Benedict.A confirmed bachelor, after St Benedict, whounceasingly preached the virtues of celibacy. Also a newly-married man who, like Benedick inMuch ado about Nothing, after having long forsworn marriage, at length succumbed to the grand passion.
Benedictine.A liqueur made at the Benedictine monastery at Fécamp.
Benedictines.The monastic Order founded by St Benedict in the sixth century.
Bengal Tigers.The Leicester Regiment, which as the old 17th Foot rendered good service in India at the commencement of the last century, and received a royal tiger as a badge.
Bennett Street.From the town mansion of Henry Bennett, Earl of Arlington.
Bentinck Street.After William Bentinck, second Duke of Portland, the ground landlord.
Bergen.From the Danishbierg, mountain, the port nestling at the foot of high hills.
Berkeley Square.The whole district hereabouts comprised the land of Lord Berkeley of Stratton, one of the officers of Charles I.
Berkeley Street(Upper and Lower). After Edward Berkeley Portman, the ground landlord. There is a Berkeley Street too in Clerkenwell, on the site of which stood the residence of Sir Maurice Berkeley, the standard-bearer of Henry VIII., Edward VI., and Elizabeth.
Berkshire.TheBeoric, or “forest shire,” of the Saxons.
Berlin.From the SlavonicBerle, denoting its situation in the midst of a sandy plain.
Bermondsey.Theey, or creek land, belonging to the Saxon lord Beomund.
Bermuda Islands.After Juan Bermudas, who discovered them in 1522.
Bernardine Hospice.This noble institution on the Alpine heights was not founded by St Bernard, nor has it everbeen served by the monks of his Order. It takes its name from Bernard de Menthon, a wealthy Savoyard, who in 962 established this house of refuge for the pilgrims crossing the Alps on their way to the Holy Land. The monks who serve the Hospice are Augustinians.
Bernardines.The monastic Order founded by St Bernard in 1115.
Berne.From the GermanBären, which expresses the plural for bear. The figure of a bear is conspicuous on the public buildings, fountains, etc.
Berners Street.After Lady Berners, the original owner of the land hereabouts.
Best Man at a Wedding.A survival of feudal times, when the particular friends of the “Bridegroom” undertook to frustrate the designs of a rival sworn to carry off the bride before the nuptials could take place. In Sweden weddings formerly took place under cover of night. Behind the high altar of the ancient church at Husaby, in Gothland, a collection of long lances, with sockets for torches, may yet be seen. These were served out to the groomsmen on such occasions, both for defence and illumination. These groomsmen were the bravest and best who could be found to volunteer their services.
Bethlehem.Hebrew for “house of bread.” Hence Bethlehem Hospital, the original name for a lazar or poor house.
Bethnal Green.Anciently Bednal Green, but corrupted from the family name of the Bathons, who resided here,temp.Edward I.
Bevis Marks.Properly Bury’s Marks, from the posts to define the limits of the ground belonging to the town house of the Abbots of Bury.
Bideford Postman.The sobriquet of Edward Capern, the poet, who was a letter-carrier at Bideford in Devon.
Big Ben.After Sir Benjamin Hall, Bart., M.P., one of the designers of the New Houses of Parliament, and Chief Commissioner of Works.
Big Bend State.Tennessee, which name expresses the Indian for “river of the great bend.”
Bilbo.The old name for a Spanish sword blade made at Bilboa.
Bilboes.The irons with which mutinous sailors are manacled together. From Bilboa, Spain, their place of origin.
Bilker.A corruption ofBalker, one who balks or outwits another. In our day one hears mostly of the “Cab bilker”; formerly the “Tavern bilker” was an equally reprehensible character.
Billingsgate.After Belin, a Saxon lord, who had a residence beside the old Roman water-gate on the north bank of the Thames.
Billiter Street.A corruption of Belzettar, the name of the first builder on the land hereabouts.
Billycock.The slang term for a “bowler” hat always worn by William Coke at the Holkham shooting parties.
Bingham’s Dandies.One of the nicknames of the 17th Lancers, after their Colonel and their smart uniforms.
Bioscope.Moving or living pictures thrown on a screen, so called from the Greekbios, life, andskopein, to view.
Birchin Lane.Properly Birchover Lane, after the name of the builder.
Birdcage Walk.From the Royal Aviary of the Restoration, located along the south wall of St James’s Park.
Bird of Passage.A hotel phrase applied to a guest who arrives at stated seasons.
Bird’s Eye Tobacco.So called from the oval shape of the stalks when cut up with the leaf.
Birkbeck Institute.The premier Mechanics’ Institute, established by Dr Birkbeck in 1824.
Birmingham.Called Bremenium by the Romans and Birmingeham in Domesday Book. This being so, it cannot be corrupted from “Broom-place town,” as some authors say.
Birrell.To write, speak, or do anything after the manner of Mr Augustine Birrell, M.P., President of the Board of Education.
Birrelligion.A word coined by Dr Casterelli, Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford, who, speaking on Mr Birrell’s New Education Bill, said it was not one exactly of irreligion, but of Birrelligion, acceptable to no party or denomination.
Bishopsgate Street.From the ancient city gate rebuilt by Bishop Irkenwald, the son of King Offa, and repaired by Bishop William in the time of the Conqueror.
Biz.Theatrical slang for “business” or stage by-play.
Black Brunswickers.A celebrated regiment of seven hundred volunteers raised in Bohemia in 1809 by Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick, who took up arms against Napoleon because the latter had obstructed his succession to his father’s dukedom. Their uniform was black, in token of mourning for the deceased Duke. Finding they could not bear against the power of France, they enlisted in the English service. Thus it came to pass that the Black Brunswickers fought at the Battle of Waterloo, where their gallant leader met his death. Afterwards they were heard of no more.
Black Bull.An inn sign derived from the heraldic device of the House of Clare.
Black Country.The name given to the great coalfield in the Midlands. It extends from Birmingham to Wolverhampton on one side and from Lyle Waste to West Bromwich on the other.
Black Friars.The Order of the Dominicans, so called from their habits. In the district of Blackfriars stood the great monastery.
Blackguards.A derisive nickname given originally to the scullions of the Royal Household, touching their grimy appearance, as contrasted with the spruceness of the Guards of Honour.
Blackheath.A corruption of Bleak Heath.
Blackleg.After sporting men of a low type, who invariably wore black gaiters or top-boots.
Blackmail.Originally a tax or tribute paid to robbers or freebooters as a compromise for protection. “Black” implied the Gaelic for security, whilemalwas Anglo-Saxon for tribute.
Black Maria.Slang for a prison van. Many years ago a negress of powerful build and strength, named Maria Lee, kept a sailor’s lodging-house at Boston. Everyone dreaded her, and she so frequently assisted the police of that day to pin down a refractory prisoner before he could be manacled that “Send for Black Maria!” became quite a common exclamation among them. Hence the earliest vehicles for the conveyance of offenders against law and order, especially since they were painted black, were named after her.
Black Museum.The collection of criminal relics preserved at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police at New Scotland Yard.
Black Prince.The sobriquet of Edward, Prince of Wales, son of Edward III., not because he wore black armour, as is generally supposed, but, according to Froissart, “by terror of his arms,” and again, Strutt, “for his martial deeds.”
Black Sea.From its many black rocks, which render navigation dangerous.
Blackwall.A corruption of Bleak Wall.
Black Watch.Soldiers first appointed to watch the Highlands of Scotland. They received the name from their black tartans.
Blandford Square.From Blandford, Dorsetshire, near Bryanstone, the seat of the great ground landlord, Viscount Portman.
Blankets.First made by the Brothers Blanket, of Bristol, in 1337.
Blarney.Suave speeches intended only to gain time. When Cormack Macarthy was besieged by the English in Blarney Castle in 1662 he concluded an armistice, with the object of surrendering after a few days; but instead of doing so he sent out soft, evasive speeches, until Lord Carew and his soldiers were forced to admit that they had been duped. Hence the expression: “None of your Blarney.”
Blenheim Oranges.First cultivated at Blenheim, the seat of the Duke of Marlborough.
Blenheim Street.In compliment to the Duke of Marlborough after the battle of Blenheim.
Blind Man’s Buff.So called because if any one of those taking part in the game allowed the blind man to buff up against him he had to be blindfolded in his place.
Blood.See “Penny Blood.”
Bloody.The addiction of the vulgar to the use of this adjective on all occasions has made it low and reprehensible. Anciently, however, it was employed in a most reverential sense, relative to the Blood of Christ--e.g.the “Bloody Sacrifice of the Mass.”
Bloody Assizes.Those held by Judge Jeffreys in 1685 for the punishment of all who had taken part in the Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion. Three hundred persons were executed, and more than a thousand transported to the plantations.
Bloody Butcher.The sobriquet of the Duke of Cumberland, son of George II., owing to his wholesale slaughter of the adherents of Prince Charles Stuart, the Young Pretender, after the battle of Culloden.
Bloody Eleventh.The 11th Foot, in memory of the terrible slaughter inflicted on this regiment at Salamanca.
Bloody Tower.Where the infant Princes were murdered at the order of their uncle, Richard, Duke of Glo’ster.
Bloomers.After Mrs Ann Bloomer of New York, who introduced the original nondescript style of “New Woman” in 1849.
Bloomsbury.A corruption of “Lomesbury,” the name of a manor house and grounds which stood on the site of the present square. “Lomesbury village” sprang up around the ancient church of St Giles’s in-the-Fields.
Bluchers.After Field-Marshal von Blucher, who affected this style of military half-boot.
Blue.An indecent story is said to be “blue” because harlots in the ancient Bridewell, and in more modern houses of correction or penitentiaries, were habited in blue gowns.
Blue Boar.An inn sign derived from the heraldic device of Richard III.
Blue Grass State.Kentucky, from the character of the orchard grass in this fertile limestone region.
Blue Hen’s Chickens.A nickname for the people of Delaware.The Delaware State Journalthus accounts for its origin: “At the beginning of the Revolutionary War there lived in Sussex county of that colony a gentleman of fortune named Caldwell, who was a sportsman, and breeder of fine horses and game-cocks. His favourite axiom was that the character of the progeny depends more on the mother than on the father, and that the finest game-cocks depended on the hen rather than on the cock. His observation led him to select abluehen, and he never failed to hatch a good game-cock from a blue hen’s egg. Caldwell distinguished himself as an officer in the FirstDelawareDelawareRegiment for his daring spirit. The high state of its discipline was conceded to its exertions, so that when officers were sent on recruiting service it was said that they had gone home for more of Caldwell’s game-cocks; but as Caldwell insisted that no cock could be truly game unless its mother was abluehen, the expressionBlue Hen’s Chickenswas substituted for game-cocks.”
Blue Law State.An old name for Connecticut, whose original settlers shared with the Puritans in the mother country a disgust of the licentiousness of the Courtof the Restoration, and on this account were said to advocate “Blue” Laws.
Blue Noses.A nickname bestowed upon the Nova Scotians, from the species of potato which they produce and claim to be the best in the world.
Blue Peter.The flag hoisted at the mast head to give notice that a vessel is about to sail. Its name is a corruption of the French “Bleu Partir,” or blue departure signal.
Blue Pig.An inn sign, corrupted from the “Blue Boar.”
Blue Stocking.From the famous club of literary ladies formed by Mrs Montague in 1840, at which Benjamin Stillingfleet, who habitually wore blue stockings, was a regular visitor. Blue stockings, therefore, became the recognised badge of membership. There was, however, such a club of ladies and gentlemen at Venice as far back as 1400, calledDella Calza, from the colour of stockings worn.
Blunderbuss.A corruption of the Dutchdonderbus, “thunder tube.”
Board of Green Cloth.The steward of the Royal Household presides over this so called court, which has a green cover on its table.
Boar’s Head.The sign of the ancient tavern in Eastcheap immortalised by Shakespeare. This, like all others of the same name, was derived from the heraldic device of the Gordons, the earliest of whom slew a boar that had long been a terror of the forest.
Bob Apple.A very old boyish pastime. Standing on tiptoe, with their hands behind them, they tried to catch in their mouths an apple as it swung to and fro at the end of a piece of string suspended from the ceiling. A variant of the same game consisted in lying across a form and plunging their heads into a large tub of water, at the bottom of which was the apple.
Bobby.The nickname of a policeman, after Sir RobertPeel, to whom the introduction of the modern police system was due.
Bobs.The popular nickname of Lord Roberts during the South African War. He is also called “Lord Bobs.”
Boer.Expresses the Dutch for a farmer. Synonymous with the English “boor,” an uncultivated fellow, a tiller of the soil.
Bogtrotter.An Irishman, from the ease with which he makes his way across the native bogs, in a manner astonishing to a stranger.
Bogus.In reporting a trial at lawThe Boston Courierin 1857 gave the following authoritative origin:--“The word Bogus is a corruption of the name of one Borghese, a very corrupt individual, who twenty years ago or more did a tremendous business in the way of supplying the great west, and portions of the south-west, with counterfeit bills and bills on fictitious banks. The western people fell into the habit of shortening the name of Borghese to that ofBogus, and his bills, as well as all others of like character, were universally styled by them ‘bogus currency.’” So that the word is really American.
Bohea.Tea of the poorest quality, grown in the hilly district of Wu-i; pronounced by the ChineseVooy.
Bohemia.From theBohii, the ancient inhabitants of the country.
Bohemian.One who leads a hand-to-mouth existence by literary or other precarious pursuits, who shuns the ordinary conventions of society, and aspires to that only of his fellows. The term originally meant a “Gipsy,” because the earliest nomadic people who overran Western Europe did so by way of Bohemia.
Boiled Shirt.An Americanism, originally from the western states, for a starched white shirt.
Bolivia.After General Simon Bolivar, surnamed “The Liberator of Peru.”
Bologna.A settlement of theBoii, after whom the Romans called it Bononia.
Bomba.The sobriquet of Ferdinand, King of Naples, on account of his bombardment of Messina in 1848.
Bonanza State.Nevada, on account of its rich mines, styled Bonanza mines.Bonanzais Spanish for “prosperity.”
Bond Street(Old and New). Built on the land owned by Sir Thomas Bond, Comptroller of the Household of Charles I.
Bone of Contention.In allusion to two dogs fighting over a bone.
Bone-shaker.The original type of bicycle, with wooden wheels, of which the rims consisted of small curved pieces glued together. Compared with a modern machine it was anything but easy riding.
Boniface.The popular name for an innkeeper--not that St Boniface was the patron saint of drawers and tapsters, but because one of the Popes of this name instituted what was called “St Boniface’s Cup,” by granting an indulgence to all who toasted his health, or that of his successors, immediately after saying grace at meals.
Booking Office.In the old coaching days passengers had to book their seats for a stage journey several days in advance at an office in the innyard whence the coaches set out. When railways came in the name was retained, though no “booking” was ever in evidence. Nearly all the old coaching innyards have been converted into railway goods and parcels receiving depots.
Bookmaker.From the way in whichheheadjusts his clients’ bets, so that, ordinarily, he cannot lose on the issue of a day’s racing.
Boot-jack.A wooden contrivance by which the wearer could help himself to take off his high-legged boots without the aid of a servant. Hence it was called ajack, which is the generic term for a man-servant or boy.
Border Eagle State.Mississippi, on account of the Border Eagle in the arms of the state.
Bore.This name was first applied by the “Macaronies” to any person who disapproved of foppishness or dandyism. Nowadays it implies one whose conversation is uninteresting, and whose society becomes repugnant.
Borneo.A European application of the Sanskritboorni, land.
Born in the Purple.Since purple was the Imperial colour of the Cæsars and the Emperors of the East, the sons of the reigning monarch were said to be born in it. This expression had a literal truth, for the bed furniture was draped with purple.
Born with a Silver Spoon in his Mouth.In allusion to the silver apostle spoon formerly presented to an infant by its godfather at baptism. In the case of a child born lucky or rich such a gift of worldly goods was anticipated at the moment of entering life.
Borough.TheBurghor town which arose on the south side of Old London Bridge, long before the City of London became closely packed with streets and houses.
Borough English.A Saxon custom, whereby the youngest son of a burgher inherited everything from his father, instead of the eldest, as among the Normans.
Bosh.See “All Bosh.”
Bosphorus.From the Greekbos-porus, cow strait, agreeably to the fable that Io, transformed into a white cow, swam across it.
Boss.A term derived from the Dutch settlers of New York, in whose languagebaas(pronounced like theainall), expressed an overseer or master.
Boston.Short for St Botolph’s Town. “The stump” of the church is seen from afar across the Boston Deeps.
Botany Bay.So called by Captain Cook on account of the variety of, to him, new plants found on its shores. This portion of New South Wales was the first BritishConvict Settlement; hence Botany Bay became a term synonymous with penal servitude.
Botolph Lane.From the church of St Botolph, situated in it.
Bottle of Hay.A corruption of “bundle of hay,” from the Frenchbotte, a bundle, of which the word bottle expresses the diminutive.
Bottom Dollar.An Americanism for one’s last coin.
Bovril.An adaptation ofbovis, ox, andvril, strength--the latter being a word coined by Lord Lytton in “The Coming Race.”
Bow.From the ancient stone bridge over the Lea, which was the first ever built in this country on a bow or arch.
Bow Church.Properly the church of St Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, the first in this country to be built on bows or arches.
Bowdlerise.In the year 1818 Thomas Bowdler brought out an expurgated edition of Shakespeare’s Plays; hence a “Bowdlerised Edition” of any work is one of which the original text has been unwarrantably tampered with.
Bowie Knife.After Colonel Jim Bowie, a famous fighter of the western states, who first armed himself with this weapon.
Bow Street.From its arc shape when first laid out.
Bow Street Runners.Primitive detectives sent out from their headquarters in Bow Street in highwayman days.
Bowyer Tower.Anciently the residence of the Tower bowyer or bowmaker. Here, according to tradition, the Duke of Clarence was drowned in a butt of “Malmsey.”
Boxing Day.See “Christmas-box.”
Box Office.At one time only the private boxes at a theatre could be booked in advance; hence the term.
Box the Compass.To be able to repeat all the thirty-two degrees or points of the mariner’s compass; a mental exercise all round the compass-box.
Boycott.To ostracise a man. This word came into use in 1881, after Captain Boycott of Lough Mark Farm, co. Mayo, was cut off from all social and commercial intercourse with his neighbours for the crime of being an Irish landlord.
Boy King.Edward VI., who ascended the throne of England in his tenth, and died in his sixteenth, year.
Boz.Under thisnom de plumeCharles Dickens published his earliest “Sketches” of London life and character inThe Morning Chronicle. He has told us himself that this was the pet name of a younger brother, after Moses Primrose in “The Vicar of Wakefield.” The infantile members of the family pronounced the name “Bozes,” and at last shortened it into “Boz.”
Bradford.From the Anglo-SaxonBradenford, “broad ford.”
Braggadocio.AfterBraggadochio, a boasting character in Spenser’s “Faery Queene.”
Brahma Fowl.Originally from the district of the Brahmapootra River in India.Pootrais Sanskrit for Son; hence the river name means “The Son of Brahma.”
Brandy.From the GermanBrantwein, burnt wine. A spirituous distillation from wine.
Brazenose College.The brazen nose on the college gate notwithstanding, this name was derived from the fact that here stood an ancientbrasenhuis, or “brew-house.” Oxford has always been famous for the excellent quality of its beer.
Bravo.In Italy one who is always boasting of his courage and prowess; generally a hiredassassinassassin.
Brazil.Frombraza, the name given by the Portuguese to the red dye-wood of the country.
Bread Street.Where the bakers had their stalls in connection with the Old Chepe, or market.
Break Bread.To accept hospitality. In the East bread is baked in the form of large cakes, which are broken, never cut with a knife. To break bread with a stranger ensures the latter personal protection as long as he remains under the roof of his host.
Breakfast.The morning meal, when the fast since the previous night’s supper is broken.
Break the Bank.Specifically at the gaming-tables of Monte Carlo. With extraordinary luck this may be done on occasion; but the winner’s triumph is short-lived since, the capital of the bank being unlimited, if he continues to play after fresh stores of gold have been produced, he must lose in the end.
Brecon.See “Brecknock.”
Brecknock.The capital (also called Brecon) of one of the shires of Wales, originallyBreckineauc, after Brychan, a famous Welsh prince. Brecknock Road takes its name from Lord Camden, Earl of Brecknock, the ground landlord.
Breeches Bible.From the word “breeches” for “aprons” (Genesis iii. 7).
Brentford.The ford over the Brent.
Breviary.The name given to an abridgment of the daily prayers, for the use of priests, during the Seven Canonical Hours, made by Pope Gregory VII. in the eleventh century.
Brevier.The style of type originally employed in the composition of the Catholic “Breviary.”
Bridegroom.The wordgroomcomes from the Gothic and Anglo-Saxonguma, man, allied to the Latinhomo, man. It still expresses a man-servant who grooms or attends to his master’s horse.
Bride Lane.From the church of St Bride or Bridget.
Bride of the Sea.Venice, in allusion to the ancient ceremony of “The Marriage of the Adriatic.”
Bridewell.The name anciently given to a female penitentiary, from the original establishment near the well of St Bride or Bridget in the parish of Blackfriars. The name is preserved in Bridewell Police Station.
Brigadier.The commanding officer of a brigade.
Bridge.Twenty years ago two families at Great Dalby, Leicestershire, paid each other a visit on alternate nights, for a game of what they called Russian whist. Their way lay across a broken bridge, very dangerous after nightfall. “Thank goodness, it’s your bridge to-morrow night!” they were wont to exclaim on parting. This gave the name to the game itself.
Bridge of Sighs.The bridge forming a covered gallery over the Canal at Venice between the State prisons on the one hand and the palace of the Doges on the other. Prisoners were led to the latter to hear the death sentence pronounced, and thence to execution. No State prisoner was ever known to recross this bridge; hence its name.
Bridgewater Square.From the town house of the Earls of Bridgewater.
Brief.A brief summary of all the facts of a client’s case prepared by a solicitor for the instruction of counsel.
Bristol.Called by the Anglo-Saxons “Brightstow,” or pleasant, stockaded place.
Britain.This country was known to the Phœnicians asBarat-Anac, “the land of time.” The Romans called itBritannia.
British Columbia.The only portion of North America which honours the memory, as a place name, of Christopher Columbus.
Brittany.The land anciently possessed by the kings of Britain.
Brixton.AncientlyBrigestan, the bridge of stone.
Broadside.A large sheet printed straight across instead of in columns.
Broker.From the Anglo-Saxonbrucan, through the Old Englishbrocour, to use for profit.
Brompton.Anciently Broom Town, or place of the broom plant.
Brook Street.From a stream meandering through the fields from Tyburn.
Brooke Street.From the town house of Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke. In this street the boy poet Chatterton poisoned himself.
Brother Jonathan.After Jonathan Turnbull, the adviser of General Washington in all cases of military emergency. “We must ask Brother Jonathan” was the latter’s invariable reply to a suggestion made to him.
Brougham.First made to the order of Lord Brougham.
Brought under the Hammer.Put up for sale by public auction. The allusion is, of course, to the auctioneer’s hammer.
Bruce Castle.The residence of Robert Bruce after his defeat by John Baliol in the contest for the Scottish crown.
Bruges.From its many bridges.
Brummagem.The slang term for cheap jewellery made at Birmingham. In local parlance this city is “Brummagem,” and its inhabitants are “Brums.”
Brunswick Square.Laid out and built upon at the accession of the House of Brunswick.
Bruton Street.From the seat of the Berkeleys at Bruton, Somersetshire.
Bryanstone Square.From the seat, near Blandford, Dorset, of Viscount Portman, the ground landlord.
Bucephalus.A horse, after the famous charger of Alexander the Great.
Buckeye State.Ohio, from the buckeye-trees with which this state abounds. Its people are called “Buckeyes.”
Buckingham.The Anglo-SaxonBoccenham, or “beech-tree village.”
Buckingham Palace.After the residence, on this site, of John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham.
Buckingham Street.From the older mansion of John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham. The water-gate is still in evidence.
Buckle to.An expression descended from the days of chivalry, when a knight buckled on his armour for the tournament.
Bucklersbury.Anciently theburyor enclosed ground of a wealthy grocer named Buckle or Bukerel.
Budge Row.From the vendors of “Budge” or lambskin fur who congregated here.
Bug Bible.From the word “bugges”--i.e.bogies--in place of “the terror” (Psalm xci. 5).
Buggy.Frombâghi, the Hindustani for a one-horse vehicle.
Bull.A papal edict, so called on account of thebulla, or seal.
Bull and Gate.An inn sign, corrupted from “Boulogne Gate,” touching the siege of Boulogne and its harbour by Henry VIII. in 1544.
Bulgaria.A corruption of Volgaria, the country of theVolsci.
Bull-dog.A dog originally employed in the brutal sport of bull-baiting. The name is also given to one of the two attendants of the proctor at a university while going his rounds by night.
Bullion State.Missouri, after Thomas Hart Benton, who, when representing this state in Congress, merited the nickname of “Old Bullion,” from his spirited advocacy of a gold and silver currency instead of “Greenbacks” or paper.
Bullyrag.See “Ragging.”
Bullyruffian.A corruption of theBellerophon, the vessel on which Napoleon surrendered after the battle of Waterloo.
Bungalow.From the Bengalesebangla, a wooden house of one storey surrounded by a verandah.
Bunhill Fields.Not from the Great Plague pit in Finsbury, but from the cart-loads of human bones shot here when the charnel-house of St Paul’s Churchyard was pulled down in 1549.
Bunkum.Originally a Congressman’s speech, “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” An oratorial flight not intended to carry a proposal, but to catch popular applause. The representative for Buncombe, in North Carolina, occupied the time of the house at Washington so long with a meaningless speech that many members left the hall. Asked his reason for such a display of empty words, he replied: “I was not speaking to the House, but to Buncombe.”
Bureau.French for a writing-desk, fromburo, a drugget, with which it was invariably covered.
Burgess Roll.See “Roll Call.”
Burgundy.A wine produced in the French province of the same name.
Burke.To stop or gag--e.g.to burke a question. After an Irishman of this name, who silently and secretly took the lives of many peaceable citizens by holding a pitch plaster over their mouths, in order to sell their bodies to the doctors for dissection. He was hanged in 1849. His crimes were described as “Burking.”
Burleigh Street.From the residence of Lord Burleigh in Exeter Street, hard by.
Burlington Street(Old and New). After Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington and Cork, from whom Burlington House, refronted by him, also received its name.
Burmah.From the natives, who claim to be descendants of Brahma, the supreme deity of the Hindoos.
Burton Crescent.After the name of its builder.
Bury St Edmunds.A corruption of the Borough of St Edmund, where the Saxon king and martyr was crowned on Christmas Day, 856. Taken prisoner and killed by the Danes, he was laid to rest here. Over the site of his tomb Canute built a Benedictine monastery.
Bury Street.Properly Berry Street, after its builder.
Bury the Hatchet.At a deliberation of war the hatchet is always in evidence among the Indians of North America, but when the calumet, or pipe of peace, is being passed round, the symbol of warfare is carefully hidden.
Busking.Theatrical slang for anal frescoperformance to earn a few coppers. To “go busking on the sands” is the least refined aspect of a Pierrot Entertainment. See “Sock and Buskin.”
Buy a Pig in a Poke.A man naturally wants to see what he is bargaining for. “Poke” is an old word for a sack or large bag, of whichpocketexpresses the diminutive.
By Gad.A corruption of the old oath “By God.”
By George.Originally this oath had reference to the patron saint of England. In more modern times it was corrupted into “By Jove,” so that it might have applied to Jupiter; then at the Hanoverian Succession the ancient form came in again.
By Hook or by Crook.The final word here is a corruption of Croke. More than a century ago two eminent K.C.’s named Hook and Croke were most generally retained by litigants in action at law. This gave rise to the saying: “If I can’t win my case by Hook I will by Croke.”
By Jingo.An exclamation traceable to the Basque mountaineers brought over to England by Edward I. to aid him in the subjection of Wales at the time whenthe Plantagenets held possession of the Basque provinces. “Jainko” expressed the supreme deity of these hillmen.
By Jove.See “By George.”
By the Holy Rood.The most solemn oath of the crusaders. “Rood,” from the Anglo-Saxonrod, was the Old English name for Cross.
By the Mass.A common oath in the days of our Catholic ancestors, when quarrels were generally made up by the parties attending Mass together.
By the Peacock.See “Peacock.”
By the Skin of my Teeth.An expression derived from Job xix. 20: “My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.”
Byward Tower.A corruption of Bearward Tower, the residence of the Tower “Bearward.” The bear-house at our national fortress in the time of James I. is mentioned in Nichol’s “Progresses and Processions.”
Cab.Short for “Cabriolet,” or little caperer, fromcabriole, a goat’s leap. See “Capri.”
Cabal.A political term formed out of the initials of the intriguing ministry of 1670--thus: Clifford, Ashley, Buckingham, Arlington, and Lauderdale.
Cabinet.The designation of Ministers of State, who first conducted their deliberations in a cabinet, from the Italiangabinetto, a small room. A picture or photograph of this size received its name from the apartment for which it was best suited.
Cabin Girls.Waitresses at the “Cabin” Restaurants Limited.
Cablegram.An Americanism for telegram.
Cadiz.Called Gades by the Romans, from the PhœnicianGadir, enclosed, shut in.
Cadogan Square.From the Earl of Cadogan, the lord of the manor of Chelsea.
Cahoot.An Americanism for partnership or company, derived from the Frenchcapute, hut, cabin. Men who share a cabin or shanty are said to be “in cahoot.”
Caitiff.An old term of contempt for a despicable person, derived from the Latincaptivis, a captive, slave.
Caius College.The name given to Gonville College, Cambridge, after its refoundation by Dr Caius by royal charter in 1558.
Cake Walk.A musical walking competition round a cake, very popular among the negroes of the southern states. The couple adjudged to walk most gracefully receive the cake as a prize.
Calcutta.FromKalikutta, “the village of Kali,” the goddess of time.
Caledonia.The country of the Caels or Gaels;Gadhelin the native tongue signified a “hidden cover.”
Caledonian Road.From the Royal Caledonian Asylum for Scottish orphans, now removed.
Calico.First brought from Calicut in the East Indies.
California.Called by CortezCaliente Fornalla, or “hot furnace,” on account of its climate.
Caliph.From the ArabicKhalifah, a successor.
Called over the Coals.A corruption of “Hauled over the Coals.”
Camberwell.From the ancient holy well in the vicinity of the church of St Giles, the patron saint of cripples.Camis Celtic for “crooked.”
Cambria.The country of theCimbriorCymri, who finally settled in Wales.
Cambric.First made at Cambray in Flanders.
Cambridge.From the bridge over the Cam, or “crooked” river. See “Cantab.”
Camden Town.After the Earl of Camden, the ground landlord.
Camellia.Introduced into Europe by G. J. Camelli, the German missionary botanist.
Camera Obscura.Literally a dark chamber.
Cameron Highlanders.The Scottish regiment of infantry raised by Allan Cameron in 1793.
Camisard.A military term for a night attack, after the Camisards, Protestant insurgents of the seventeenth century, who, wearing acamise, or peasant’s smock, conducted their depredations under cover of night.
Camomile Street.From the herbs that grew on the waste north of the city.
Campania.An extensive plain outside Rome, across which the “Appian Way” was constructed. The word comes from the Latincampus, a field.
Campden Square.From the residence of Sir Baptist Hicks, created Viscount Campden.
Canada.From the Indiankannatha, a village or collection of huts.
Canary.Wine and a species of singing bird brought from the Canary Islands, so called, agreeably to the Latincanis, on account of the large dogs found there.
Candia.Anciently Crete, called by the ArabsKhandæ, “island of trenches.”
Candy.An Americanism for sweetmeats. The Arabicquand, sugar, gave the French wordcandi.
Canned Meat.An Americanism for tinned meat.
Cannibal.See “Caribbean Sea.”
Cannon Row.The ancient residence of the Canons of St Stephen’s Chapel, Westminster Abbey.
Cannon Street.A corruption of Candlewick Street, where the candle-makers congregated.
Cannucks.See“K’nucks.”
Canonbury.From the manorial residence of the priors of St Bartholomew Church, Clerkenwell, of which the ancient tower remains.
Cant.After Alexander and Andrew Cant, a couple of bigoted Covenanters, who persecuted their religious opponents with relentless zeal, and at the same time prayed for those who suffered on account of their religious opinions.
Cantab.Of Cambridge University. The River Cam was anciently called the Granta; hence the Saxon name of the cityGrantabrycge, or the bridge over the Granta, softened later intoCantbrigge.
Canterbury.The fortified place or chief town of “Kent.”
Canterbury Music Hall.This, the first of the London music halls, opened in 1848, grew out of the old-time popular “free-and-easy,” or “sing-song,” held in an upper room of what was until then a tavern displaying the arms of the city of Canterbury, and styled the “Canterbury Arms.”
Cantlowes Road.See “Kentish Town.”
Canvas Back.A species of sea-duck, regarded as a luxury on account of the delicacy of its flesh. So called from the colour of the plumage on its back.
Cape Finisterre.Adapted by the French from the Latinfinis terra, “land’s end.”
Capel Court.The Stock Exchange, so called from the residence of Sir William Capel, Lord Mayor in 1504.
Cape of Good Hope.So called by John II., King of Portugal, after Diaz had touched this point of Africa, as a favourable augury for the circumnavigation of the globe.
Cape Horn.Named Hoorn, after his birthplace, by Schouten, the Dutch navigator, who first rounded it.
Capri.From the Latincaper, a he-goat, expresses the island of wild goats.
Capuchin Friars.From the pointed cowl orcapuceworn by them.
Carat Gold.So called because gold and precious stones were formerly weighted against carat seeds or seeds of the Abyssinian coral flower.
Carbonari.Italian for charcoal-burners, in whose huts this secret society held its meetings.
Carburton Street.From the Northamptonshire village on the ducal estate of the ground landlord.
Cardiff.FromCaer Taff, the fort on the Taff.
Cardigan.After Ceredog, a famous chieftain.
Caribbean Sea.From the Caribbs, which West Indian designation signifies “cruel men.” Corrupted through the SpanishCaribal, we have derived the word “Cannibal,” for one who eats human flesh.
Carlton House Terrace.From Carlton House, built by Lord Carlton, later the residence of Frederick, Prince of Wales, the father of George III.
Carmagnole.A wild song and dance which came into prominence during the French Revolution. It received its name from Carmagnolas, a town in Piedmont, whence the Savoyard boys carried the tune into the south of France.
Carmarthen.A corruption ofCaer-merlin, or the fortress built by Merlin, in the neighbourhood of which he was born.
Carmelites.White Friars of the order of Mount Carmel.
Carnarvon.The fortress on theArfon, or water.
Carolina.After Carollus, the Latinised name of Charles II., who granted a charter of colonisation to eight of his favourites.
Caroline Islands.In honour of Charles I. of Spain.
Carpenter.Originally one who made only the body or wooden portion of a vehicle. So called from the Latincarpentum, waggon. An ordinary worker in wood was, and still is in the English provinces, a joiner.
Carpet Knight.A civilian honoured with a knighthood by the sovereign. One who has not won his spurs on the field, like the knights of old.
Carry Coals to Newcastle.To do that which is altogether superfluous. It would be ridiculous to take coals to a place where they are found in abundance.
Cartaret Street.After John Cartaret, Earl of Granville, Secretary of State, and one of the most popular ministers of the reign of George II.
Carte de Visite.Photographs received this name because the Duc de Parma in 1857 had his likeness printed on the back of his large visiting-cards.
Carthage.From the PhœnicianKarth-hadtha, New Town.
Carthagena.FromCarthago Novo, or New Carthage.
Carthusians.Monks of La Chartreuse, near Grenoble. This name is also given to former scholars of the “Charter House.”
Carthusian Street.Although some distance to the west of it, this street leads to the “Charter House.”
Caspian Sea.From theCaspii, who peopled its shores.
Castile.In Spanish Castilla, from the castles or forts set up for defence against the Moors.
Castle.An inn sign denoting a wine-house, from the castle in the arms of Spain.
Catacombs.ItalianCatacomba, from the Greekkata, downward, andkumbe, a hollow, a cavity.
Cat and Fiddle.A corruption of “Caton le Fidele,” the faithful Caton, Governor of Calais, whose name was honoured by many an inn sign.
Cat and Wheel.A corruption of the old inn sign the “Catherine Wheel,” the instrument of the martyrdom of St Catherine.
Cat Call.A corruption ofCat Wail. When a theatre or music-hall audience is dissatisfied with the performance, and impatient for it to be brought to an end, the “Gods” indulging in “Mewing” like a chorus of cats on the roof by night.
Catch a Weasel asleep.No one ever caught a weasel napping, for the simple reason that he hides himself in a hole away from the sight of man.
Catchpenny.Short for “Catnach Penny,” from the penny dying speeches and yard of songs printed by James Catnach in Seven Dials, and hawked about the streets. The “Catnach Press” was as great a power in that day as the trashy “Bits” literature is in our own.
Cathedral.From the Greekkathedra, a seat--i.e.the chair of a bishop. See “City.”
Caucus.From the Caulkers of Boston, U.S., who shortly before the Revolution came into open conflict with the British soldiery. Meetings were held in the calk houses, and a Caulkers’ Club was formed. Since that time a political meeting of American citizens has been styled a Caucus.
Cavalier.From the Frenchchevalier, a horseman.
Cavendish.Tobacco pressed into plugs for chewing, from the name of the first maker.
Cavendish Square.After Henrietta Cavendish, second wife of Lord Harley, the ground landlord.
Centennial State.Colorado, admitted into the American Union one hundred years after the Declaration of Independence.
Ceylon.Called by the Portuguese Selen, an abbreviation of the SanskritSinhaladwipa, “Island of Lyons.”
Chadwell Street.After the name of the source of the New River in Hertfordshire. The well was anciently dedicated to St Chad.
Chaff.A corruption ofchafe, to make hot with anger, as heat may be produced by friction.
Chalk Farm.Originally “Chalcot Farm,” a noted resort for duellists of a past day.
Chalk it up.In allusion to the drink score chalked on a slate against a customer at a country ale-house.
Champagne.A light wine, from the French province of the same name, which expresses a plain, from the Latincampus, field.
Champs de Mars.Expresses the large open space or “Plain of Mars,” in Paris, set apart for military reviews.
Chancery Lane.A corruption of “Chancellor’s Lane,” from the town house of the Bishops of Chichester, afterwards the residence of the Lord High Chancellor of England.
Chandos Street.From the residence of James Bridges, Duke of Chandos.
Chap.Originally short for “Chapman,” one who sold his wares at achepe, or market.
Chap Book.A small book or tract sold by chapmen. See “Chap.”
Chapel.A printers’ meeting held in the composing-room, so called because Caxton set up the first English press in a disused chapel of Westminster Abbey. The presiding workman is styled “The Father of the Chapel.”
Chapel of Ease.An auxiliary place of worship, for the convenience of those who resided at a great distance from the parish church.
Charing Cross.The idea that this spot received its name from the “good Queen” Eleanor, whose bier was set down here for the last time on its way to Westminster Abbey has been exploded. It was even then called the village of Charing, in honour ofLa Chère Reine, the Blessed Virgin, this being the usual halting-place between London and the venerable Abbey.
Charlatan.From the Italianciarlatano, a quack, a babbler, a loquacious itinerant who sold medicines in a public square.
Charles Martel.See “Martel.”
Charles Street.Built upon in the reign of Charles II.
Charlies.The old night watchmen reorganised by Charles I. These were the only civic protectors down to the introduction of the modern police system by Sir Robert Peel.
Charlotte Street.After the queen of George III.
Charter House.A corruption of La Chartreuse, one of the English houses of the Order of monks of the place of the same name in France.
Chartreuse.The liqueurs prepared at the monastery of La Chartreuse, near Grenoble.
Chauffeur.The French term for a motor-car driver; it has no English equivalent.
Cheap Jack.A modern equivalent for “Chap-man.” Jack is a generic name for man-servant or an inferior person.
Cheapside.The High Street of the city of London, consequently abutting on thechepe, or market-place.
Cheese it.A corruption of “Choose it better,” or, in other words, “Tell me something I can believe.”
Chef.French for head or master. Employed alone, the word expresses a head man cook.
Chelmsford.The ford over the Chelmer.
Chelsea.Anciently “Chevelsey,” or “Shingle Island.” See “Chiswick.”
Chequers.An inn sign derived from the arms of the Fitzwarrens, one of whom had the granting of vintners’ licences.
Cherry Bob.An old summer pastime for boys. A bunch of cherries suspended from a beam or tree-branch was kept swinging to and fro, while the boys, with their hands behind them, tried to catch the fruit with their mouths.
Cherry Gardens Pier.A name reminiscent of a popular resort of bygone days in connection with the“Jamaica” in front of which rum, newly arrived from the West Indies, was landed.
Cherry Pickers.The 11th Hussars, because, when captured by the French during the Peninsular War, some men of the regiment were robbing an orchard.
Chesapeake.Indian for “great waters.”
Chester.The city built on the Romancastra, or camp.
Chestnut.Edwin Abbey, the painter of the Coronation picture, is said to have been responsible for the term “Chestnut” as applied to a stale joke. While a member of a club at Philadelphia he always told a story about a man who had a chestnut farm, but made nothing out of it because he gave his chestnuts away. Abbey invariably began this story differently, so that his follow clubmen would not recognise it, but they soon interrupted him by exclaiming “Chestnuts!”
Chestnut Sunday.The first Sunday in June, when the chestnut-trees in Bushey Park at Hampton Court are in bloom.
Cheyne Walk.After Lord Cheyne, lord of the manor of Chelsea in the seventeenth century.
Chicago.Indian for “wild onion.”
Chichester.The Roman camp town taken by Cissa, King of the South Saxons, thenceforth calledCissanceaster.
Chichester Rents.The site of the town mansion of the Bishops of Chichester.
Chili.Peruvian for “land of snow.”
China.After Tsin, the founder of a great dynasty. Earthenware of a superior quality was first made in China; hence the name.
Chin Music.An Americanism for derisive laughter.
Chip off the Old Block.A saying in allusion to the “Family Tree.”
Chippendale.Furniture of elegant design, named after its famous maker.
Chiswick.Anciently “Cheoselwick,” or village of shingles, from the Anglo-Saxonceosal, sand, gravel.
Chocolat-Menier.The perfection of chocolate, introduced by M. Menier of Paris, who died in 1881.
Choke Him off.The allusion is to grip a dog by the throat in order to make him relax his hold.
Christiania.Rebuilt by Christian IV. of Denmark.
Christian Scientists.A modern offshoot of the Peculiar People, or Faith Healers, who believe that sickness and pain can be cured by faith and prayer without medicine.
Christmas-box.A relic of Catholic days, when a box was placed in all the churches to receive Christmas alms for the poor. These were distributed on the day following.
Christmas Island.Captain Cook landed here on Christmas Day, 1777.
Christ’s College.Founded at Cambridge by Lady Margaret, Countess of Richmond, mother of Henry VII., for a master and twelve fellows, corresponding to Christ and His apostles, to whom it was dedicated.
Christy Minstrels.After Charles Christy, who introduced the Negro Minstrel Entertainment to England.
Church Ale.Specifically the ale brewed by the church-wardens for merrymakers on the village green at Whitsuntide and other high holidays. Later the assemblage itself came to be styled a “Church Ale.”
Chute.The French for “a fall,” applied by the Americans to a declivity of water. The exciting diversion of boating on such a waterfall is styled “Shooting the Chutes.”
Cicerone.After Cicero, the prince of speakers. The comparison between the celebrated orator and the “Roman Guide” befooled by Mark Twain is rather painful.
Cigar.From the SpanishCigarro, the original name of a particular kind of Cuban tobacco.
Cinderella Dance.Because it is brought to an end at twelve o’clock, in allusion to the heroine in the fairy story.
Circumlocution Office.A term first applied to the shuttle-cock methods in vogue at our public offices by Charles Dickens in “Little Dorrit.”
Cistercians.An Order of monks established at Cistercium, or Citeau, near Dijon.
City.The proper and historic distinction between a city and a town lies in the fact that the former is the seat of a bishop, and accordingly contains a cathedral. In modern times many burghs or towns have been advanced to the dignity of a city on account of their commercial importance. These are, however, cities only in name.
City Fathers.Aldermen of the city of London.
City Golgotha.Old Temple Bar, from the heads of rebels spiked on its top.Golgothais Hebrew for “the place of skulls.”
Claim.A squatter’s term for a piece of land which he has marked off and settled upon pending its legal acquisition from the Government. During the gold fever the name also came to be applied to the land parcelled out to each digger.
Clare Market.The site of Clare House, the residence of the Earl of Clare.
Clarence.A carriage named after the Duke of Clarence, afterwards William IV.
Clarges Street.From the mansion of Sir Walter Clarges, afterwards taken over by the Venetian ambassador.
Clarendon.The black type first used at the Clarendon Press, Oxford, which owed its foundation to the profits of Lord Clarendon’s “History of the Rebellion,” presented to the University.
Claude Lorraine.The assumed name of the celebrated landscape painter Claude Galée, who was a native of Lorraine.
Cleaned Out.Pockets emptied of cash. The allusion is to a saucepan or other domestic cooking utensil which is cleansed after use.
Clerkenwell.The holy well beside which the parish clerks performed their miracle plays on festival days.