Clifford Street.After Elizabeth Clifford, wife of the Earl of Burlington.
Closure.A modern parliamentary term signifying the right of the Speaker to order the closing of a useless debate. The Closure was first applied 24th February 1884.
Cloth Fair.The great annual mart for the sale of cloth brought over by Flemish merchants.
Club.From the Germankleben, to adhere, cleave to, associate.
Clyde.The strong river, from the Gaelicclyth, strong.
Coast is Clear.Originally a smugglers’ phrase relative to coastguards.
Coat of Arms.During the days of chivalry, when a knight was completely encased in armour and the vizor of his helmet was drawn over his face, his sole mode of distinction was by the embroidered design of his armorial bearings on a sleeveless coat that he wore in the lists at tournaments. In warfare the coat was dispensed with, but he was known to his comrades by another device on the crest of his helmet.
Cobbler.An American drink of spirits, beer, sugar, and spice, said to have been first concocted by a Western shoemaker.
Coblentz.From the Latin name,Confluentia, being situated at the confluence of the Rivers Rhine and Moselle.
Cockade.From the party badge originally displayed on a cocked hat. See “Knocked into a Cocked Hat.”
Cockade State.Maryland, from the brilliant cockades worn by the brave Old Maryland Regiment during the War of Independence.
Cockney.From “Cockayne,” a Fools’ Paradise, where there is nothing but eating and drinking, described in a satiric poem of the thirteenth century. The word was clearly derived fromcoquere, to cook, and had reference to London, where the conduits on occasion ran with wine, and good living fell to the lot of men generally.
Cock-penny.A penny levied by the master on each of the boys for allowing the brutal sport of cock-throwing in school on Shrove Tuesday formerly. The master himself found the bird.
Cocktail.Tradition has it that one of Montezuma’s nobles sent a draught of a new beverage concocted by him from the cactus plant to the Emperor by his daughter Xochitl. The Aztec monarch smiled, tasted it, gulped it down with a relish, and, it is said, afterwards married the girl; thenceforward this drink became the native tipple, and for centuries it bore the softened name of Octel. The corruption ofOctelintoCocktailby the soldiers of the American Army when, under General Scott, they invaded Mexico, about sixty years ago, was easy.
Coger.A slang term derived from the members of the celebrated Cogers’ Club in Salisbury Court, Fleet Street. They styled themselves “Cogers” from the Latincogito, to think deeply.
Cohees.Natives of Western Pennsylvania, owing to their addiction to the phrase “Quoth he,” softened intoQuo’he.
Coin Money.To make money as fast as it is turned out at the Mint. Few men are so fortunate.
Coke Hat.After William Coke, who popularised it. See “Billycock.”
Coldbath Fields.A district of Clerkenwell now long built over, but famous for a cold bath; the site is marked by the present Bath Street.
Colchester.The camp town on the Colne.
Coldstream Guards.The regiment raised by General Monk at Coldstream, Berwickshire, in 1660.
Coleman Street.Said to have been built upon by one Coleman; but long before his time the coalmen or charcoal merchants congregated here.
Colleen.Irish for girl. “Colleen Bawn” expresses a blonde girl.
College Hill.From a collegiate foundation of Sir Richard Whittington, thrice Lord Mayor of London.
College Port.Inferior port served up to the older students at college. It is said to be specially prepared for this market.
Collop Monday.The day preceding Shrove Tuesday, when housewives cut up all their meat into large steaks or collops for salting during Lent.
Cologne.TheColonia Agrippinaof the Romans, so called after the mother of Nero, who was born here.
Colonel.A Far-West title of courtesy bestowed upon anyone who owns a stud horse.
Colorado.The Spaniards gave this name to the state in allusion to its coloured ranges.
Colosseum.Greek for “great amphitheatre.”
Combine.An Americanism for “Combination.” Applied in a financial or commercial sense, this term is now well understood in our own country.
Come up to the Scratch.A prize-fighting expression. A line was scratched on the ground with a stick, and the combatants were expected to toe it with the left foot.
Commonwealth.In theatrical parlance, a sharing out of the proceeds of the week’s performances after all expenses have been deducted. This generally happenswhen the manager has decamped with the entire takings, and left his company stranded.
Compton Street(Old and New). Built upon by Sir Richard Compton and Bishop Compton respectively.
Conduit Street.From a conduit of spring water set up here before the land was built over.
Confidence Man.An Americanism for one who in this country is known to extract money from strangers by the “confidence trick.”
Confounded Liar.Literally one who is covered with confusion on being brought face to face with the truth.
Congleton Bears.A nickname given to the people of Congleton, Cheshire. Local tradition has it that the bear intended for baiting at the holiday sports died, and, to procure another, the authorities appropriated the money collected for a new Church Bible.
Congregationalists.Independent Nonconformists, who are neither Baptists nor Wesleyans, and claim the right to “call” their own ministers, each congregation managing its own affairs.
Connecticut.From the IndianQuinnitukut, “country of the long river.”
Conscience Money.Money sent anonymously to the Treasury in respect of Income-Tax after the thought of having defrauded the Revenue has pricked the individual conscience.
Constance.Founded by Constantine, the father of Constantine the Great; one of the oldest cities of Germany.
Constantinople.The city of Constantine.
Constitution Hill.Where John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham, took his daily constitutional walk while residing at Buckingham House, built by him in 1703. On the site of this mansion George IV. erected the present edifice, Buckingham Palace, in 1825.
Cook your Goose.An old chronicler thus explains this saying: “The Kyng of Swedland coming to a towne of his enemyes with very little company, his enemyes, to slyghte his forces, did hang out a goose for him to shoote, but perceiving before nyghte that these fewe soldiers had invaded and sette their chief houlds on fire, they demanded of him what his intent was, to whom he replied, ‘To cook your goose.’”
Coon.Short for racoon, an American animal much prized on account of its fur.
Cooper.A publican’s term for half ale and half porter. See “Entire.”
Copenhagen Street.From Copenhagen Fields, where stood a noted tea-house opened by a Dane.
Copper.A policeman, from the thieves’ slangcop, to take, catch.
Copperheads.A political faction of North America during the Civil War, regarded as secret foes, and so called after the copperhead serpent, which steals upon its enemy unawares.
Cordeliers.Franciscan Friars distinguished from the parent Order by the knotted waist-cord.
Corduroy.In FrenchCord du Roy, “King’s cord,” because ribbed or corded material was originally worn only by the Kings of France.
Cordwainer.The old name for a shoemaker, because the leather he worked upon was Cordwain, a corruption of Cordovan, brought from the city of Cordova.
Cork.From the Gaeliccorroch, a swamp.
Cork Street.From the residence of Lord Cork, one of the four brothers of the Boyle family.
Corncrackers.The Kentuckians, from a native bird of the crane species called the Corncracker.
Corner.The creation of a monopoly of prices in respect of natural produce or manufactured goods. The allusionhere is to speculators who agreed in a quiet corner, at or near the Exchange, to buy up the whole market.
Cornhill.The ancient city corn market.
Cornwall.Pursuant to the SaxonWahl, the horn of land peopled by foreigners.
Corpus Christi College.At Cambridge, founded by the united guilds or fraternities of Corpus Christi and the Blessed Virgin.
Corsica.A Phœnician term for “wooded isle.”
Cossack.The Russian form of the Tartar termkasake, a horseman.
Costa Rica.Spanish for “rich coast.”
Costermonger.In Shakespeare’s time a Costardmonger, or trader in a famous species of apple so called.
Cottonopolis.Manchester, the city identified with English cotton manufacture.
Cotton Plantation State.Alabama, from its staple industry.
Cotton to.An Americanism meaning to cling to a man as cotton would cling to his garments.
Counter-jumper.The derisive nickname of a draper’s assistant, on account of his agility in leaping over the counter as a short cut from one department to another.
Country Dance.A corruption of the Frenchcontre danse, from the opposite positions of the dancers.
Coup de Grace.The merciful finishing stroke of the executioner after a criminal had been tortured by having all his bones broken on a wheel. One blow on the head then put him out of his misery.
Court Cards.Properly Coat Cards, on account of their heraldic devices.
Court of Arches.The ecclesiastical Court of Appeal for the Archbishopric of Canterbury which in ancient times was held in the crypt of St Mary-le-Bow, or St Mary of the Arches at Cheapside. See “Bow Church.”
Court Plaster.The plaster out of which ladies of the Court fashioned their decorative (?) face patches.
Covenanters.Those who entered into a Solemn League or Covenant to resist the religious and political measures of Charles I. in 1638.
Covent Garden.A corruption of Convent Garden, the site of which was converted into a market,temp.Charles II. The convent and garden belonged to the Abbey at Westminster.
Coventry.A corruption of Conventry--i.e.Convent town. Before the Reformation it was far famed for the number of its conventual establishments. The suffixtryis Celtic for “dwelling.”
Coventry Street.From the residence of Henry Coventry, Secretary of State,temp.Charles II.
Cowcross Street.Where the cattle crossed the brook in days when this now congested neighbourhood was pleasant pasture land watered by the “River of Wells.”
Coxcomb.A vain, empty-pated individual. So called from the cock’s comb worn on the cap by the licensed jesters, because they were allowed to crow over their betters.
Cracker.Although the origin of this term when applied to a juvenile firework would appear to be self-evident, it is really a corruption ofCracque, the Norman description of “Greek Fire.”
Crackers.The people of Georgia, owing, it is said, to the unintelligibility of their speech.
Cranbourn Street.From the long, narrow stream of this name, when the whole district hereabouts was open fields.
Crank.One whose notions of things are angular, eccentric, or crooked. His ideas do not run in a straight line.
Cravat.Introduced into Western Europe by the Cravates or Croatians in the seventeenth century.
Craven Street.From the residence of Lord Craven prior to his removal to Drury House in Drury Lane.
Cream City.Milwaukee, from the cream-coloured bricks of which its houses are built.
Credit Draper.The modern designation of a “Tallyman.”
Cree Church.See “St Katherine Cree.”
Creed Lane.Where the monks recited the Credo in procession to St Paul’s. See “Ave Maria Lane.”
Cremorne Gardens.Laid out on the site of the mansion and grounds of Thomas Dawson, Lord Cremorne.
Creole State.Louisiana. In New Orleans particularly a Creole is a native of French extraction.
Crescent City.New Orleans, built in the form of a crescent.
Crimea.From theKimriorCymriwho settled in the peninsula.
Cripplegate.From the city gate around which gathered cripples begging for alms, the neighbouring church being dedicated to St Giles, their patron.
Crokers.Potatoes, because first raised in Croker’s Field at Youghal, Ireland.
Cromwell Road.From the mansion and grounds of Richard Cromwell, son of the Lord Protector.
Crop Clubs.Clubs formed to evade Mr Pitt’s tax on hair powder.The Timesthus noticed one of the earliest in its issue of 14th April 1795: “A numerous Club has been formed in Lambeth called the ‘Crop Club,’ every member of which is obliged to have his hair docked as close as the Duke of Bridgewater’s old bay horses. This assemblage is instituted for the purpose of opposing, or rather evading, the tax on powdered heads.”
Cross Keys.A common inn sign throughout Yorkshire, from the arms of the Archbishop of York.
Crowd.Theatrical slang for members of a company collectively.
Crow over him.A cock always crows over a vanquished opponent in a fight.
Crutched Friars.Friars of the Holy Trinity, so called from the embroidered cross on their habits (Latin,cruciati, crossed). Their London house was located in the thoroughfare named after them.
Cuba.The native name of the island when Columbus discovered it.
Cully.A slang term applied to a man, mate, or companion. Its origin is the Romanycuddy, from the Persiangudda, an ass.
Cumberland.The land of the Cymri.
Cupboard.See “Dresser.”
Curaçoa.A liqueur first prepared at the West Indian island of the same name.
Currants.First brought from Corinth.
Cursitor Street.From the Cursitors’ Office that stood here. The Cursitors were clerks of Chancery, but ancientlychoristers, just as the Lord Chancellor himself was an ecclesiastic.
Curtain Road.From the “Curtain Theatre,” where Ben Jonson’s “Every Man in his Humour” was put on the stage.
Curzon Street.From George Augustus Curzon, created Viscount Howe, the ground landlord.
Cuspidor.The American term for a spittoon, derived from the Spanishescupidor, a spitter.
Cut me to the Quick.The quick of one’s fingers when cut into is most alive or sensitive to pain. See “Quicksilver.”
Cutpurse.A thief who, in days before pockets came into vogue, had no difficulty in cutting the strings with which a purse was suspended from the girdle.
Cut the Line.A printer’s expression for knocking off work. Formerly compositors finished the line they were composing; nowadays Trades Unionism has made them so particular that they leave off in the middle of a line on the first stroke of the bell.
Cypress.A tree introduced to Western Europe from the island of Cyprus.
Cyprus.Fromkupras, the Greek name for a herb which grew on the island in profusion.
Dachshund.German for “badger-dog.”
Daffodil.An English corruption of the Frenchd’Asphodel.
Dagonet.The pseudonym of Mr George R. Sims inThe Referee, after the jester at the Court of King Arthur.
Daguerreotype.An early process of photography discovered by L. J. M. Daguerre.
Dahlgreen Gun.After its inventor, an officer in the United States Navy.
Dahlia.Introduced to Europe from Mexico in 1784 by Andrew Dahl, the Swedish botanist.
Daisy.From the Anglo-Saxondæges eye, or “day’s eye,” on account of its sunlike appearance.
Dakota.From the Dacoits, a tribe of Indians found there.
Dale Road.From the residence of Canon Dale, poet, and Vicar of St Pancras.
Dalmatian.A species of dog bred in Dalmatia.
Dalston.The town in the dale when the north of London was more or less wooded.
Damage.See “What’s the Damage?”
Damascenes.From Damascus, famous for its plums.
Damascus.From the Arabic name of the city,Dimiskesh-Shâm.
Damascus Blade.From Damascus, a city world famous for the temper of its sword blades.
Damask.First made at Damascus in Syria.
Damask Rose.Introduced to Europe from Damascus.
Damassin.A Damask cloth interwoven with flowers of gold or silver.
Dame School.The old name for a girls’ school taught by a spinster or dame.
Damsons.ProperlyDamascenes, from Damascus.
Dancing Chancellor.Sir Christopher Hatton so pleased Queen Elizabeth by his dancing at a Court masque that she made him a Knight of the Garter; subsequently he became Lord Chancellor of England.
Dandelion.A corruption of the Frenchdent de lion, from its fancied resemblance to a lion’s tooth.
Dandy.From the Frenchdandin, silly fellow, ninny.
Dantzic.Expresses the town settled by the Danes.
Danvers Street.From Danvers House, in which resided Sir John Danvers, to whom the introduction of the Italian style of horticulture in England was due.
Darbies.A pair of handcuffs, in allusion to Darby and Joan, who were inseparable.
Dardanelles.After the city on the Asiatic side founded by Dardanus, the ancestor of Priam, the last king of Troy.
Dark and Bloody Ground.Kentucky, the great battle-ground of the Indians and white settlers, as also that of the savage tribes amongst themselves.
Darmstadt.Thestadt, or town, on the Darm.
Dartford.From the SaxonDarentford, the fort on the Darent.
Dartmoor.The moor in which the River Dart takes its rise.
Dartmouth.On the estuary of the River Dart.
Dauphin.The title borne by the eldest son of the King of France until 1830, from the armorial device of adelphinus, or dolphin.
Davenport.After the original maker.
Davies Street.After Mary Davies, heiress of the manor of Ebury, Pimlico.
Davis Strait.After the navigator who discovered it.
Davy Jones’s Locker.Properly “Duffy Jonah’s Locker.”Duffyis the ghost of the West Indian Negroes; Jonah, the prophet cast into the sea; and “locker,” the ordinary seaman’s chest.
D. D. Cellars.See “Dirty Dick’s.”
Dead as a Door Nail.The reflection that, if a man were to be knocked on the head as often as is the “nail” on which a door knocker rests, he would have very little life left in him, easily accounts for this saying.
Dead Beat.Prostrate from fatigue, incapable of further exertion. Also the name of an American drink of whisky and ginger-soda after a hard night’s carousal.
Deadheads.In America persons who enjoy the right of travelling on a railway system at the public expense; in this country actors and pseudo “professionals,” who pass into places of amusement without paying. The origin of the term is as follows:--More than sixty years ago all the principal avenues of the city of Delaware converged to a toll gate at the entrance to the Elmwood Cemetery Road. The cemetery having been laid out long prior to the construction of the plank road beyond the toll gate, funerals were allowed to pass through the latter toll free. One day as Dr Price, a well-known physician, stopped to pay his toll he observed to the gatekeeper: “Considering the benevolent character of the profession to which I have the honour to belong, I think you ought to let me pass toll free.” “No, no, doctor,” the man replied; “we can’t afford that. You send too many deadheads through here as it is!” The story travelled, and the term “Deadheads” became fixed.
Dead Reckoning.Calculating a ship’s whereabouts at sea from the log-book without aid from the celestial bodies.
Dead Sea.Traditionally on the site of the city of Sodom. Its waters are highly saline, and no fish are found in them.
Dean Street.After Bishop Compton, who, before he became Dean of the Savoy Chapel, held the living of St Anne’s, Soho.
Dean’s Yard.Affords access to the residence of the Dean of Westminster, which, with the cloisters, belonged to the abbots prior to the Reformation.
Death or Glory Men.The 17th Lancers, from their badge, a Death’s head superposed on the words “Or Glory.”
De Beauvoir Town.From the manorial residence of the De Beauvoirs.
Deccan.From the SanskritDakshina, the south, being that portion of Hindustan south of the Vindhya Mountains.
December.The tenth month of the Roman Calendar when the year was reckoned from March.
Decemvir.One of the ten legislators of Rome appointed to draw up a code of laws.
Decoration Day.30th May, observed in the United States for decorating the graves of the soldiers who fell in the struggle between the North and South.
Deemster.See “Doomster.”
Dehaley Street.From the residence of the Dehaleys.
Delaware.After the Governor of Virginia, Thomas West, Lord Delaware, who died on board his vessel while visiting the bay in 1610.
Del Salviati.The assumed name of the famous Italian painter Francesco Rossi, in compliment to his patron, Cardinal Salviati, who was born in the same year as himself.
Demijohn.A corruption ofDamaghan, in Persia, a town anciently famous for its glass-ware.
Democracy.From the Greekdemos, people, andkratein, to rule. Government by the people.
Denbigh.FromDinbach, the Celtic for “a little fort.”
Denmark.ProperlyDanmark, the mark or boundary of the land of the Danes.
Depot.The American term for a railway station.
Deptford.The deep ford over the Ravensbourne.
Derby.Saxon for “deer village.” The Derby stakes at Epsom were founded by Edward Smith Stanley, Earl of Derby, in 1780.
Derrick.The old name for a gibbet and now for a high crane. So called after a seventeenth-century hangman at Tyburn.
Derry Down.The opening words of the Druidical chorus as they proceeded to the sacred grove to gather mistletoe at the winter solstice.Derryis Celtic for “grove.”
Dessborough Place.From Dessbrowe House, in which resided the brother-in-law of Oliver Cromwell.
Detroit.French for “strait.”
Deuteronomy.A Greek word signifying the second giving of the Law by Moses.
Devereaux Court.See “Essex Street.”
Devil’s Sonata.One of Tartini’s most celebrated compositions. He dreamt that the Evil One appeared to him playing a sonata on the violin. At its conclusion his visitor asked: “Tartini, canst thou play this?” Awaking with his mind still full of the grotesque music, Tartini played it over, and then recorded it permanently on paper.
Devil to Pay.When money was lost by unsuccessful litigation it passed into the hands of lawyers, who were thought to spend it where they spent much of their time--viz. at the Devil Tavern in Fleet Street. The money, therefore, went to the Devil.
Devizes.From the LatinDevisæ, denoting the point where the old Roman road passed into the district of the Celts.
Devon.After a Celtic tribe, theDamnonii.
Devonshire House.The town house of the Duke of Devonshire.
Devonshire Square.From the mansion of William Cavendish, Earl of Devonshire, who died here in 1628.
Diamond King.The late Mr Alfred Beit, the South African financier, whose wealth rivalled that of the Rothschilds.
Dickey.A shirt front, which often has to do duty for a clean shirt. So called from the Germandecken, to hide.
Diddler.A schemer, an artful dodger. After Jeremy Diddler, the chief character in the old farce, “Raising the Wind.”
Die Hards.The 57th Foot. When the regiment was surrounded at Albuera, their Colonel cried: “Die hard, my lads; die hard!” And fighting, they died.
Digger Indians.Tribes of the lowest class who live principally upon roots. They have never been known to hunt.
Diggings.A Bohemian term for “lodgings.” Not from the Californian gold diggings, as generally supposed, but from the Galena lead miners of Wisconsin, who called both their mines and their underground winter habitations “diggings.”
Dime.A ten-cent piece, from the Frenchdixme, ordîme, tenth--i.e.of a dollar.
Dimity.First brought from Damietta, Egypt.
Dine with Duke Humphrey.An old saying of those who were fated to go dinnerless. When the “Good Duke Humphrey,” son of Henry IV., was buried at St Albans, a monument to his memory was to be erected in St Paul’s Cathedral. At that time, as for long afterwards, the nave of our national fane wasa fashionable promenade. When the promenaders left for dinner, others who had no dinners to go to explained that they would stay behind in order to look for the Good Duke’s monument.
Dining-room Servant.An Americanism for waiter or male house servant.
Diorama.See “Panorama.”
Dirty Dick’s.The noted tavern in Bishopgate, said to have been associated with Nathaniel Bentley, the miser, who never washed himself. As a matter of fact, Dirty Dick was an ironmonger in Leadenhall Street. After his death his effects were bought and exhibited at the Bishopgate tavern, together with his portrait as a sign.
Dirty Shirts.The 101st Foot, who were hotly engaged at the battle of Delhi in their shirt sleeves.
Dissenters.Synonymous with the Nonconformists. Those who dissented from the doctrines of the Church of England and those likewise who, at a later period, separated from the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.
Distaffs’ Day.The old name for 7th January, when, Christmas being over with Twelfth Night, women returned to their distaffs or spindles.
Divan.A Turkish word signifying a Council of State, from the fact that the Turkish Council Chamber has low couches ranged round its walls, plentifully supplied with cushions. The name has been imported into Western Europe specifically to imply a low-cushioned sofa or couch.
Dixie’s Land.The Negroes’ paradise in slavery days. Dixie had a tract of land on Manhattan Island. He treated his slaves well, but as they increased sold many of them off to masters further afield. They always looked back to Dixie’s Land as an ideal locality, associated with heaven, and when one of them died his kith and kin said he had gone to Dixie’s Land.
Dizzy.The nickname of Benjamin Disraeli, afterwardsEarl of Beaconsfield, the great political opponent of Mr Gladstone.
Doctor.There are three kinds of Doctors--of Law, Physic, and Divinity. The first and the last are essentially University degrees, with which the vulgar orders of the people have little or no acquaintance. They know only of one “Doctor,” the medical practitioner, and since he wears a frock coat and a silk hat he is entitled to all the respect that they can pay him.
Doctors’ Commons.Anciently a college for Professors of Canon and Civil Law, who dined in common on certain days in each term, similar to students at the Inns of Court before they are called to the Bar.
Dog and Duck.A tavern sign indicative of the old sport of duck hunting by spaniels in a pond.
Dog-cart.Originally one in which sportsmen drove their pointers and setters to the field.
Dog his Footsteps.To follow close to his heels like a dog.
Dog in the Manger.From the old story told of the dog who did not require the hay for himself, yet refused to allow the ox to come near it.
Dog Rose.From the old idea that the root of this rose-tree was an antidote for the bite of a mad dog.
Dog Watch.A corruption of “Dodge Watch,” being a watch of two hours only instead of four, by whichdodgingseamen gradually shift their watch on successive days.
Dolgelley.Celtic for “dale of hazels.”
Dollar.From the German Thaler, originally Joachims-Thaler, the silver out of which this coin was struck having been found in the Thal or Valley of St Joachim in Bohemia.
Dollars and Dimes.An Americanism for money generally. See “Dime.”
Dolly Shop.The old name for a rag shop which had ablack doll over the door for a sign. At one time old clothes were shipped to the Negroes in the southern states of America.
Dolly Varden.The name of a flowered skirt, answering to the description of that worn by Dolly Varden in Dickens’s “Barnaby Rudge.” This dress material became very popular after the novel was published. It also gave rise to a song, of which the burden was: “Dressed in a Dolly Varden.”
Dolphin.A gold coin introduced by Charles V. of France, also Dauphin of Vienne.
Dominica.Expresses the Spanish for Sunday, the day on which Columbus discovered this island.
Dominicans.Friars of the Order of St Dominic; also called Black Friars, from their habits.
Dominoes.A game invented by two French monks, who amused themselves with square, flat stones marked with spots. The winner declared his victory by reciting the first line of the Vesper service: “Dixit Dominus Domino Meo.” When, later, the game became the recreation of the whole convent, the Vesper line was abbreviated into “Domino,” and the stones themselves received the name of “Dominoes.”
Don.A corruption of the Celtictain, river.
Donatists.A sect of the fourth century, adherents of Donatus, Bishop of Numidia.
Doncaster St Leger.The stakes at Doncaster races founded by Colonel Anthony St Leger in 1776.
Donegal.Gaelic for the “fortress of the west”--viz. Donegal Castle, held by the O’Donnels of Tyrconnel.
Donet.The old name for a Grammar, after Donatus, the grammarian and preceptor of St Jerome.
Donkey.An ass, from itsduncolour.
Don’t care a Dam.When this expression first obtained currency a dam was the smallest Hindoo coin, not worth an English farthing.
Don’t care a Jot.See “Iota.”
Doomster.The official in the Scottish High Court who pronounced the doom to the prisoner, and also acted as executioner. In Jersey and the Isle of Man a judge is styled a “Deemster.”
Dope Habit.An Americanism for the morphia habit. “Dope” is the Chinese word for opium. This in the United States is now applied to all kinds of strong drugs or bromides prepared from opium.
Dorcas Society.From the passage in Acts ix. 39: “And all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.”
Dorchester.The Roman camp in the district of theDwr-trigsor water dwellers. See “Dorset.”
Dorset.The Anglo-SaxonDwrset, or water settlement, so called from the British tribe theDwr-trigs, “water dwellers,” who peopled it.
Dorset Square.After Viscount Portman, the ground landlord, who, before he was raised to the peerage, was for many years Member for Dorsetshire.
Dorset Street.From the mansion and grounds of the Earl of Dorset of the Restoration period. Here stood also the Dorset Gardens Theatre.
Doss.Slang for a sleep, a shakedown. From the old worddossel, a bundle of hay or straw, whence was derivedDoss, a straw bed.
Doss-house.A common lodging-house. See “Doss.”
Douay Bible.The Old Testament translation of the Latin Vulgate printed at the English College at Douay, France, in 1609.
Doublet.So called because it was double lined or wadded, originally for purposes of defence.
Douglas.From its situation at the juncture of the two streams, theDhoo, black, andGlass, grey.
Douro.From the CelticDwr, water.
Dover House.The residence of the Hon. George Agar Ellis, afterwards Lord Dover.
Dover Street.After Henry Jermyn, Lord Dover, who died at his residence here in 1782.
Dowager.The widow of a person of high rank, because she enjoyed a substantial dower or dowry for her maintenance during life.
Dowgate.From the CelticDwr, water. Hence a water gate on the north bank of the Thames.
Downing Street.From the mansion of Sir George Downing, M.P., of the Restoration period.
Down with the Dust.A gold miner’s expression in the Far West, where money is scarce and necessary commodities are in general bartered for with gold dust.
Doyley.From the Brothers Doyley, linen drapers in the Strand, who introduced this species of table napery.
Do your Level Best.This expression means that, while striving to the utmost you must also act strictly straightforward.
Drachenfels.German for “dragon rocks.” Here Siegfried, the hero of the Niebelungenlied, slew the dragon.
Draft on Aldgate Pump.A punning phrase for a worthless bill or cheque.
Draggletail.A slovenly woman who allows her skirts to draggle or trail in the mire of the street.
Dragoman.From the Turkishdrukeman, an interpreter. A dragoman is in the East what a “Cicerone” is in Italy and elsewhere in Western Europe.
Dragoons.From the ancient musket called a dragon, or “spitfire.” The muzzle was embellished with a representation of a dragon.
Draper.One who dealt in cloth for draping only, as distinct from a mercer, milliner, or mantle-maker.
Drapers’ Gardens.The property of the Drapers’ Company, whose hall is situated here.
Drat it.A corruption of “Odd rot it,” from the old oath, “God rot them.”
Drawer.The old name for an inn or tavern keeper’s assistant, who drew the beer from the casks.
Drawing-room.Originally “Withdrawing-room” to which the ladies withdrew after dinner while the gentlemen sat over their wine.
Draw it mild.Originally a tavern phrase, when anyone preferred ordinary ale to hot spiced liquor.
Draw the Long Bow.In allusion to the exaggerated skill of the English archers prior to the introduction of gunpowder.
Dress Circle.That portion of a theatre which, before the introduction of stalls, was set apart for the superior sections of the audience.
Dressed up to the Knocker.To the extreme height of his resources. Before the establishment of the modern police system door knockers were placed as high as possible to prevent them from being wrenched off by sportive wags after nightfall.
Dresser.The kitchen sideboard, on which the meat was dressed before serving it up in the dining-chamber. The collection of cups, plates, and dishes which distinguishes a dresser originally had a place on a wide shelf or board over this meat dresser; hence cup-board.
Drinks like a Fish.Ready to swallow any quantity of liquor that may be offered. A great many fish have their mouths wide open whilst swimming.
Drive a Bargain.An expression meaning to knock down the original price asked, in punning allusion to “driving” a nail.
Drop o’ the Crater.See “Mountain Dew.”
Druid.In the CelticDerwydd, derived fromdewr, oak, andgwydd, knowledge. A priest who worshipped and offered sacrifices under an oak.
Drum.The name for a fashionable evening party of bygone days, from the noise made by the card players.
Drummers.An Americanism for commercial travellers, who are engaged in beating up trade.
Drunkard’s Cloak.A large wooden crinoline that hung from a drunkard’s neck to the ground, causing every bone in his body to ache owing to the weight resting on his shoulders. The instrument resembled an inverted flower pot, having a hole in the top for his head to be thrust through. Under this drastic treatment he soon became sober.
Drunk as a Fiddler.The fiddler was generally incapable of discoursing further music half way through the night’s jollification, because the dancers freely plied him with drink.
Drunk as a Lord.When George the Third was King, and long afterwards, the fine old English gentleman acted up to his character by using strong language and imbibing strong potations. To be “drunk as a lord” was the surest mark of gentility, and a “three bottle man” a pattern of sobriety. After dining it was considered no disgrace to roll helplessly under the table.
Drury Lane.From Drury House, the residence of Sir William Drury,temp.William III.
Dublin.FromDubh-linn, “black pool.”
Dub Up.An expression derived from the very general custom of dubbing or touching a man on the shoulder when arresting him for debt.
Ducat.Duke’s money, anciently struck in the Duchy of Apulia, Sicily.
Duchess Street.After Lady Cavendish, who became the wife of the second Duke of Portland.
Ducking Stool.An instrument for the punishment of scolding wives. This public ducking in a pond effectually served to cool their temper for the time being.
Duck’s Foot Lane.Properly “Duke’s Foot Lane,” the footway leading from the town house of the Earls of Suffolk down to the Thames.
Dude.An American name for a fop, derived from a very old English word, “dudes,” whence we have the slang term “Duds,” for clothes.
Dudley.From the castle built by Dodo, a Saxon prince, andley, “meadow.”
Duds.See “Dude.”
Dug-out.A Far West Americanism for a boat or canoe hewn out of a large tree log.
Dukeries.That portion of Nottinghamshire distinguished for the number of ducal residences, of which Welbeck Abbey is perhaps the most admired.
Duke Street.In Aldgate, after the Dukes of Norfolk. Near Smithfield, the ancient property of the Dukes of Brittany. In Grosvenor Square, after the Duke of Cumberland. Off Langham Place, after the Duke of Portland. Near Manchester Square, after the Duke of Manchester. In the Strand, after George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham.
Dulwich.The corruption ofDalewich, the village in the dale.
Duma.Russian for Parliament or popular representation.
Dumb Ox.One of the sobriquets of St Thomas Aquinas, from the silence with which he pursued his studies. His master, Albertus Magnus, however, predicted that “this dumb ox will one day fill the world with his bellowing.”
Dumping.A word which has come into prominence relative to Mr Chamberlain’s Fiscal Policy. In various forms the verbdumpmay be met with in Teutonic and Scandinavian tongues, meaning to “pitch down,” “throw down in a lump,” etc. etc. A “Dump Cart” in America is one that tilts up in front, and so “dumps” its load behind.
Dun.A persistent creditor. After Joe Dun, a noted bailiff, who never failed to bring a debtor to book. People used to say: “Why don’t you Dun him for the debt?” meaning they would send Joe Dun to make him pay or arrest him.
Dunce.From John Duns Scotus, who, it is said, gave no proof of his remarkable attainments in his early scholastic days.
Dundee.A corruption ofDuntay, the hill fort on the Tay.
Dunedin.See “Edinburgh.”
Dungeness.A corruption ofDanger Ness, the Headland of Danger.
Dunkirk.Expresses the “Church in the Dunes,” or sand-hills, built by St Eloi in the seventh century.
Durham.A corruption ofDunholm, from its situation on a hill surrounded by the river.
Dusseldorf.The village on the Dussel.
Dutchman.A contemptuous epithet applied to our phlegmatic enemies during the wars with Holland.
Dyers’ Buildings.The site of an ancient almshouse of the Dyers’ Company.
Eagle.An inn sign, the cognisance of Queen Mary.
Earl Street.After Charles Marsham, Earl of Romney.
Earl’s Court.From the Earl of Warwick, whose estate it was until, by the marriage of the Dowager Countess of Warwick with Lord Holland, it passed into her husband’s family.
East Anglia.A name still popular as defining the eastern counties. This was one of the seven divisions or petty kingdoms of England under the Angles or Saxons.
Eastcheap.The easternchepe, or market, of the city of London.
Easter.From the TeutonicOstara, goddess of light or spring; rendered by the Anglo-SaxonsEastre. This great spring festival lasted eight days.
Easter Island.The name given to it by Jacob Roggevin when he visited the island on Easter Sunday, 1722.
East Sheen.A name reminiscent of the original designation of “Richmond.”
Eat Dirt.An Americanism for a confession of penitence or absolute defeat in an argument.
Eat Humble Pie.In the days of sumptuous banquets of venison the lords of the feast reserved to themselves the flesh of the deer. The huntsmen and retainers had to be content with the heart, liver, and entrails, collectively called the “umbles,” which were made into monster pies.
Eat my own Words.To take them back again, to retract a statement.
Eaton Square.From Eaton Hall, near Chester, the seat of the Duke of Westminster, the ground landlord.
Eau de Cologne.A scent prepared at Cologne. The city itself is not sweet to the nostrils; it has been said that forty different smells may be distinguished there.
Eavesdropper.A corruption ofEavesdripper, one who, listening under the eaves of a house, caught the drips from the roof when it chanced to be raining.
Ebro.After theIberi, who spread themselves over the country from the banks of this river. See “Iberia.”
Ebury Square.From the ancient manor of Eabury Farm, inherited by Mary Davies, and which, by her marriage, passed into the possession of the Grosvenor family.
Eccleston Square.From Eccleston, Cheshire, the country seat of the Grosvenors.
Ecuador.Expresses the Spanish for Equator.
Edgar Atheling.Signifies “Edgar of noble descent.”
Edinburgh.The fortress or burgh built by Edwin, King of Northumbria. The Scots called itDunedin.
Edinburgh of America.Albany, in the state of New York, so called on account of its magnificent public buildings and its commanding situation.
Edmonton.In Anglo-Saxon daysEdmund’s Town.
Edmund Ironside.So called from the suit of chain mail that he wore. Notwithstanding this protection he was treacherously murdered after a reign of nine months only.
Edward the Confessor.The title bestowed upon the King of the Anglo-Saxons at his canonisation, on account of his remarkable asceticism, since, although he made the daughter of Earl Godwin his queen, he denied himself what are styled conjugal rights.
Edward the Martyr.Murdered at the instance of his stepmother at Corfe Castle after having reigned scarcely three years.
Eel Pie Island.From the invariable dinner dish served up to river excursionists.
Effra Road.At Camberwell, from the little river of the same name, now converted into a sewer.
Egalité.The name assumed by Philippe, Duc d’Orleans, the father of Louis Philippe, King of France, when, siding with the Republican Party in 1789, he accepted their motto: “Liberty, Fraternity, and Equality.” Four years later he met his death by the guillotine.
Ehrenbreitstein.Expresses the German for “Honour’s Broad Stone.” The castle stands on a precipitous rock, which well merits the description of the “Gibraltar of the Rhine.”
Eisteddfod.Celtic for a gathering of Welsh bards, fromeistodd, to sit. As of old, the annual “Eisteddfod” is held for the encouragement of national music.
Eldorado.California.Eldoradoexpresses the Spanish for “golden region.”
Electic Philosophers.Those who, agreeably to the Greekek-lego, to pick out, selected what was best in the different schools or systems, and so built up one of their own.
Elephant and Castle.The famous landmark in South London derived its sign from the arms of the Cutlers’ Company. A tavern in St Pancras parish took its sign from the skeleton of an elephant, beside which was a flint-headed spear, dug up in the neighbourhood. The connection between these and the battle fought by the followers of Queen Boadicea against the Roman invaders was unmistakable.
Elephant stepped on his Purse.An Americanism implying that a creditor or some unlucky speculation has squeezed all the money out of a man.
Elgin Marbles.Brought from Greece by the seventh Earl of Elgin. Acquired by the nation for the British Museum in 1816.
Elia.The pseudonym of Charles Lamb for his “Essays” contributed toThe London Magazine. This was the name of a gay, light-hearted foreigner, who fluttered about the South Sea House at the time when Lamb was a clerk there. At the moment of penning his signature to the first essay he bethought himself of that person, and substituted the name ofEliafor his own.
Eltham.AncientlyEaldham, “the old home.” Here Anthony Bec, the “Battling Bishop of Durham,” built himself a palace midway in the thirteenth century. After his death it fell to the Crown, and became a Royal residence, until the time of James I. The original Banqueting-Hall, used in modern days as a barn, may yet be seen.
Ely Place.Marks the site of the residence of the Bishops of Ely.
Ember Days.This term has no connection with embers or sackcloth and ashes as a penitential observance. The Saxons called themYmbrine dagas, or “running days,” because they came round at regular seasons of the year.
Emerald Isle.Ireland, from its fresh verdure, due to its shores being washed by the warm waters of the “Gulf Stream.”
Empire Day.May 24th, formerly the Queen’s Birthday. In the last days of Victoria the British Empire was consolidated through the assistance lent by the Colonies to the Mother Country in the South African War. When, therefore, King Edward VII. came to the throne, the former Queen’s Birthday was invested with a greater significance than of old.
Empire State.New York, which, owing to position and commercial enterprise, has no rival among the other states of the Union.
Empire State of the South.Georgia, in consequence of its rapid industrial development.
Ena Road.In honour of Princess Ena, the consort of the young King of Spain.
Encore.From the Latinhauc horam, till this hour, still, again.
Encyclopædia.A book containing general or all-round instruction or information, from the Greekenkylios, circular or general, andpaideia, instruction. An epitome of the whole circle of learning.
Endell Street.After the name of the builder. This is one of the few streets in London that has preserved its old characteristics, steadfastly refusing to march with the times.
England.In the time of Alfred the Great our country was styledEngaland, or the land of the Engles or Angles, who came over from Jutland.
Englishman’s House is his Castle.By the law of the land a bailiff must effect a peaceable entrance in order todistrain upon a debtor’s goods; therefore the latter is, as it were, sufficiently secure in his own fortress if he declines to give the enemy admittance.
Ennis.Expresses in Ireland, likeInnis, the Celtic for an island. Both these words enter largely into Irish place-names.
Enniskillen.The kirk town on an island, the Celtickil, originally implying a hermit’s cell, and later a chapel.
Ennismore Place.After Viscount Ennismore, Earl of Listowel, the ground landlord.
Enough is as good as a Feast.Because at no time can a person eat more than enough.
Enrol.See “Roll Call.”
Entente Cordiale.Expresses the French for cordial good will.
Entire.A word still to be met with on old tavern signs. It meant different qualities of ale or beer drawn from one cask.
Entrées.French for entries or commencements. Those made dishes are served after the soups, as an introduction to the more substantial portions of the repast, the joints.
Epicure.After Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, who taught that pleasure and good living constituted the happiness of mankind. His followers were styled Epicureans.
Epiphany.From the GreekEpiphaneia, an appearance, a showing; relative to the adoration of the Magi, who came from the East twelve days after the birth of the Saviour.
Epsom Salts.From the mineral springs at Epsom.
Equality State.Wyoming, where, first among the communities of the world, women were accorded the right to vote.
Erie.Indian for “Wild Cat,” the fierce tribe exterminated by the Iroquois.
Escurial.ProperlyEscorial, Spanish for “among the rocks.” King Philip II. built this superb convent and palace after the battle of St Quentin, in the course of which he had been obliged to bombard a monastery of the Order of St Jerome. He dedicated it to St Lawrence. He caused the structure to be in the form of a gridiron, the symbol of the Saint’s martyrdom.
Esk.A river name derived from the Celticuisg, water.
Esquimaux.An Alonquin Indian term signifying “eaters of raw flesh.”
Essex.The kingdom of the East Saxons under the Heptarchy.
Essex Street.From the mansion of Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex, the Parliamentary General in Cromwell’s time.
Ethelred the Unready.From his incapacity and unwillingness to acceptrede, or counsel.
Ethiopia.From the Greekaithein, to burn, andops, the face. Hence “the country of the blacks.”
Etiquette.A French word for “label.” Formerly a ticket or card of instructions was handed to visitors on ceremonial occasions. Nowadays such rules as pertain to deportment or decorum are supposed to enter into the education of all well-bred persons.
Etna.From the Phœnicianattuna, a furnace.
Eton.The Anglo-SaxonEyton, “island town.”
Ettrick Shepherd.The literary sobriquet of James Hogg, the poet, of Ettrick, Selkirkshire.
Europe.From the Greekeuros, broad, andops, the face; literally “the broad face of the earth.”
Euston Road.From the seat of the Earl of Euston at Thetford, Norfolk, the ground landlord.
Evacuation Day.November 25th, observed in the United States as commemorating the evacuation of New York city by the British after the War of Independence, 1783.
Evangelist.From the Greekeuanggelion, “good news.” One of the four writers of the Gospels of the New Testament.
Evelyn Street.From the residence of John Evelyn, the diarist. One of his descendants, the Rev. W. J. Evelyn, of Wolton, built the church of St Luke, Deptford, in 1872.
Everglade State.Florida, from its tracts of land, covered with water and grass, called Everglades.
Ex.Another form of the Celticuisg, water.
Exchequer.The table of this Court was formerly covered with checkered cloth, so called from the Old Frencheschequier, chess board.
Executive City.Washington, which contains the White House, the official residence of the President of the Republic, the House of Representatives, and the Senate Chamber.
Exellers.The 40th Foot, from the Roman numerals XL.
Exeter.Called by the SaxonsExancester, or the Roman camp town on the Exe.
Exeter College.Founded at Oxford by Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Exeter and Lord Treasurer of England, in 1316.
Exeter Street.From the mansion and grounds of the Earl of Exeter, the eldest son of the great Lord Burleigh.
Exhibition Road.This wide thoroughfare formed the eastern boundary of the plot of ground purchased by the Commissioners for the Great Exhibition of 1862.
Exodus.The Scriptural narrative of the departure of the Israelites from the Land of Bondage.
Eye.Expresses the Anglo-Saxon for island. The river Waveney surrounds the town.
Eye-opener.An American drink of mixed spirits as a remedy for drowsiness.