged of
the gods, that their bodies might be always united and make but one.

HAVERSACK.

Cobbett says : '* a soldier's haversack means a thing to put havings
into. It is made up of two French words, avoir and sac. Avoir,
means, to have ; when used as a noon, it means property, goods.

348 'I'HB ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM.

things possessed^ or havings ; and when a soldier has once got any
thing into this sack^ be it lamb, or fowl, or goose, the having is very
safe I assure yon !**

HAMMOCK.

The natives of Brazil nsed to sleep in nets composed of the rind
of the Uamack Tree, suspended between poles, fixed tight in the
ground. Hence the Sailor's Hammock denved its name.

JUSTICE.

This word is derived from JustitiOf the daughter of Jupiter and
Astrea. She is represented in the figure of a yonng virgin, holding
in one hand a balance, and in the otner a naked sword. She was
also, says Heathen Mythology, called Themis.

JikNISSART.

As the Mamelukes are the militia of the Ei^yptian Pachas, so the
Jannissariesare the militia of the more immediate empire of Turkey ;
and although the Saltans of the Turks are more powerful than the
Pachas, yet the Jannisaries have ever exercised over them a great
controul.

Another writer says, the recent insurrection and subsequent sup-
IHression of the corps of Jannissaries, whose name hereaner is by
proclamation devoted to execration,* in the Turkish dominions, had
their rise in the time of Amurath I., who made a successful irruption
into the provinces on the Danube, and he was there advised to in-
corporate tile body of his youtfafnl captives into his army, instead of
loociDg fiir new recruits to the original seat of his tribe. The advice
was f(Nlowed, says Gibbon, the edict was proclaimed, many thoo-
sands of the European captives were educated in religion and arms,
and the militia was consecrated, and named by a ceiel^rated der-
vish. Standing in front of their ranks, he stretched the sleeve of
his gown over (he head of the foremost soldier, and his blessing was
delivered in these words : ^* let them be called Jannissaries, ( Yeni-
askeri, or new soldiers ;) may their conntenance be ever light; their
hand victorious ; their sword keen. May their spears always hang
over the heads of their enemies, and wheresoever they go may they
retarn with a white face.'' Such, adds the historian, was the origin
of those haughty troops ; the terror of the nation, and scnnetimes of
tiie sultans themselves. For 200 years, namely, firom the end of the
14th to that of the 16th century, the force thus obtained by incoroo-
rating in the Mussulman army the fifth of Christian captive yootos,
and the tenth of the youths of the conquered villa^s, with the slaves
of the sultan, composed the flower of the Turkish armies; and so
long as the first sultans ruled their nation firom the heart of their
camps, and declared their decrees from the Imperial Stirrup, their
obedience was secured, and there never was a fitter instrument of
war and conquests. ^ Of their subsequent debasement and dispersion
we are sufficiently infcMrmed.

KLOCKE, i. e. CLOCK, OR DELL.

Baron Holberg says, he was in compariy of men of letters, when
several conjectures were offered concerning the origin of the word
campana, a klocke, (i. e. bell) in the northern tongues. On his re-
turn home, he consulted several writers. Some, he says, think the
word klocke to be of the northern etymology ; these words, ut chca
habeatur in ecclesin, occurring in the most ancient histories of ti^e
north. It appears from hence, that in the infancy of Christfaoity,

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 349

the word cloea was used in the north instead afcampana, CeitBin
French writers derive the word cloca from clochCj and this agftin
from docker, i. e. to limp ; for, say they^ as a person who limps,
falls from one side to the other, so do klocks (bells) when ronr.
Some bave recourse to the Latin word clangor, others to the OreelL
xctKsu, I call ; some even deduce it from the word cochlea, a snail,
from the resemblance of its shell to a bell. As to the Latin ^ord
campana, it was first used in Italy, at Nola, in Campania ; and it
appears, that the greater bells only were called campana, and the
lesser nolo.

The invention of them is generally attributed to bishop Paulinas ;
but this certainly must be understood only of the religions use of
tiiem ; it being plain, from Roman writers, that they had the like
machines, called tintinnabula,

KEEL*

This term, as applied to vessels, is derived from ceol, a term for
ships among the Anglo-Saxons. Another writer says, we fetch the
(H^gin of the word keel, from the keles of the Greeks, and the celox
of the Romans ; a small swifl jailing vessel.

LIVERYMEN.

Upon the demise of Canute, a witena gemote, or convention of
wise men, was held at Oxford: where earl Leofric, and roost of the
Thanes on the north side of the river Thames, vrith the Lidymen of
London, chose Harold, king. Lidymen, is by the translator of the
Saxon annals, rendered nattuBt i. e. mariners. This translation
seems very inconsistent with the honoar of the city, to choose one of
its fraternities to represent it on so solemn an occasion ; but as 1 take
Lidymen, (says Maitland) to mean Pilots, which the directors, or
governors of cities may not improperly be called, 1 am of opinion,
that the city representatives at Oxford, were the magistrates, and
not the mariners of JiOndon. Be that as it will, it suffices to show,
that this city then was of such distinction, grandeur, and power, that
no national affair of importance was transacted without its consent ;
for in this case, the Saxon annals are very plain, that none else were
admitted into this electoral convention, but the nobility, and the
Lidymen, or Liverymen, of London.

LIB&^IRY.

Library, is derived from liber, which signifies the inner bark of
trees, of which the Egyptians made their records,

LULLABY.

Lullaby, orL'Elaby, from a supposed fairy, called EIlabyGathon,
whom nurses invited t6 watch the sleeping babes, that tney might
not be changed for others. Hence changeling, or infant changed,

LADY.

It was at first leafdian, from leaf^ or /q/", which signifies a loaf of
bread, and dian, to serve. It was afterwards corrupted to Iqfdy,
and at length to lady. So that it appears, the original meaning of
the term implies, one who distributes bread. The true lady is one
who feeds the poor, and relieves their indigence.

LAMB'S WOOL.

This constant ingredient of a merry-making, on Holy !Bve, espe-
cially in Ireland, and which is a preparation of roasted apples and '
ale, is thus etymologized by Valiancy : ^ the first day of November

350 'PHK BTTMOLOGICAL COMPBVDIUM.

was dedicated to the angel presiding over frnits and seeds, &c. and
vras therefore named La Mas Ubhal, i. e. the day of apple fruit, and
being pronoanced ktmasool, the English have cormpted the name to
lamb's wool,

LOVE!

** Oh ! what was love made for, if *tis not the same.
Thro* joy and thro* torments, thro* glory and shame ?
I know not, I ask not, if gui!t*s in that heart;
I but know that I love thee, whatever thou art !"

The philosopher, in asking himself the question, what is love,
solves it by asking another anestion, what is an animal, or what is
man ? Looking at mankina, he finds them of two sexes, male and
female, varying but little as to external form, or internal character.
He finds that they possess the same passions, have the same desires,
live by the same means, and with the difference of the fenmle being
the body qualified to " increase and multiply" the species, he sees
them in almost every respect alike.

But still, what is love r It is simply this, an unitv of mental and
physical desire for an object, whom we hope, and tuink, possesses
a reciprocal identity : a passion which, however, may approach to
satiety as regards its physical concomitants, in the same ratio, in-
creases, as regards (where reciprocity exists) its mental attachments.

MINSTER.

This term, as applied to our cathedrals, such as West Minster,

York Minster, Lincoln Minster, is a cormptibn from Monastery,

. these buildings in earlier times having monaaleries attachedto them.

MAUSOLEUM.

The term Mausoleum, as applied to the sepulchre* ef the great, is
derived from the following :

Mausolus, a king of Garia, who, after the death of his wife, Arte-
mesia, erected so superb a monument to her memory, that it was
admitted to be one of the seven wonders of the world, and was
called the Mausoleum.

MATRIMONY.

** O Matrimony I thou art like
To Jeremiah's figs—
The good, are very good indeed.
The bad— too sour for pigs ! !'»

It was formerly wedlock, when man took his wife for a help mate ;
but when settlements became the leading feature, the state tnen de-
generated into a matter of money, and which term has entailed upon
us the less expressive one of Matrimony.

MAMELUKK.

" *Tis sung, there is a Mammaluke
In foreig^n land, 'yclep'd— — — ."

The militia of the sultans of Egypt, are called Mamelukes. The
term signifies a servant, slave, or soldier ; they were commonly cap-
tives, taken from among the Christians, and instructed in military
discipline, and were not allowed to marry. Their power was great,
for, besides that the sultans were chosen out of their body, they dis-
posed of the most important offices of the kingdom ; they were for-
midable about 200 years, till at last Selim, sultan of the Turks,
routed them, and killed their sultan near Aleppo, 1516, and so put
an end to the empire of the Mamalukes, which lasted ^X7 years.

«(

*rtlE E!TYM0L06ICAL COMPENDtUM. 261

MAN.

How poor, how rich, how algect, how august.
How complicated, how wonderful is man.**

This appellation given to the male sex, to distinguish them from
the female, is derived from the Saxon word mang — signifying
among. It is somewhat difficalt, in giving the etymon of some
Words, terms, or appellations^ to manifest the reason for the ex-
pression used ; among others is that of the Saxon term mang. Most
writers agree^ however, that it was nsed by onr ancestors as the
distingaishing appellative from the other set. The rest is left to
conjecture. It has been suggested, that the human being was thus
denominated by them, because among the rest of the creation he
was the only one created in the likeness of his Creator ; this, how-
ever, is after all, a little far-fetched, and it is imagined we must be
satisfied with a denomination which use and harmony have rendered
alike familiar, without prying too minutely into its uncertain origin.

NEWS.

From North, East, West, and South, the solution's made.
Each Quarter gives account of War and Trade.

PANIC.

It sometimes happened with the ancient Greeks, well disciplined
and brave as their armies are, that a bpdv of troops, without any at-
tack being made or threatened, would take upon themselves to dis-
perse and fly for their lives, leaving their camps and baggage, throw-
ing away their arms, running over hill and dale for days and nights
together, till their legs and their fright wore out together. As they
were philosophers enough to know, that there would be no act ^th-
out a motive, they excused themselves on these occasions by saying,
that the god Pan, a shaggy and venerable person, with goats' feet,
had appeared to them, and that it consequently became them, as

g'ous persons, to do their utmost to break their necks in a fright,
ence the phrase, " Panic Terror.'' Whether the god Pan ap-
peared in the city of London, a short time ago, is not known, but it
would be extremely difficult, for many who were affected by terror,
to find a better cause.

PORCELAIN.

Whitaker, in his account of the course of Hanibal over the Alps,
says, that the term Porcelain comes from Puslain, which has a purple
coloured flower, like to the ancient China, which was always of that
colour. — ^Vol. I. 8vo. 1794, page 55.

PARSON.

Selden says, though we write Parson diflerently, it is but Person ;
i. e. the individual person set apart for the service of such a church ;
and it is in Latin persona, — and personatus is personage.

PERJURY.

** And there is no London Jury, but are led
III Evidence, as far by common fame
As they are by present deposition.**

The word Perjury is derived from perjurii, — false sworn. It is
defined by Sir Edward Coke, to be ^ a crime committed when a
lawful oath is administered, in some judicial proceedings, to a per-
son who swears wilfully^ absolutely, and falsely, in a matter mate-
rial to the issue or point m question ; and subornation of peijury is the

352 "^^^ ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM*

oSence of procariog another to take such a false oath, as ciHistitiites
peijory in the principal."

RACE*

The Arabs call their thorough-bred horses. Race-horses, or horses
of a family, or Race, because they can trace their families or breeds
as high as a Welsh pedigree. The Iman is at once both priest and
civil magistrate, and it is equally his duty to register the birth of
children and the foaling of brood mares.

On the sale of one of these horses, the Iman delivers a certificate
of the pedigree, carefully copied from his register to the buyer, of
which an Arab is as proud as if it were his own pedigree. As these
horses of race, or family, were, in Europe, bred only for the course,
we evidently, in preserving the French expression, cheval de 'race,
or race-horse, gave the name of Race to the course itself, being a
contest between race-liorses, from whence the expression became
popular to denote any contest in running.

THE SWALLOW.

** The Martia and the Swallow,
Are Grod Almighty's birds to haUow."

The term Swallow is derived from flie French Hirondelle,* sig-
nifying indiscriminately voracious.

The Swallow makes its first appearance in Great Britain, early
in Sprint; ; remains vnth us daring Summer, and disappears in Au-
tumn. The four species which inhabit this island, are also found
during summer, in almost every other region in fiarope and Asia,
where their manners and habits are nearly the same as in 'this
country. In the more southern parts of the continent, they appear
somewhat earlier than in England. The distinguishing marks of
the swallow tribe are : — a small bill ; a wide mouth ; a head large
in proportion to the bulk of the body, and somewhat flattish ; a neck
scarcely visible : a short, broad, and cloven tongue ; a tail mostly
forked ; short legs ; very long wings ; and a rapid and continued
flight No subject has more engaged the naturalist in all ages, than
the brumal retreat of the swallow; neither is there any subject on
which more various and contrary opinions have been entertained.
Some have supposed that they retire at the approach of winter to
the inmost recesses of rocks and mountains, and that they there re-
main in a torpid state till spring. Others have conjectured that
these birds immerse themselves in the water at the approach of
winter, and that they remain at the bottom in a state of torpidity,
until they are a^ain called forth by the influence of the vernal sun.
Dr. Foster admits that there are several instances on record, of
their having been found in such situations, clustered together in great
numbers, and that, on being brought before the fire, they have re-
vived and flown away. But he thinks that few of the accounts were
well authenticated ; and that the celebrated John Hunter, and Mr.
Pearson, clearly prove, from various experiments, that these birds
cannot continue long under water without being drowned. The
Doctor does not deny that swallows have occasionally been found
under water ; but he attributes their having been found in such si-
tuations to mere accident. As it is well known that, towards the
latter end of autumn, swallows frequently ruost by the sides of lakes
and rivers ; he therefore ^lupposes that a number of these birds had

* Literally a marshy place, that absorbs or swallows what comes
within its vortex.

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 353

retired to roost on the banks of some shallow and muddy riirer at
low tide ; that they had been induced by the cold to creep among
the reeds and rushes which might grow in the shallow parts of the
river, and that while in that situation, driven into a state of torpidity
by the cold, they had been overwhelmed, and perhaps washea into
the current, by the coming in of the tide. However, Dr. Forster
clearly shows, that swallows are birds of passage, and produces the
accounts of mariners, who had seen these birds many hundred miles
out at sea, and on whose ships they had alighted to rest, almost ex-
hausted with/atigue and hunger.

SCEPTIC.

** Whatever Sceptick coiiid inquire for.
For every "why, he had a wherefore.'*

, Hudibras,

The word Sceptic is from the Greek <rxiniaC, quod est cotui'
derare, speculari. Pyrrho was the chief of sceptic philosophers, and
Vas at firat, as Apollodarus saith, a painter, then became the hearer
of Driso, and at last the disciple of Anaxagoras, whom he followed
into India to see the Oymnosophists. He pretended that men did
nothing but by custom, that there was neither honesty, nor dishonesty,
justice nor iiijnstice, good nor evil. He was very solitary, lived to
be 90 years old, was highly esteemed in his country, and created
Chief Priest He lived in the time of Epicurus and Theophrastus,
about the 120th Olympiad. His followers were called Pyrrhonians,
besides which they were named the Ephectics, and Aphoreticks,
but more generally Scepticks, — ^i. e. men who doubted.

This sect made th^ir chiefest good to consist in a sedateness of
mind, exempt from all passions ; in regulating their opinions and
moderating their passions, which they called Ataxia and Metriopa-^
thia ; and in suspending tneir judgment in regard of good or evil,
truth or falsehood, which they called Epochi. Sixtus Empiricus,
who lived in the second century under the Emperor Antonius Pius,
writ ten books against the Mathematicians, or Astrologers, and three
of the Pyrrhonian opinion.

SENATOR.

The term Senator, says Maitland, is derived from the Saxon
Senex, which has a similar meaning to the Saxon word Ealdermanf
alderman, or old man.

STATHE.

Stathe, Stade, and Steed, are Anglo Saxon terms, formerly ap-
plied to single fixed dwellings, or to places on the banks of rivers,
where merchandize was stored up, and at which vessels could lie
to receive it. In 1338, the Prior of l^n^mouth let, for two years,
at 40«. a year, a plot of ground in Newcastle, upon which sea coal
had usually been laid up, and which was at the west end of a house,
upon the jStathes, whicn in modem language is, as if one said, upon
the Wharf, or upon the Quay.

TAWDRY.

At the annual fair in the Isle of Ely, called St Andrew's fair,
much ordinary but ahotcy lace was usually sold to the country lasses,
and St. Audrey's lace soon became proverbial ; and from that cause
Tawdry, a corruption of St. Audrey, was established as a common
expression to denote not only lace, btkt aqy other part of the female
dress, which was much more gaudy in appearance than warranted
by its real quality and value. ,

3^ THE BTYMOLOGICAti COMPENDIUM.

TERM.

" Now Mmuieur Term will come to town.
The Lawyer putteth on his gown ;
Revenge dotli run post swift on legs.
And *s sweet as muscadine and eggs ;
And this makes many go to law
For that which is not worth a straw.
But only they their minA will have.
No reason hear, nor Counsel crave."

Term is derived from Terminns, the heathen God of boondaries,
landmarks, and limits of time. In the early ages of Christianity,
the whple year was one continued term for hearing and deciding
causes ; but afler the establishment of the Romish church, the daily
dispensation of justice was prohibited by canonical authority, that
the festival might be kept holy.

Advent, and Christmas, occasioned the winter vacation; Leqt
and Easter^ the Spring ; Penticost the third ; and hay-time and
harvest, the long vacation, between Mid-snmmer and Michaelmas.
Each term is denominated fix>m the festival day immediately pre-
ceding its commencement ; hence we learn the term of St Hilary,
Easter, the Holy Trinity, and St Michael. There are in each term
days called dies in tenco (days in bank), that is, days of appearance
in common bench. They are usually abont a week from each other,
and have reference to some Romish festival. All original writs are
returnable on those days, and they are therefore called the return

days*

■' ^ TOMB STONE.

The componnd word Tomb-stone, which signifies a tablet, on
which is inscribed the virtues, orpecnliarities, of the deceased, is
derived from toma, a volume. Tne hillocks of earth, over the ma-
jority of graves, originated from the Remain Tumnli, or Mound,
which they placed over their dead, and those who are at all versed
in history, are aware, that a great many of our artificial hills are the
Tumuli ot numbers who have been slain in battle.

VOLUME.

Volume is derived from the Latin fjolvo, to roll np, the ancient
manner of making up books, as we find in Cicero's time, the libra-
ries consisted wholly of such rolls.

WALLOON.

The Body Guard of the Spanish monarch, denominated the Wal-
loon Guard, receive their name from the Walloons, a people in the
Low Countries, so called. They were famed for making and dye-
ing fine Woollen Cloths. The Duke of Alva, who was Governor
of the Netherlands for Philio 2d of Spain, in order to flatter tiiose
whom he ruled, selected a body guard from among the Walloon!)
for the Spanish monarch, and gave to it the appellation of the WaK
loon Guard, or Walloon Guards.

WHOOHE *

Whoohe ! a well known exclamation to stop a team of horses, is
derived by a writer, in the ** Gentleman's Magazine,'' 1799, from
the Latin.

" The exclamation used by our wnggoners when thej wish to stop
their team for any purpose (an exclamation which it is less difiicult
to speak than to write, althongh neither is a task of great facility),
is probably a legacy bequeathed us by our Roman ancestors ; pre-

THE ETYMOLOGICAL COMPENDIUM. 355

cisely a translation of the ancient Ohe ! an interjection strictly con-
fined to hespeakinff a pa««e— rendered by our lexicographers, —

enongh f'oh, enough !

WHIFFLER.

This word, which we so often meet with in Shakspear's plays, is
a term, Mr. Douce says, " nndoabtedly borrowed from wh^^e, ano-
ther name for a fife, or small flote ; for whifflers were originally
those who preceded armies, or processions, as fifera, or pipers : in
process of time, the word whiffler, which had always been nsed in
the sense of a fifer, came to signify any person who went before in
a procession.*' He observes, that Minshew defines him to be, a
clob or staff bearer, and that it appears, whifflers carried white
staves, as in the annual feast of the printers, founders, and ink-ma-
kers, as well as in funeral processions, &c.

WAITS.

The term Waits, as applied to our midnight musicians, is derived

from the simple circumstance of waitinjg^ upon us during the hours of

sleep. It has been presumed that Waits in very ancient times meant

Walcbmen, and that they were minstrels at nrst attached to the

. King's Court, who sounded the watch every night, and prevented

depredations.

WIFE.

{(

Doraens et placens uxor.'* — Horace*

" Thy house, and (in the cup of life
That honey drop) thy pleasing wife."

This term, appropriated to a man's better-half, as she is termed,
is derived from the Saxon kusewyf, or house-wife — signifying one
who has the superintendance of household affairs. W^fy or tvyfe,
but as it is now spelt wife^ implying a matron.

WINE.

This appellation of the ^ juice of the grape,*' is derived from the
Saxon word wyn. October was. called \Vyn-monath ; and albeit
they had not anciently wines made in Germany, yet in this season
had they them firom divers countries adjoining.

WOMAN.

** And this is Woman's fate —

AH her affections are called into life
By winning flatteries, and then thrown back
Upon themselves to perish: and her heart.
Her trusting heart, filled with weak tenderness
Is left to bleed and break."

Our Saxon ancestors, in order to distinguish the sexes, called the
male Man, and the female Womb-man, but which has in the coarse
of time been corrupted (perhaps our squeamish sensitives vrould say
improved) into Woman. There is something, however, to a manly
mind, so truly delightful in the associations connected with the ety-
mology of the appellation, used to distinguish the female from the
male sex, that a mere notice of it cannot be expected to suffice. The
cruel and reckless neglect, which the female sex are but too often
subject to, would, one would suppose, less firequently occur, were
the simple origin of their appellation brought oftener to mind. The
ignorant ma^ plead their ignorance as an excuse ; but the bitter
treatment this weaker part of humanity too often experience, arises
most generally from those who should have no such excuse to offer.
Bnt^ luas ! like ^ the flower plucked in the mom'' to be admired

356 THK BTTMOLOOfCAL COMPENDIUM.

and oaressed, when satiated with its odocm, are cast away to perish,
amid the desolatiug frowns of those, who, in their own esteem, are
** holier than they.**

*< The odour fW>m the flower is gone.
Which thy kisses breatb*d on me;
The colour from the flower is flown.
Which glow'd of thee, and only thee!^'

Thus imagination, nay, sad reality, placesliefare ns the complaint
of the deserted female ; perhaps, at last thraogh cmel neglect, re-
daced to that state— ^ abnorring all, and by all abhorred. Header,
if in thy thoc^tlessness thon haist injured snch an one, ffamk bat on
thy own origin, think bat on the etymology of the appellation of the
female sex, and thon wilt not, canst not, oithrely forsake her.

WARDMOTE.

Wardmote is a compound of the words Ward and Mote^ L e. the
Ward Court ; for in London parishes are as towns, and wards as
handreds ; wherefore the Wajrd Goort resembles that of the Leet in
the Coanty : for as the latter derives its authority from the county
court, so does the former from that of the Lord Mayor; as is mani-
fest by the annual precept issued by the Lord Mayor to the several
Aldermen, for holding their respective Leets, for the election of
proper oflScers in each Ward.

WAPENTAKE.

There have been several conjectures as to the origin of this word ;
one of which is, that anciently musters were made of the Annour
and Weapons of the inhabitants of every hundred, and fh>m those
they coala not find sufficient pledges of their good abearing, their
weapons were taken away, and given to others ; whence it is said
this word is taken. Wilkins, an old writer, says, ^ In England
every man was ^ soldier, and the county meetings were styled
' wapen-takes,' from the custom of going armed to the assembly,
and of touching the speai; of the magistrate, to shew the readiness
of each man for action. Slaves, he says, were not suffered io carry
arms about them : the very gifl of a vy^eapon conferred freedom. On
the other hand, the free man never stirred abroad without his spear;
and laws were actually made to guard against the damages occa-
sioned by the careless bearer.** '

The word is of Saxon origin, says another authority, the meaning
whereof is the same as hundred, a division of a county so called, be-
cause the inhabitants did give up tkeir arms in token of subjection.
With Kins Alfired, the dividing of this kingdom into counties origi-
nated, and of giving the government of each county to a sheriff;
these were afterwards divided into hundreds (some say from its con-
taining a hondred families, or from its furnishing a hnndred able
men for the king's wars), of which the constable was the chief offi-
cer. These grants were at first made by the king to particular per-
sons, but they are not now held by grant or prescription ; their ju-
risdiction h'-ing devolved to the coanty court; a :few of them only
excepted. . .at have been by pri\iiege annexed to the crown, or
granted to some great subjects, and still remain in the nature of a
franchise."

THE END.

Plummer and Brewia, Vrvu\er*,lj«Ne\Aivt»\i\V\\ft">£Aa\i3i^««\j,

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