“But for one piece they thought it hardFrom the whole hog to be debarred.”
“But for one piece they thought it hardFrom the whole hog to be debarred.”
“But for one piece they thought it hardFrom the whole hog to be debarred.”
“But for one piece they thought it hard
From the whole hog to be debarred.”
Got my Back up.In allusion to cats, which set up their backs on being confronted by their own species or by a ferocious dog.
Got my Dander up.The worddanderhere is a corruption of dandruff, which, though it means only the scurf on the head, has come to be curiously applied to the hair itself; as when the fur of enraged animals is raised.
Got the Bullet.Suddenly discharged from one’s occupation; “fired out,” as it were.
Got the Push.Ousted from one’s place of employment. Metaphorically to have been pushed off the premises.
Got the Sack.An expression derived from the sack in which mechanics and artisans generally carried their own tools. When engaged to work the tools were assigned to a proper place in the workshop, while the master took possession of the sack. On discharging his men he returned them the sack.
Go to.An Old English expression which leaves something to the imagination. Originally it must have implied a place where there is much caloric. In its popular acceptation it meant simply “Get along with you!”
Go to Bath.An expression signifying that a person is talking nonsense. When the west of England was the fashionable health resort silly and slightlydemented folk were recommended to “Go to Bath, and get your head shaved.”
Go to Bungay.The curt answer received by persons who asked where they could get the once fashionable leather breeches. Bungay, in Suffolk, was the only place where they were made. This expression travelled over to New England with the first emigrants, and is still common in that portion of the United States.
Go to Jericho.Jericho was the name given by Henry VIII. to the Manor of Blackmore, near Chelmsford, whither he often retired quite suddenly from affairs of State. At such times his courtiers suspected some fresh freak of gallantry, and said he had “gone to Jericho.” Moreover, when in a testy mood, his Queen would tell him to “go to Jericho!”
Go to Putney.A very old expression, tantamount to consigning a person beyond the pale of London society or civilisation.
Got out of Bed the wrong Way.From the old superstition that planting the left foot on the ground first on rising in the morning was a harbinger of ill luck for the day.
Government Stock.The origin of the word Stock is interesting. Down to the year 1782, when the practice was abolished, public money invested in Government securities was acknowledged on the two opposite ends of a piece of wood called a stock, from the Anglo-Saxonstocc, a trunk. The stock was then cut in two, one portion being handed to the investor and the other consigned to the Tally Office.
Gower Street.After the name of the builder on this portion of the Bedford estate.
Gowk.The Scottish equivalent for an “April Fool,” signifying a foolish person.
Gracechurch Street.From the herb market anciently held around the Church of St Benet, called the Grass Church. This edifice has in modern times beenpulled down, and the money realised for the site devoted to the erection of a new St Benet’s in the Mile End Road.
Gramercy.Fromgrand merci, “great thanks,” a phrase introduced when French was the language of the Court.
Granby Street.In honour of John Manners, Marquis of Granby, whose name is also perpetuated by many a tavern sign.
Grand Hotel.Not in the sense of magnificence, but true to the French meaning of the word “great”; hence Grand Theatre, the Grand Tour, and the Grand Canal at Venice.
Grand Old Man.The name applied by Mr Labouchere to Mr W. E. Gladstone on the occasion of Mr Bradlaugh’s expulsion from the House after his election for Northampton because he refused to take the oath in the prescribed manner. Referring to a conversation in the tea-room Mr Labouchere said: “I told some friends that before I left Mr Gladstone came to me, and that grand old man, with tears in his eyes, took me by the hands, and said: ‘Mr Labouchere, bring me Mr Bradlaugh back again.’”
Grand Tour.More than a hundred years ago each of the sons of gentlemen in their turn made the Grand or Extended Tour through France, Germany, and Italy, just as nowadays daughters are presented at Court as a preliminary to moving in fashionable society.
Grange Road.Marks the situation of an old mansion called “The Grange.” The word Grange expresses the French for a barn or granary.
Granite State.New Hampshire, from its staple product.
Grapes.An inn or public sign, denoting that the house contained a vinery.
Grass Widow.A married woman separated from her husband, but not divorced. In the eyes of the world she passes for a widow by grace of courtesy. Thecorrect description is, therefore, a “Grace Widow.” The corruption came about quite easily.
Grays.Anciently the estate of the noble family who gave their name to Gray’s Inn, their town mansion. Lady Jane Grey came of this stock.
Gray’s Inn.The Inn or mansion of the Earls Gray, made over to the law students,temp.Edward III. See “Inn.”
Gray’s Inn Road.From Gray’s Inn, the eastern wall of which it skirts.
Great Bear Lake.On account of its situation under the northern constellation of the Great Bear.
Great Belt.The great strait leading to the Baltic Sea. Both these names are derived from the Norsebält, strait.
Great College Street.At the southern extremity of this thoroughfare in Camden Town stands the Royal Veterinary College.
Great Coram Street.From the Foundling Hospital built and endowed by Captain Thomas Coram in 1739.
Great Dover Street.The London portion of the old Roman highway to Dover.
Great George Street.Stands on the site of the stable-yard of a famous old coaching inn, “The George and Dragon.”
Great Marlborough Street.In honour of the Duke of Marlborough, the people’s idol after the victory of Blenheim.
Great Ormond Street.After the British General, James Butler, second Duke of Ormond.
Great Peter Street.Contiguous to Westminster Abbey, dedicated to St Peter.
Great Portland Street.The business thoroughfare on the Duke of Portland’s estate.
Great Queen Street.First laid out across the fields in the time of Queen Elizabeth, and named after her.
Great Russell Street.In honour of the ill-fated Lord William Russell, whose wife, Rachel, was the daughter of the Duke of Bedford, the great ground landlord.
Great St Helen’s.Occupies the site of the ancient priory of St Helen’s, of which the church remains.
Great St Thomas Apostle.Marks the site of a vanished church of this name.
Great Stanhope Street.From the mansion of Philip Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield.
Great Suffolk Street.After Suffolk House, in which resided George Brandon, Duke of Suffolk.
Great Sutton Street.Perpetuates the memory of Thomas Sutton, the founder of the Charter House.
Great Titchfield Street.After the Duke of Grafton and Marquis of Titchfield, father of the Earl of Euston, the ground landlord.
Great Winchester Street.From Winchester House, the residence of the first Earl of Winchester.
Great Windmill Street.A couple of centuries ago, when this district was open fields, a large windmill stood hereabouts.
Greece.CalledGræciaby the Romans, after theGraikoi, a tribe of settlers in Epiros.
Greek Street.At one time a colony of Greek merchants who contributed to the erection of a Greek church here.
Greenaway Gardens.After the late Miss Kate Greenaway, the lady artist, who resided in its vicinity.
Greenbacks.The paper currency of the United States, printed in green and with a device of the same colour on the back. Mr Chase, Secretary of the Treasury in 1862, claimed the honour of having added this word to the American vocabulary.
Green Dragon.AnAninn sign anciently depicting the combat of St George with the dragon.
Greengage.The greenish plum introduced to England by Lord Gage from the monastery of La Chartreuse in France.
Greengrocer.See “Grocer.”
Greenhorn.A raw, inexperienced youth. The allusion here is to the undeveloped horns of a young ox.
Green Horse.The nickname of the 5th Dragoon Guards, from their green facings.
Greenland.From the moss which grows abundantly in this otherwise sterile region. Iceland or Greenland moss is said to be very efficacious in the treatment of consumption.
Green Man.An inn sign denoting that the house was kept by a retired gamekeeper of the lord of the manor. Mediæval gamekeepers always dressed in green. See “Inn.”
Green Man and Still.A tavern sign pointing to the existence on the premises of a still where cordials were distilled from green herbs. In this case the house was not kept by a gamekeeper, but by a herbalist. It may, however, have belonged to an innkeeper or a “Green Man” further afield on the same estate.
Green Mountain State.Vermont, as its name implies.
Green Park.On account of its delightful grassy surface.
Green-room.From the green-coloured walls of the room set apart by David Garrick behind the scenes of Drury Lane Theatre for members of the company in the intervals of playing their parts. This colour was chosen as a relief to the eye after the glare of the stage lights.
Green Sea.From the aspect of its waters looking towards the shores of Arabia.
Greenwich.Expresses the Saxon for “green village.”
Grenadiers.Anciently a company of soldiers who marched in front of every regiment of foot, it being theirfunction to throw hand-grenades into the ranks of the enemy.
Gresham Street.After Sir Thomas Gresham, founder of the Royal Exchange. His residence in Old Broad Street, on the site of the present Gresham House, was converted by him into a college, which in 1843 was removed into Gresham Street. The word Gresham comes from the GermanGrassheim, “grass home”; hence the grasshopper on the summit of the Royal Exchange.
Greville Street.Marks the site of the mansion of Fulke Greville, Lord Brooke, one of the ministers of James I.
Grey Friars.See “Franciscans.”
Greyhound.An inn sign derived from the badge of Henry VII. The dog of this name originally came from Greece, and was accordingly styled agraihund, after theGraikoi, the people of that country.
Gripsack.An Americanism for a travellers’ hand-bag, corresponding to an English carpet bag.
Grisette.A generic name for a Parisian shop or work girl, from thegris, or grey cloth, which was at one time generally worn by the inferior classes in France.
Grocer.A term derived from the same root asGross, “the great hundred,” and applied to a provision dealer who in former times was the only trader rejoicing in the monopoly of dealing in large quantities.
Grocery.An Americanism for a grocer’s store or shop. Also used in the plural sense for commodities dealt in by a grocer; corresponding to our “groceries.”
Grog.The name originally given by the sailors under Admiral Edward Vernon to the rum diluted with water he served out to them on board ship. They called him “Old Grog” because he always appeared on deck in a long grogram cloak when the weather was “dirty.”
Groggery.An Americanism for a “grog shop” wherespirituous liquors only are purveyed; answering to our “Gin Palace.”
Grosvenor Square.The centre of the London estate of the Grosvenor family. Sir Richard Grosvenor was Grand Cup-bearer to George II. The word Grosvenor is Norman-French--i.e.Le Gros Veneur, “the chief hunter.”
Groundlings.The common spectators at the plays referred to by Hamlet in his “Advice to the Players.” The earliest London playhouses were the inn-yards, whose galleries corresponded to our box tiers, while the yard itself was given up to the audience generally.
Growler.A four-wheeled cab, so called from the surly manners of the driver. Since the advent of the “Hansom” his vehicle is rarely in request, save when the “fare” has much luggage to convey to a railway station or when a patient is being driven to the hospital.
Guadalquiver.From the ArabicWad-al-Kebir, “great river.”
Guildford Street.After Francis North, Lord Keeper, who resided in it.
Guildhall.The Hall of the City Guilds. The old word Guild expressed the fee paid for membership in an association of artisans; from the Anglo-Saxongild, money,gildan, to pay.
Guinea.A West African term for “abounding in gold.” The English coin of this name was first struck in 1663 out of gold brought from the coast of Guinea.
Guinea Fowl.Originally brought from Guinea, West Africa.
Guinea Pig.A South American rodent, somewhat resembling a pig. Its name is a corruption ofGuiana pig.
Gulf of Carpentaria.Discovered by Captain Carpenter, a Dutch navigator, in 1606.
Gulf States.Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas--all bordering on the Gulf of Mexico.
Gulf Stream.The warm equatorial waters of the Amazon River, which, after coursing round the coasts of South America and the Gulf of Mexico, make their way across the Atlantic, direct for the British Isles and Norway. This ocean stream, never less than forty miles in breadth, is distinguished by a deep indigo colour.
Gunnersbury.The name of a Saxon village, after the Lady Gunylda, a niece of King Canute, who took up her residence here while England was under the sway of the Danes.
Gutta-percha.A Malay term,gutta, gum, andpercha, the tree which provides it.
Gutter Lane.A corruption of “Gutheron Lane,” from a Danish burgher who resided in it.
Guy’s Hospital.The generous benefaction of Thomas Guy, a wealthy Lombard Street bookseller, in 1722. His large fortune was chiefly due to the buying up, at a large discount, of seamen’s prize-money tickets, and investing the proceeds in South-Sea Stock.
Gyp.The college servitor at Cambridge, so called because he subsists on the perquisites of those whom he waits upon.Gypexpresses the Greek for a vulture.
Haberdasher.Anciently one who sold Hapertas cloth, a mixture of silk and wool. In modern times a haberdasher is a vendor of smallwares, such as handkerchiefs, neckties, tapes, etc. The origin of the word Hapertas has been traced to the Anglo-SaxonHabihr das: “Will you buy this?” a trader’s exclamation similar to that of the London ’prentice of a later period: “What do you lack?” However this may be, the Germantauschenstands for sale, exchange, barter.
Hack Author.See “Hackney Coach.”
Hackney.The whole of this district originally belonged to a Danish Chief named Hacon. The suffixeyexpresses an island--i.e.land intersected by rivulets (in this case of the Lea)--or low, marshy ground. The suggestion that coaches were first let out for hire in this neighbourhood is not correct. See “Hackney Coach.”
Hackney Coach.One let out for hire. In France acoche-a-haquenéeexpresses a coach drawn by a hired horse. Originally the wordhaquenéemeant any kind of horse but a thoroughbred. The Dutchhakkeneimeans hack horse, an ambling nag. From the Frenchhaquenéewe have derived the term hack author, or literary hack, one whose services are hired for poor pay by a bookseller.
Haggerston.A Saxon village called “Hergotstein,” “Our God’s Stone.” The stone is believed to have had relation to a miraculous well, beside which an altar was set up.
Hague.Properly, according to the Dutch name of the place,Gravenhaag, the ancient seat of theGravsor Counts of Holland.
Hail.An exclamation of greeting derived from the Anglo-Saxonhæl, “health.” The Scandinavianheillexpressed the same sentiment. See “Wassail.”
Halberd.From two Teutonic words,hild, battle, andbard, axe.
Halcyon Days.Days of peace and tranquillity. This was the name anciently given to the seven days before and after the shortest day, because, according to fable, there were always calms at sea during this period while the halcyon or kingfisher birds were breeding.
Half-and-half.Originally a mixture in equal proportions of strong ale and small beer. In modern days it consists of half ale and half porter. See “Entire” and “Porter.”
Half Moon Street.After an ancient tavern, “The Half Moon,” which stood in this neighbourhood. This sign was derived from the crescent or ensign of the Turks.
Halfpenny.The original penny pieces were deeply indented crosswise, so that halfpennies and farthings (or fourthlings) could easily be broken off, as occasion demanded.
Half Seas Over.A nautical phrase applied to a drunken man staggering along, who is in danger of falling to the ground at any moment. When a ship has all her sails spread a sudden change in the direction of the wind often threatens to lay her on her side.
Halifax.A corruption of the Saxon “Haligfock,” fromhalig, holy, andfock, people. For what reason the inhabitants of this place were considered more saintly than people elsewhere local tradition does not say. Halifax in Nova Scotia was named, on the foundation of the city in 1749, by the Hon. Edward Cornwallis, after the Earl of Halifax.
Halifax Gibbet Law.An ancient enactment for the protection of the local woollen manufacture. Owing to the systematic theft by the employées in the trade of material supplied to them, it was found that the fabric lacked body and weight. To put a stop to this pilfering a law was passed, making the theft of anything whatsoever, to the value to thirteen pence halfpenny, subject to the death penalty. On conviction before a magistrate the thief was publicly executed on the next market day. The mode of execution was not by hanging, but by beheading, the instrument used being a kind of guillotine. Taylor, the Water Poet, speaks of this
“Jyn that wondrous quick and well,Sends thieves all headless into heaven or hell.”
“Jyn that wondrous quick and well,Sends thieves all headless into heaven or hell.”
“Jyn that wondrous quick and well,Sends thieves all headless into heaven or hell.”
“Jyn that wondrous quick and well,
Sends thieves all headless into heaven or hell.”
Hallelujah.From the Hebrewhalelu, “praise ye,” andIah, “Jehovah.”
Hallelujah Victory.That gained by the newly baptisedBretons under Germanus, Bishop of Auxerre, in 429. As they marched to the attack they cried “Hallelujah!”
Hall Mark.The test mark of Goldsmiths’ Hall stamped upon gold and silver plate as a guarantee of its purity.
Hamiltonian System.A novel method of teaching languages, invented by James Hamilton, a merchant, whose death took place at Dublin, 1831. The peculiarity of this system was that it dispensed with the initiatory grammatical stages.
Hamilton Place.After Colonel James Hamilton, Ranger of Hyde Park,temp.Charles II.
Hammer and Scourge of England.The sobriquet of Sir William Wallace, the Scottish warrior patriot.
Hammer and Tongs.A corruption of “Hammer and Tongues.” A wordy warfare is well described as a hammering of tongues; hence the saying: “They went at it hammer and tongs” (tongues).
Hammer-cloth.It has been suggested that this is the covering for the box-seat of a coach that contained the hammer, bolts, nails, etc., useful to remedy a breakdown on a journey. The true meaning of the term is, however, that it is properly “Hammock-cloth,” the driver’s seat being formed of stout straps or webbing stretched upon crutches, after the fashion of a sailor’s hammock.
Hammered.A stockbroker is said to be “hammered” when he is driven out of the Stock Exchange on account of his failure to meet his liabilities.
Hammersmith.OriginallyHammerschmiede, literally Saxon for blacksmith’s shop. In the early periods of its history this village had a great number of smithies.
Hampshire(orHants). The shire of the Hamptune, Hantone, or Anton, which river gives its name to the county town and “Southampton Water.”
Hampstead.From “Homestead,” signifying the enclosed property--i.e.farm buildings--of a rural mansion.
Hampton.From the Saxonheim, home, to whichtonor town was added. “Hampton Wick” expresses the village home on a creek.
Hampton Court.In the thirteenth century the manor of Hampton belonged to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. Cardinal Wolsey built himself a sumptuous palace here, and lived in luxurious style. Eventually he presented it to Henry VIII., since whose time Hampton Court has remained Crown property. The last monarch who resided here was George II.
Hand in your Checks.An Americanism for dying, giving up the ghost; meaning properly to make your will and settle your earthly affairs. All over the United States it is the custom at German restaurants to give a certain amount of credit to known regular patrons, who now and again are asked to hand in their checks or vouchers for settlement.
Handkerchief.Anciently a kerchief, which term was a corruption of “Coverchef,” from the Frenchcouvrir, to cover, andchef, the head, reserved for hand use in wiping the face, and carried in the left sleeve of the garment. At a later period, until the reign of Elizabeth, when pockets came into vogue, the handkerchief found a place in the pouch worn on the left side of the girdle.
Handsel Monday.The first Monday in the New Year, whenhandselsor gifts were bestowed upon servants. The word “Handsel” is Anglo-Saxon, meaning the delivery of something into another’s hands; also the first instalment of a series of payments as an earnest of good faith.
Handyman.The modern designation of a bluejacket or man-of-war’s-man. Since 1882, when, after the bombardment of Alexandria, he was sent ashore to cooperate with our troops in Egypt, he has proved himself not only an expert fighting man with the cutlass and musket, but an agile auxiliary to the artillery--in short, a handy man in all respects.
Hangbird.The Baltimore oriole, which suspends its nest from a tree branch.
Hanged, Drawn, and Quartered.The former capital sentence for treason. The criminal was drawn to the place of execution upon a hurdle, hanged, and his body was hewn into four quarters, each being spiked in a public place as an example to the multitude. This quartering was substituted, in the fifty-fourth year of the reign of George III., for the disembowelling of the hanged criminal while he was yet alive.
Hang of the Thing.An Americanism for the mechanism or the understanding of a thing--e.g.“I can’t get the hang of the thing nohow.”
Hanover Square.In honour of the Hanoverian Succession, because laid out and built upon in the reign of George I.
Hansards.Parliamentary debates and papers, so called because they were printed by Luke Hansard and his successors from the year 1752 until comparatively recent days.
Hanse Towns.Those towns of Northern Germany embraced by the Hansa or Hanseatic League, as long ago as the thirteenth century, for the protection of commerce against pirates at sea and marauders on land. The wordHansais Gothic for a league, society, federation.
Hans Place.After Sir Hans Sloane, the original ground landlord. See “Sloane Square.”
Hansom Cab.The “Safety Cab” patented in 1883 by Joseph Aloysius Hansom. This was not so much an improvement upon the Four-Wheeler as a horse-drawn adaptation of the invalids’ chair introduced at Brighton at the commencement of the century. See “Fly.”
Hants.See “Hampshire.”
Hanway Street.Here resided Jonas Hanway, the founder of Magdalen Hospital, who, newly arrived in England from Persia, and in delicate health, excited muchridicule because he was the first male pedestrian to carry an umbrella through the London streets as a protection against the rain. Hackney coachmen were especially wrath at this innovation, foreseeing that their business would be ruined if it caught on with the public.
Happify.An Americanism for to make happy--e.g.“One ought to try to happify mankind.”
Hapsburg.The name of the Imperial family of Austria, derived fromHabichtsburg, or “Hawk’s Castle,” built by Werner, Bishop of Strasburg, on the right bank of the Aar, in the Swiss canton of the Aargau--i.e.country of the Aar River.
Hard pushed.See “Hard up.”
Hard-shell Baptists.The American term for the hard and strait-laced sect of Baptists; corresponding to that which in England is designated the “Particular Baptists.”
Hard up.The allusion is to being pushed hard by circumstances into a tight corner.
Harem.Expresses the Arabic for “Sacred Spot.”
Harewood Square.From the town house of the Earls of Harewood.
Harlequin.From the Italianarlechino, a satirist, a jester.
Harlequinade.The comic scenes of a pantomime. In the original form of this entertainment the Harlequinade was by far the longer portion, and the principal character was Harlequin, the lover of Columbine. To his ingenuity in evading the clown and pantaloon, and confusing them by wondrous changeful tricks brought about by his magic wand, the success of the good old English pantomime was due. Speaking clowns did not come into existence before the days of Grimaldi.
Harley Street.After Edward Harley, Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, the ground landlord.
Harmonium.From the sustained harmonies produced on this wind instrument by means of the keys and finger-board.
Harold Harefoot.Harold I., the Saxon King of England, surnamed “Harefoot” because he was fleet of foot as a hare.
Harpsichord.An old form of pianoforte, so called because it was a harp encased longitudinally, and its chords were produced by the player on a key or finger board.
Harpur Street.After Sir William Harpur, Lord Mayor in 1562, the owner of a considerable estate in this neighbourhood.
Harrier.A dog specially suited for hunting the hare owing to his keen scent; also one who engages in a foot race according to the rule that each individual contestant makes for the goal by a different route.
Harringay.Expresses a neighbourhood or district abounding in hares.
Harrington Square.The property of one of the Earls of Harrington, whose daughter married the seventh Duke of Bedford.
Hart Street.Both these thoroughfares, in Bloomsbury and off Drury Lane, received their names from an adjacent inn sign, “The White Hart.”
Harum-scarum.One who is such a fright that he scares all beholders, causing them to fly from him with the swiftness of a hare.
HarvardUniversityUniversity.The foundation and endowment of the Rev. John Harvard at Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1638.
Harvest Festival.This distinctly religious observance by way of thanksgiving for the fruits of the earth really originated in or grew out of the Harvest Supper which landlords were accustomed to give their tenants after the harvest had been gathered in, because what was the ancient “Lammas Day” fell into abeyance at the Reformation.
Harz Mountains.Both these mountain ranges are for the most part forest clad.Harzis Old Saxon for wood, forest.
Hasn’t a Leg to stand on.A figurative expression applied to one whose argument has no support or firm basis.
Has the true Ring.A phrase generally applied to poetry, in allusion to the common test of genuine or debased coin by “ringing” it on a board or table.
Hatton Garden.Laid out across the extensive grounds attached to Hatton House, in which resided Sir Christopher Hatton, the Chancellor of Queen Elizabeth.
Hauled over the Coals.An expression dating back to the Ordeal by Fire, where persons accused of a crime were made to walk barefooted over red-hot iron shares or glowing embers. If they did so unharmed that was considered a proof of their innocence.
Hautboy.From the Frenchhautbois, literally “high wood,” being a high-toned reed instrument.
Havelock.The white cloth forming part of the military cap as a protection against the scorching rays of the sun, introduced by General Havelock during the Indian Mutiny.
Haversack.Provincial English for Oatsack, derived from the Germanhabersack. The wordhafre, oats, is Scandinavian.
Haverstock Hill.From a stockaded dwelling among the oats. See “Haversack.”
Havre.Originally “Le Havre de Notre Dame de Grace,” the Harbour of Our Lady of Mercy, afterwards shortened into “Havre de Grace.”
Hawker.From the Germanhoken, to carry on the back. A pedlar who carried his wares in a sack over his shoulder.
Hawkeye State.Iowa, owing to the sanguinary conflicts with the savage tribe led by the chief “Hawkeye.” Its people are called “Hawkeyes.”
Hawthorn.Expresses the Anglo-Saxon for “hedge thorn.”
Haydon Square.After the ground landlord, John Heydon, Alderman of the city of London towards the close of the sixteenth century.
Hay Hill.Marks the situation, together with Hill Street and Farm Street, of an old farm on the lands of John, Lord Berkeley of Stratton,temp.Charles I.
Haymarket.Where hay was sold in open market prior to January 1831.
Hayti.West Indian for “mountainous country.”
Hazing.An Americanism for a mad sport or frolic. Specifically it expresses the tricks played upon, and the ignominious treatment meted out to, an unpopular comrade in the army and the Military Schools; what in our own country is called “Ragging.” Like most other Americanisms, the word cannot be explained on etymological grounds.
Hear, Hear.A modern form of the ancient parliamentary exclamation “Hear him!” to enjoin silence while a Member was addressing the House.
Hearse.From the Frenchherseand Germanhirsch. Both these terms expressed a harrow or triangular candlestick set at the head of a coffin at a funeral service in church. At a later period they implied a sepulchral mound temporarily distinguished by a triangular stake setting forth a number or other identification mark. The modern application of the term to a vehicle specially designed for the conveyance of a body to the grave was an easy transition.
Heart-breakers.Artificial ringlets formerly worn by ladies to enhance their beauty. It is said that the most inveterate woman-hater was not proof against the attraction of these Heart-breakers.
Heathen.Literally a dweller on a heath in the open country. The Romans applied the term to those who, having no communion with the dwellers in cities, were cut off from all knowledge of their complicated systemof mythology. When Rome became converted to Christianity the untutored inhabitants of the country at large were the last to receive the Gospel. A heathen nation therefore, in a religious sense, is one far removed from civilisation, which offers a fruitful field for missionary work.
Heaven-sent Minister.William Pitt, first Earl of Chatham, one of the most eminent statesmen that England has ever possessed. His intense love of his own country prompted him to measures which made the success of British arms pre-eminent. Had his colleagues during the later portion of his career been actuated by the same patriotism as himself, and heeded his warnings, our American colonies might never have separated from the Mother Country.
Heavy Hill.Holborn Hill, because the hearts of those riding in the fatal cart to the place of execution at Tyburn were heavily laden.
“He” Bible.The first edition of the Authorised Version, containing a typographical error in Ruth iii. 15: “Andhewent into the city.” The subsequent edition, published in the same year, in which the passage was rectified, became known as “The ‘She’ Bible.”
Hebrews.Said to be descendants of Eber, the great-grandson of Shem, one of the ancestors of Abraham. The greater probability, however, is that the term has been derived from the nativeebher, the region on the other side--i.e.of the Euphrates.
Hebrides.Expresses the “Western Isles” of the Norwegians.
Hector.To swagger, bully, treat with insolence, after Hector, the celebrated Trojan warrior. From the known character of this hero of antiquity it is not easy to conceive that he could ever have been a braggart. The inference is rather that this word in its accepted sense was derived from the brutal manner in which Achilles treated the body of Hector after he had slain him in single combat.
Hedge Priest.Specifically in Ireland an itinerant cleric unattached to any mission; one admitted to Holy Orders without having studied theology.
Hedge School.An open-air school in the poor rural districts of Ireland beside a hedge.
Heel of Achilles.When Thetis, the mother of Achilles, dipped her son in the River Styx to make him invulnerable the water laved every portion of his body save that by which she held him. It wasaccordinglyaccordinglyin the heel that he received his mortal wound.
Heir Apparent.The rightful heir to the crown, whose succession is beyond a doubt provided he survives the reigning monarch.
Heir-Presumptive.The presumed heir to the crown provided no child in the direct line of succession is born to supersede his claim.
Heligoland.Danish for “Holy Land,” which name was bestowed upon it after the conversion of its people by St Willibrod in the seventh century. A great many conventual establishments sprang up on the soil, but the encroachments of the sea had swept them away by the seventeenth century. Prior to their conversion theAngliiwere wont to repair to this isle from the opposite mainland for the worship of the goddess Hertha, also known as Foseta, of whose temple it is said some ruins yet remain.
Heliotrope.From the Greekhelios, sun, andtropos, to turn. The flowers of this plant are said always to turn towards the sun.
Hello Girls.A nickname popularly bestowed upon the telephone girls in the Post Office Department at St Martin’s-le-Grand.
Hellespont.The older name of the “Dardanelles,” where Helle in fleeing from her stepmother was drowned. This occurred at the point where Xerxes with his army had crossed the strait on a temporary bridge.
Hell Kettles.Three very deep pits full of water at Oxenhall, Durham. The people of the neighbourhood declare them to be bottomless. They are really disused coal pits, the water in which cannot be drained off.
Helmuth the Taciturn.The sobriquet of Count Von Moltke, Field Marshal of the German Empire, on account of his habitual reserve.
Helot.The name given by the Spartans to a slave from the Greek town ofHelos, whose inhabitants they reduced to slavery.
Henbane.A plant which is poisonous to poultry.
Henchman.A corruption of “Haunchman,” the groom or servant who out of doors was in constant attendance upon his master at the flank or haunches of his horse. See “Flunkey.”
Heneage Lane.After the residence of Sir Thomas Heneage, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in the sixteenth century.
Henrietta Street.In Covent Garden, after Henrietta Maria, Queen of Charles I. On the north side of Oxford Street, after Henrietta Cavendish, who, by her marriage, carried not only a goodly portion of the Cavendish estate, but also that of her father, Lord Holles, into the Harley family.
Henry Irving.See “Irving.”
Heptarchy.The Saxon division of England comprising Kent, Sussex, Wessex, Essex, East Anglia, Mercia, and Northumbria, each having originally its own ruler.
Herculaneum.The foundation of this buried city was by the Romans traditionally ascribed to Hercules.
Hereford.Expresses the Saxon for “army ford” over the River Wye. During the Heptarchy this was the military headquarters of Mercia.
Heroic Verse.That usually selected for epic poetry, sincethe exploits of Achilles at the siege of Troy were set forth by Homer in hexameters.
Hertford.Originally “Hartford,” being the ford of the River Lea crossed by harts.
He’s a Brick.This expression, if not quite as old as the hills, carries us back to the time of Plutarch, who in his “Lives” gives the following account of its origin:--“On a certain occasion, an ambassador from Epirus paid a visit to Argesilaus, King of Sparta, on a mission of diplomatic importance. By that monarch he was shown over the capital. But the ambassador failed to see any massive walls reared to defend the city, and openly expressed his astonishment to the King. ‘Sire!’ he said, ‘I have visited most of your principal towns, and find no walls reared for defence. Why is this?’ ‘Indeed, Sir Ambassador,’ Argesilaus replied, ‘thou canst not have looked carefully. Come with me to-morrow, and I will show thee the walls of Sparta.’ On the following morning the King conducted his guest out upon the plains, where his army was drawn up in full battle array, and, proudly pointing to the serried host, he exclaimed: ‘There, Sir Ambassador, thou beholdest the walls of Sparta--ten thousand men, and every man a brick!’”
He’s joined the Majority.See “Gone over to the Majority.”
Hessel Street.The recent change from Morgan Street to Hessel Street in Stepney is accounted for by the discovery that here a celebrated character, in the person of Phœbe Hessel, was born. For many years she served as a private soldier in the Fifth Regiment of Foot, and fought at the Battle of Fontenoy, in which engagement she was wounded. A long inscription on her tombstone in Brighton churchyard would have us believe that she was at the time of her death, 21st December 1821, no less than one hundred and eight years of age.
Hessian.An Americanism for a hireling, a fighter for pay,a mercenary politician. The Hessian soldiers have always been ready to enlist in a foreign service for pay.
Hessian Fly.An insect which has caused the utmost destruction among young wheat in North America, so called because it was said to have been introduced by the Hessian troops in their horse straw during the Revolution.
Hetman.The Russian title of the general or headman of the Cossacks, derived from the TartarAtaman. This too supplies the origin of the GermanHauptmann, captain, chief, or headman of a village.
Hibernia.See “Ireland.”
Hickory.See “Old Hickory.”
Hicksite Friends.An American offshoot of the Society of Friends or Quakers under Elias Hicks in 1827.
Highbury.From theburyor enclosed land belonging to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem in Clerkenwell. In 1271 they built a priory here, of which the barn remained standing until modern days. Compared with the low-lying district round about, this was elevated ground.
Highbury Barn.Originally a cake and ale house contiguous to the ancient barn of the Clerkenwell Priory. This place of public resort developed into a theatre in 1865; subsequently it degenerated into a dancing saloon, and was finally abolished in 1875.
Highfalutin.A corruption of “high-flighting.” This word originated in the western states of North America.
Highgate.The village that sprang up around the ancient toll gate on the road from London to Barnet. The tolls levied here were for the benefit of the Bishop of London. Even in our time this elevated situation commands a good view of London. The absurd ceremony of “swearing on the horns” was formerly imposed on all travellers passing through the gate.
High Seas.The great ocean highways out of sight of land and common to mariners of all nations.
High Tea.A substantial meat tea towards the close of the day in place of the fashionable set dinner. This is the invariable custom in Germany. In English it is usual to designate such a meal as a “Knife and Fork Tea.” See “High Time.”
High Time.A phrase employed in the same sense as High Street, High Seas, Highway, etc.--i.e.great. The German word for wedding isHochzeit, literally a “high time.” In America the expression for a festive occasion or a pleasurable trip is “a good time.”
Hilary Term.In law the sittings of the Courts from 11th to 13th January, so called from the festival of St Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, on the latter date.
Hill Street.See “Hay Hill.”
Himalaya Mountains.From the Sanskrithima, snow, andalaya, abode.
Hinde Street.After James Hinde, a speculative builder, who more than a century ago laid out many of the streets now covering what was the estate of Marylebone Park.
Hindustan.Agreeably to the Persianstan, the country traversed by the Hindu or Indus; both terms are derived from the SanskritSindhu, “great river.”
Hippodrome.Expresses the Greek for a race-course, fromhippos, a horse, anddromos, a course.
Hippocras.A cordial of spiced wine, so called by the apothecaries because it was supposed to have been made from the prescription of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine.
His Nibs.A corruption of “His Nobs”; used ironically for “His Highness” in reference to a parvenu or a conceited upstart.
Hispania.See “Spain.”
Hoboken.Indian for the “smoke pipe,” or pipe of peace.This was the place where the chiefs first met the white settlers, and while passing round the calumet entered into a friendly treaty.
Hobson’s Choice.In the seventeenth century Tobias Hobson kept a livery stable at Cambridge. When the students at the University wished to hire a horse for the day he led out the occupant of the first stall. If they demurred, he said abruptly: “It’s this one or none.” So Hobson’s choice settled the question.
Hock.The general name for Rhenish wines, but properly that made at Hockheim on the Maine.
Hockey.Expresses the diminutive ofhook, the club used in this game being only slightly hooked at the end.
Hocking.See “Hock Tuesday.”
Hockley.Anglo-Saxon for a miry field. Clerkenwell was at one time called “Hockley-in-the-Hole,” after a bear garden dating from the Restoration period.
Hock Tuesday.Anciently a high festival throughout England, in commemoration for the final expulsion of the Danes, who had ravaged the eastern portions of our country for more than two centuries. This occurred on Easter Tuesday 1074. Most of the Danes were slaughtered off-hand by first hamstringing, or cutting their hams or houghs, which prevented them from making for their boats; hence the termHockfor the festival. The English landlords levied what was called “Hock Money” on this day from their tenants, in return for which they treated them to a good supper. In modern times people stopped pedestrians in the streets with ropes, and declined to release them until they had parted with hock money.
Hocus-pocus.The gibberish of a conjurer when performing his tricks; said to have been derived from one Ochus Bochus, a celebrated wizard of Northern Europe, three centuries ago. The early conjurers were thought to use these words as an invocation to this magician. Nowadays our sleight-of-hand professors dispense with words, and fire off a pistol, doubtless to prove that they can do the trick in a crack.
Hodge.The generic name for a farm labourer; a corruption ofHedger.
Hoist with his own Petard.Caught in his own trap, blown up with his own engine of destruction. The petard was an ancient infernal engine filled with gunpowder; he who fired it stood in great danger of sacrificing his own life.
Holborn.Anciently spelt “Holeburne,” the bourn or stream in a hollow. This was the River Fleet, which had an outlet into the Thames. Further north, in Clerkenwell, it was called “the River of Wells.”
Holborn Bars.The western limits of the city of London.
Hold hard.This exclamation, when the advice really means to stop or “leave go,” sounds ridiculous. It originally meant, as it still does in the Emerald Isle, to keep a firm hold with both hands on the back rail of an Irish jaunting car lest the rider might be thrown out of it.
Hole in the Wall.A tavern sign, derived from the fact that this house was originally approached either through an opening made in the ancient city wall or else through another house that stood in front of it.
Holiday.The modern form of “Holy Day,” expressive of a great feast in the Church calendar.
Holland.From the Danishollant, “marshy ground.” The linen cloth of the same name was first made in Holland.
Holland Road.From Holland House, the residence of Henry Rich, Earl of Holland,temp.Charles I. By his marriage with the Dowager Countess of Warwick, widow of Lord Holland, in 1710, Joseph Addison became nominally master of this noble mansion, and here he died.
Hollands.See “Gin.”
Holles Street.In the West End, after John Holles, thelast Duke of Newcastle, whose only daughter by her marriage carried the entire estate hereabouts into the possession of the Harleys. In Drury Lane, the name given by Gilbert, Earl of Clare, whose house stood in what became Clare Market, in honour of his uncle, Denzil, Lord Holles,temp.Charles I.
Holloway.At one time a miry highway in a hollow between Highbury and Highgate.
Holloway College.Founded in 1883 for the higher education of women at Egham, Surrey, by Thomas Holloway, the pioneer of modern advertising on a lavish scale.
Hollyhock.A species of mallow, called by the Anglo-Saxonhoc, and first brought to Europe from the Holy Land. Henceholy-hoc.
Holly Village.A modern settlement at Highgate founded by the Baroness Burdett Coutts-Bartlett but a short distance removed from her rural retreat known as Holly Lodge.
Holy Boys.The regimental nickname of the 9th Foot, because they sacked monasteries and sold Bibles in the street during the Peninsular War.
Holy Cross Day.Otherwise the “Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross,” 14th September, commemorates, the restoration of the Cross of Christ to Jerusalem,A.D.628.
Holy Land.Palestine, the scene of the birth, life labours, and death of the Redeemer.
Holy Maid of Kent.The name given to Elizabeth Barton, a poor Kentish servant girl, who, subject to trances, foretold events, and afterwards entered a convent at Canterbury. Her fame as a religious enthusiast increased, until, for pronouncing sentence against the divorce of Queen Catherine of Aragon, she, in company with five monks, was hanged at Tyburn.
Holyrood Palace.This residence of the ancient kings ofScotland grew out of the Abbey of the Holy Rood built by David I. as the permanent abode of the Black Rood, brought to Scotland by St Margaret in 1070. This precious relic was a piece of the true cross set in gold and ebony. It fell into the hands of the English at the battle of Neville’s Cross in 1344, after which all trace of it was lost. James II. was born at Holyrood; here too he was buried. The foundations of the new palace were laid by James IV. in 1500.
Holywell.From the miraculous well of St Winifred in Flintshire, the scene of her martyrdom.
Holywell Lane.Here, in Shoreditch, stood an ancient Priory of Nuns of St John the Baptist, in the grounds of which a “sweet, holy well” was discovered.
Holywell Street.This now vanished thoroughfare, east of the Strand, received its name from a Holy Well close to the Church of St Clement Danes. That in Westminster marks the site of the town house of the Grosvenors, whose rural estates lay around “Holywell” in Flintshire.
Homely.An Americanism for “plain,” “ugly;” applied to persons only.
Home Office.The official department of the Secretary for Home--i.e., internal, Affairs.
Homerton.A corruption of “Heimathton,” which expressed the town that grew out of the Saxon village styledHeimath, “home” or “native country.”
Honduras.Spanish for “deep water.”
Honey Lane.In this lane stood an ancient market-house or hall for the sale of honey. Owing to the dearness of sugar prior to the discovery of America and the colonisation of the West Indies, honey was in general request.
Honeymoon.From the custom of the Scandinavians, who drank Hydromel, or diluted honey, for thirty days after a marriage feast.
Honiton Lace.A superior kind of “Pillow Lace” made at Honiton in Devonshire. This industry was introduced into England by the Lollards,temp.Elizabeth.
Honor Oak.From the famous boundary oak beneath which Queen Elizabeth once dined. Prior to that event it bore the name of Gospel Oak, under whose shade, in common with all other parish boundary oaks, the Gospel was read there once a year.
Hoodlum.A street rough, originally a product of San Francisco, but now common in New York and most cities of the American Union. The origin of the term was thus accounted for byThe Congregationalist, 26th September 1877: “A newspaper man in San Francisco, in attempting to coin a word to designate a gang of young street Arabs under the beck of one named ‘Muldoon,’ hit upon the idea of dubbing themNoodlums--that is, simply reversing the leader’s name. In writing the word the strokes of theNdid not correspond in height, and the compositor, taking theNfor anH, printed itHoodlum. ‘Hoodlum’ it is, and probably ever will be.”
Hoodman Blind.The ancient form of the game of “Blind Man’s Buff.” Instead of being bandaged the Blind Man had the hood, which everyone wore, drawn over his eyes.
Hook it.A variant of “Sling your Hook.”
Hook of Holland.From the Dutchhoek, a cape, a corner. The same perverted designation obtained in all the early Dutch settlements of New York State, notably “Sandy Hook.”
Hooligan.A London rough. This term is of quite modern date, and clearly an adaptation of that which has become common all over the United States. See “Hoodlum.”
Hooter.A United States corruption ofiota. The people of New York State in particular are addicted to the saying: “I don’t care a hooter whether I do or not.” “This note isn’t worth a hooter,” etc.
Hoosier State.Indiana, from the nickname given to its people. “Hoosier” is really a corruption ofHusher, touching the power of a bully to silence a stranger. The Hoosiers are noted for their brusque manners. The state is also called “Hoosierdom.”
Hopkinsians.An American Calvinistic sect named after their founder, Samuel Hopkins of Connecticut.
Hornbill.A bird distinguished for a horny excrescence on its bill.
Horn Book.A primitive text-book for children. It was really no book at all, but a piece of paper containing the alphabet, the nine digits, and at times the Lord’s Prayer, mounted on a small flat board, over which was stretched a transparent sheet of horn; below was a handle to hold it by.
Hornpipe.A lively sailor’s dance, which had its origin in the west of England to the accompaniment of a Welsh musical instrument of the same name composed of a wooden pipe with a horn at each end.
Hornsey.A corruption of “Harringsey,” a watered meadow of hares.
Horse Chestnut.Some say this term is a corruption of “Coarse Chestnut,” in contradistinction to the edible chestnut; others that these chestnuts were formerly ground up and given to horses for food.
Horseferry Road.Where horses were conveyed across the Thames on a ferry boat in bygone times.
Horse Latitudes.A portion of the Atlantic distinguished for its tedious calms, where old navigators were wont to throw overboard the horses they had to transport to the West Indies in order to lighten the ship.
Horsleydown.A corruption of “Horsadown”; formerly a down or hilly ground used for grazing horses.
Horse Marines.There can be no Horse Marines; but the 17th Lancers were at one time made to bear this opprobrious nickname from the circumstance that twomen of this regiment had originally served as Marines on board theHermionein the West Indies.
Horse Shoe.A large public-house at the Oxford Street end of Tottenham Court Road, this sign being derived from the trade mark of Messrs Meux’s brewery adjoining.
Hose.From the Icelandichosa, stocking.
Hosier Lane.From the hosiers who congregated in it.
Hospice.From the Latinhospes, a stranger, guest. This term is now confined to an Alpine retreat for the reception of travellers. Elsewhere the French word Hospital obtains for any establishment set apart for the temporary accommodation of the poor. Formerly, however, it implied a lazar-house or a refuge for fallen women; in its modern sense a hospital is exclusively an institution for the sick poor.
Hospice of St Bernard.See “Bernardine Hospice.”
Hospital.See “Hospice.”
Hostelry.From the old Frenchhostellerie, an inn, through the Latinhospes, a stranger, a guest. The modern French form is “Hotel,” which implies not only an establishment for the entertainment of travellers, but also a superior house or palace.
Hotel.See “Hostelry.”
Hotel des Invalides.A magnificent establishment in Paris, originally designed as an asylum for invalided and disabled soldiers by Henry IV. in 1596. Prior to that time no provision existed for warriors who had spent their best energies in their country’s service save the charity of the monastic institutions.
Hotspur.The surname of Harry Percy, on account of his mad courage when mounted on his charger. A man of fiery, ungovernable temper is said to be “a regular Hotspur.”
Houndsditch.The dry ditch outside the city wall which was made the receptacle for all kinds of refuse, and dead dogs in particular.
Houp la.This exclamation on the part of a circus ringmaster as the signal for an equestrienne to leap over horizontal barriers or through paper hoops has been derived from the Californian stage drivers’ ejaculation to their horses.
Housemaids’ Knee.Housemaids are specially liable to this affection of the sac under the knee-pan through kneeling on hard or damp floors.
House of Keys.The Representative Council of the Isle of Man, so called from the ManxKiare-as-feed, four and twenty, this being the number appointed by statute to form the “Court of Tynwald.” Tynwald is an artificial mound in the centre of the island whence a new law has from time immemorial been promulgated.
Housewarming.The name given to a party or reception of guests on taking possession of a newly built mansion. This was of old a winter function, when the lighting of large fires in all the rooms for the occasion proved serviceable in drying the plastered walls and ceilings.
Howard Street.From the town house and grounds of the Howards, Dukes of Norfolk and Earls of Arundel and Surrey, that stood on the large plot of ground now covered by the four streets bearing these names.
Howitzer.A German cannon, properly called ahaubitze, from the Bohemian termhaufnice, a sling.
Hoxton.Little more than a hundred years ago this district bore the name ofHogsdonon account of the great number of pigs bred here. Hog Lane still exists off the High Street.
Hub.The proud pet name of the city of Boston, the social centre of the United States, in the same sense as the hub is a centre for a wheel. The origin of the term is ascribed to Dr Oliver Wendell Holmes who, in one of his books spoke of the State House at Boston as “the hub of the solar system.”
Hudibrastic Verse.That which is in imitation of the measure and doggerel style of Samuel Butler’s “Hudibras.”
Hudson River.After Captain Henry Hudson, who discovered it in 1609. A year later, when searching for a north-west passage, he navigated the bay and the strait named in his honour.