Huggin Lane.After Hugan, a wealthy citizen who resided here,temp.Edward I.
Huguenots.The name borne by the adherents of the Reformation in France, after Hugh, a Genevese Calvinist, their leader, and the Germaneidgenossen, confederates.
Hull.From the river upon which it stands. Its ancient name was Kingston-upon-Hull, a town founded by Edward I. in 1299.
Hull Cheese.A strong ale for which the “Good Old Town of Hull” was at one time famous. To “eat Hull cheese” was to get incontinently drunk.
Hull, Hell, and Halifax.In olden times, before Kingston-upon-Hull could be approached direct from the Humber, the River Hull was navigable, as now, only at high water, and even then it required very skilful pilotage on account of the many sandbanks at its mouth; it was therefore dreaded by seafaring men. Taylor, the Water Poet, wrote: “From Hull, Hell, and Halifax, good Lord, deliver us!” The reference to Halifax arose out of the knowledge that in his day a man could be executed there for stealing property to the value of thirteen pence halfpenny. See “Halifax Gibbet Law.”
Humanitarians.Those who believe in the complete humanity of Christ, namely--that He was capable of committing sin like any other mortal.
Humble Bee.A corruption of “Humming Bee.”
Humbug.The old mode of expressing approbation of a speech or at the play was by humming, but since the sincerity of this form of applause could not always be relied upon, intermingled as it may have been with suppressed murmurs of disapproval, the wordHumcame to be applied to mock admiration or flattery, intended only to deceive. Hence the saying: “That’s all hum.” The added wordBugis very old, signifying a frightful object, a thing to be shunned. To humbug is to deceive; to prefer candour to humbug is to be proof against flattery.
Humming Bird.So called from the sound caused by the rapid motion of its wings in flight.
Hummums.A hotel in Covent Garden built on the site of a Persian or Turkish sweating bath so called in the seventeenth century. The name is Arabic.
Hundred.A Saxon subdivision of the English shires said to have been introduced by Alfred the Great. Each hundred comprised a colony of “ten times ten” families--that is to say, ten divisions of ten freeholders and their dependents in each. In all then there were one hundred champions to defend the common cause. In legal and ecclesiastical documents relative to lands such property is still said to be situate in a particular “hundred” as well as parish.
Hungary.The country of the Huns, who swarmed over from Asia and expelled the Goths from this portion of Europe in the fourth century. When first heard of in China, about a hundred years previous, the natives designated themHiong-nu, signifying “Giants.” These Huns were really the Mongolian race still known as theKalmucks. The suffixgaryis a Western modification of the Teutonicgau, district or country.
Hungary Water.A perfume, properly called “The Queen of Hungary’s Water” from the circumstance that the recipe had been given by a hermit to one of the queens of Hungary.
Hung on Wires.An American expression for one suffering from “nerves,” a nervous or fidgety person.
Huns.See “Hungary.”
Huntingdon.Expresses the shire most favoured for hunting, this being anciently a vast deer forest.
Hurly-burly.An expression derived from the tumult of ancient warfare, with especial reference to the hurling of spears and battle-axes. The witches inMacbethsay:
“When the hurly-burly’s done,When the battle’s lost and won.”
“When the hurly-burly’s done,When the battle’s lost and won.”
“When the hurly-burly’s done,When the battle’s lost and won.”
“When the hurly-burly’s done,
When the battle’s lost and won.”
Huron.This lake was so called by the French settlers on account of the profusion of hair of the Indian tribe, the Wyandots, whom they encountered on its shores.Hureis French for “head of hair.”
Hurrah.This exclamation is from the ScandinavianHurra, said to have been originallyThor-aie, an invocation to the god Thor for aid in battle, just as the battle cry of the Normans wasHa-Rou, in honour of Rollo.
Hurricane.From the West Indianurican, “a violent wind.” The word was introduced to Europe by seamen, and so became incorporated in various languages.
Hurry up.An exclamation derived, both in England and America, from the custom of eating-house keepers anxious to expedite the service from the kitchens below stairs.
Husbands’ Boat.The steamboat by which city men and others go down to Margate for the week-end holiday in order to join their families who are staying there for the season.
Hussar.Expresses the Hungarian for a “twenty-paid soldier”--huszmeaning twenty, andarthe price of. When Matthias Corvinus ascended the throne of the Magyars he decreed that, in order to provide a regular cavalry, each twenty families must enrol and equip one mounted soldier free of all cost to the State. An interesting point in connection with the uniform of the Hussar regiments everywhere was that they always allowed the right sleeve of the upper jacket to hang loose on their backs. This was only in keeping with the general custom of the Magyar peasantry, who had the right arm free on all occasions.
Hussites.The Protestants of Bohemia, after John Huss, the Reformer.
Hussy.A corruption of “housewife.” The epithet now implies a slatternly sort of woman.
Hustings.The ancient name for the Court of Aldermen in the city of London. In modern days it came to imply the platform from which candidates for election delivered their addresses to the populace. The wordHustingexpressed the Anglo-Saxon for a council-house: from the Scandinavianhus, house, andthing, an assembly.
Hustler.An Americanism for a smart, energetic tradesman, more especially a caterer or restaurateur, who hustles about and never keeps his customers waiting. The word “Hustle” comes from the Dutchhutselen, to shake together or to and fro.
Hyacinth.According to the Greek fable this flower sprang from the blood of the beautiful youth Hyacinthus, who, having aroused the jealousy of Zephyr, received his death-blow at her hands by casting Apollo’s quoit at his head.
Hyde Park.Anciently described as the Hyde Manor belonging to the Abbots of St Peter’s, Westminster.
Hyde Park Corner.Of old the western extremity of London, defined by a toll gate.
Hydro.Short for a hydropathic establishment.
Hythe.From the Anglo-Saxonhithe, a haven.
Iambic Verse.Poetical satires written inIambics, or two-syllable foot measure, were originally so called after Iambe, an attendant upon one of the queens of Sparta, who kept a commonplace book of lively, free, and satirical pieces.
Iberia.The ancient name of Spain, from theIberi, its original inhabitants. These were maritime adventurers from Phœnicia who penetrated the country byway of the River Ebro. When in course of time the Celts descended upon them from the Pyrenees, they spread themselves to the south and west. On reaching the sea at the farthest limit of their wanderings they imagined themselves at the end of the world, and so gave the name ofIber, a Phœnician word of that import, to the country. Its principal eastern river, the Ebro, retains the original name.
Iceland.So called because its north and west coasts are generally blocked with ice that has drifted down from Greenland.
Iceland Moss.A lichen indigenous to Iceland and Greenland which is said to be very efficacious in the treatment of consumption.
Ice Plant.Found in South Africa, and so called on account of its glittering, watery vesicles which give it the appearance of being covered with ice.
Ich Dien.German for “I serve.” The motto assumed by Edward the Black Prince after he found it under the plume of John, King of Bohemia, slain by him at the battle of Cressy.
Iconoclast.An image breaker, from the Greekeikon, image, andklazo, I break.
Idolater.From the Greekeidolon, a figure, andlatres, worshipper. The root of this word,eidein, to see, furnishes the key to its true meaning. An idolater is one who worships that which he sees, not on account of its intrinsic worth, but because it is a visible representation, or it may be merely a symbol, of the deity that he is taught to venerate.
Idol Lane.Said to be a corruption of Idle Lane, because this was perhaps the only thoroughfare in the neighbourhood not given up to business--i.e.either as a market or a hive of industrious artisans.
Il Bassano.See “Bassano.”
Il Furioso.The sobriquet of Jacopo Robusti, better knownas “Tintoretto,” owing to the rapidity with which he turned out his wonderful paintings.
Iliad.The title of Homer’s epic treating of the destruction of Troy; originally calledIllium, afterIlos, the founder of the city.
I’ll be through directly.An Americanism for “I’ll be ready very soon,” or “I’ll have it finished directly.”
Illinois.The Indianillini, men, with the French suffixoix, a tribe.
I’ll take my Davy on it.The word “Davy” is a corruption of “affidavit.”
Il Perugino.The better-known name of the celebrated Italian artist Pietro Vanucci, who, born at Citta della Pieve in Umbria, established himself and remained all his life in the neighbouring city of Perugia.
Il Tintoretto.See “Tintoretto.”
Imperial.The name given to the once fashionable chin tuft, after Napoleon III., who was the first to wear his beard in this diminutive fashion.
In a Crack.Done instantly, in no more time than it takes for a gun to go off.
In a Jiffy.The word “jiffy” is a corruption of the now obsoletegliff--i.e.a mere glance.
Inch of Candle.In some parts of the country land is still disposed of at auction by inch of candle. This was the ancient form of auctioneering. Candles of inch length were provided, and when the candle went out the bidding was closed.
Inchcolm.Expresses theinchor isle of St Columba, who dwelt here while labouring to convert the Picts to Christianity.
In Clover.In a contented frame of mind because provided with everything necessary for the time being. Cattle always make for the clover when turned out to graze.
Incog.Short forIncognito, an Italian word signifying “not known.” Royal personages desirous of avoiding ceremony often travelincog., or under an assumed title.
Independence Day.The fourth of July, in commemoration of the American Declaration of Independence, 1776.
Independents.The same as “Congregationalists.”
India.From the Indus or Hindus, a Persian corruption of the SanskritSindhu, “great river.” By the Greeks this river was known as theHindus, which with the Persian suffixstangave the name “Hindustan” to the whole country. In the time of Columbus, and long afterwards, the Asiatic continent east of the Ganges was generally styled India. This accounts for such names as “Indian Ink,” etc., products really of the Far East.
Indiana.From the great number of Indians that overran this state in the early days of its history.
Indianapolis.The capital of the state of Indiana.Polisis Greek for city.
Indian Corn.Maize, broughtfromfromthe West Indies.
Indian File.A march in single file, as is the custom of the North American Indians.
Indian Gift.A reclaimed present. When a North American Indian gives anything he expects a gift equivalent in value, or else his own back again.
Indian Ink.Originally brought from China, but now made from lamp-black and animal glue in England. See “India.”
Indian Liquor.See “Indian Whisky.”
Indian Reservation.A considerable tract of land on the plains reserved for the Indian tribes.
Indians of North America.When Columbus discovered the “New World” he was under the impression that he had happened on that vast tract of country east ofthe Ganges vaguely known as India. This shows that, sailing westward as he did, he must have regarded the earth as a globe.
Indian Summer.The equivalent of what is called St Martin’s Summer in England. The North American Indians always avail themselves of the pleasant weather during the early part of November for harvesting their corn; they say there is an unfailing nine days’ second summer just before the winter sets in.
Indian Whisky.The name given to specially adulterated whisky for sale to the Indians of North America.
India Paper.A special kind of paper, made of vegetable fibre in China and Japan, on which the first impressions, called India proof, of engravings are taken. See “India.”
India Proof.See “India Paper.”
India-rubber.Caoutchouc, first imported from China, but now found elsewhere. See “India.”
India-rubber Railway Sandwich.The typical refreshment-room sandwich, the bread slices of which are as a rule so stale that they defy hasty mastication.
Indigo.A blue dye prepared from theIndicus, or Indian plant.
Industrial Schools.Also known as Ragged Schools, of which the scholars are waifs and strays brought together for the acquirement of some useful industry.
Infra.Latin for below, beneath. A word very generally met with in library catalogues: “SeeInfra.” It is the antithesis ofSupra, above.
Infra Dig.Short forInfra Dignitatem, which expresses the Latin for “beneath one’s dignity.”
Infant.In law, any person under the age of twenty-one.
Infanta.The title of princesses of the royal blood in Spain and Portugal, except the heiress-apparent.
Infante.The corresponding title of the sons of the kings of Spain and Portugal.
Infant Roscius.William Henry Betty, the celebrated boy actor, named after the greatest historian of antiquity. His public career was brief--viz. five years only, 1803-1808--but during that period he became the rage; so much so, that while at Covent Garden, where he received a salary of fifty guineas a night, the military had to be called out to maintain order.
Infantry.Foot soldiers, so called, not because, like children, they have to be trained to walk, but for the reason that one of theInfantesof Spain collected a body of armed men, unmounted, to rescue his father, the King, from captivity at the hands of the Moors. Afterwards foot soldiers in Spain and Italy received the name ofEnfanteria.
Infirmary.The older and more correct description of an institution for the sick and infirm. See “Hospice.”
Inn.The Anglo-Saxon wordInneexpressed a mansion. The Inns of Court were originally the town houses of noble families, whose name they still bear--e.g.Gray’s Inn. Our first inns set apart for the entertainment of travellers were in all cases the mansions of the nobility left in charge of the trusted servant, the gamekeeper, during the prolonged absence, either in the wars at home or in the Crusades abroad, of their owners. The family arms served as a sign. After the return of his master the servant, now an innkeeper, set up an inn of his own contiguous to the original, and adopted the same sign. Here we have an explanation of such grotesque inn signs--now that their names have taken the place of the painted device--as the Blue Boar, the Red Lion, etc. At times the innkeeper preferred the sign of the “Green Man.”
Innocents’ Day.December 28th, commemorating the massacre of the Holy Innocents by Herod. Anciently children were soundly whipped in their beds before rising on this day. Being undeserving of such punishment, they were taught to suffer pain for Christ’s sake.
Inns of Court.See “Inn.”
In Quad.This is not altogether thieves’ slang, though the gipsy word for prison isquaid. Boys at our public schools say they are “in quad” when they are confined to their own quadrangle. The phrase became popular in connection with a prison when debtors were confined in the Fleet, the Marshalsea, and Whitecross Street, because they were free to receive visitors in the exercise court or quadrangle.
Insect.From the rootseco, to cut, because this tiny species of the animal world is, as it were, cut deeply into three distinct parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen.
Interlaken.The Swiss village situated “between the lakes” Brienz and Thun.
In the Jug.Slang for “in prison.” The term is derived from the Scottishjoug, a kind of iron yoke or pillory for the head designed for the punishment of rogues and vagabonds. When at a later period a round house of stone was set up in the market-place for such offenders, this earliest prison was popularly called “The Stone Jug.”
In the Nick of Time.This expression originated in the nicks or notches made in a piece of wood called a Tally, both as an acknowledgment of money paid and by way of registering a person’s arrival at a place of assembly. If, in the latter case, he arrived late, his tally would not be nicked, as evidence of having put in an appearance.
In the Odour of Sanctity.The ancient idea was that the bodies of saints after death emitted a peculiar fragrant odour. This originated in the profuse employment of incense at the administration of the last solemn rites of the Viaticum.
In the Soup.An Americanism for “out of the running.” This had reference originally to the hunting field when a rider was pitched into a ditch of foul water after leaping a hedge.
In the Stone Jug.See “In the Jug.”
In the Straw.An expression denoting that a woman has been brought to bed with a child. Straw was the usual stuffing of a bed formerly among the poorer orders of the people.
In the Suds.An Americanism for being unprepared to receive visitors. The allusion is to a washerwoman with her hands in the soapsuds.
In the Swim.To be admitted to a certain professional or financial clique. River fish generally keep together, and an angler’s object is to get what he calls “in the swim.” By so doing he may hook fish after fish without difficulty.
In the wrong Box.The origin of this expression is simply this: When Vauxhall, Cremorne, Ranelagh, Highbury Barn, and similar alfresco resorts were in existence, they had rows of cosy hutches or boxes all around for the benefit of those who wished to do their courting in private, while they could at the same time listen to the music and see the illuminations. It was no easy matter for anyone to find his own box again among the many if he left it; consequently on returning to his partner after sallying forth, he rendered his presence obnoxious to strangers by suddenly finding himself in the wrong box.
Intrepid Fox.A historic tavern in Soho named after Charles James Fox, the great Whig Minister. At the time of the famous election of 1784 the redoubtable Sammy House, the landlord, served all customers free, and also entertained several notable Whigs.
Invention of the Cross.The name of this Church festival, 3rd May, commemorative of the finding of the True Cross by those sent in quest of it by St Helena, sounds peculiar, but the word “invent” is really from the Latininvenire, to find, discover, come upon.
Inverary.The county town of Argyleshire, “at the mouth of” the River Aray.
Inverness.Situate at the mouth of the River Ness.
Invincibles.See “Irish Invincibles.”
Ionia.The ancient name of Asia Minor, settled by theIonians, so called after Ion, the son of Apollo according to Greek fable.
Ionic.The style of architecture so called was peculiar to Ionia in Greece. The earliest of the Greek philosophers so called too were all natives of Ionia.
Iota.From the name of the smallest letter of the Greek alphabet. “Jot” is a softened form of this word.
Iowa.Indian for “the sleepy-ones”; applied by the Sioux to the Pahoja or Graysnow tribe.
Ireland.FromIerne, Gaelic for “western isle.” The Greeks, who heard of it through the Milesians, called this remote land of the westIernis, and the RomansHibernia.
Ireland Yard.This property in Blackfriars was made over by its owner, William Ireland, to Shakespeare, as appears in the deed of conveyance now preserved in the Guildhall Library.
Irish Invincibles.A secret society whose members made it their boast that they defied extermination. Carey, the informer, openly declared that their mission was “the making of history by killing tyrants.” The Phœnix Park murders were the work of the “Invincibles.”
Irishman’s Crossing.An Americanism for the mode of many people anxious to cut off corners by crossing and recrossing the street, by which process one’s way is actually made longer.
Irish Stew.So called because among the Irish peasantry the beef is generally absent, the stew consisting wholly of onions and potatoes.
Iron Chancellor.The sobriquet of Prince Bismarck, Chancellor of the German Empire, on account of his iron will.
Iron City.Pittsburg, world renowned for its ironworks.
Iron Devil.An inn sign corrupted from “The Hirondelle,” or swallow.
Iron Duke.The Duke of Wellington, distinguished for his unbending will.
Ironmonger Lane.Where the artificers in iron congregated during the reign of Edward I. Later they removed into Thames Street.
Ironside.The surname of the Anglo-Saxon king, Edmund II., on account of the iron armour that he wore as a preservative against assassination.
Ironsides.The name given to the Cromwellian soldiers on account of their heavy armour and iron resolution.
Irrawaddy.Hindoo for “the father of waters.”
Irving.The patronymic of the late Sir Henry Irving was Brodribb. When he went on the stage he took the name of Irving, out of his admiration of the writings of the American author, Washington Irving. Half-a-century ago no one ever thought of entering the dramatic profession under his own name. Now that the stage has become fashionable actors need no longer be actuated to select anom de theatreout of regard to family pride.
Irvingites.The followers of the Rev. Edward Irving, who maintained the sinfulness of Christ’s nature in common with that of ordinary mankind. Deposed from his living by the Presbytery of the Church of Scotland in 1830, he founded the “Apostolic Catholic Church.”
Isabel.The name given to a yellowish brown colour from the circumstance that at the memorablesiegesiegeof Ostend in 1601 Isabella, the wife of the Duke of Austria, vowed she would not change her linen until the town was taken. Unhappily for her, it held out nearly three years. Rash vows are always followed by leisurely repentance.
Isis.From the Celticuisg, water. The word enters intomany English river names, notably the “Thames.” The University of Oxford is calledIsisfrom the river upon which it stands.
Islam.From the Arabicislama, to bend. This term expressed an entire submission or resignation to the will of God. By the Mohammedans “Islam” is described as the true faith.
Isle of Bourbon.A French settlement named in compliment to the House of Bourbon.
Isle of Desolation.When discovered by Captain Cook this island was utterly devoid of animal life.
Isle of Dogs.A corruption of “Isle of Ducks,” owing to the great numbers of water-fowl settled on the marshes. In our time it might well be described as the “Isle of Docks.”
Isle of Man.Properly “Mona Isle,” from the Celticmæn, a stone; hence “Isle of Rocks.”
Isle of St Helena.Discovered on the Feast of St Helena, 1502.
Isleworth.Expresses a manorial dwelling beside the river. Sion House, in which Lady Jane Grey resided for a time, was built upon the ruins of an ancient nunnery. It is now the property of the Duke of Northumberland, who removed thither the famous lion on the top of the demolished Northumberland House at Charing Cross. The popular belief that when this lion heard the clock of St Martin’s Church strike it would wag its tail and turn round was on a par with that of the washing of the Tower lions on the first of April.
Islington.The family settlement of the Islings.
Is the Ghost walking?See “Ghost walking.”
Italics.Thin sloping types, altogether different from the older Roman, first used in an edition of Virgil by Aldo Manuzio, the celebrated printer of Venice, in 1207.
Italy.The modern form of the Roman description of thecountry,Latium, or “broad plain.” This resulted in the designation of all the tribes of the conquered districts asLatini, or theLatins.
Ivan the Terrible.Ivan IV., son of the founder of the Russian Empire, who rose to power from the position of Grand Duke of Moscow. This second Ivan, at the age of fourteen, during the regency of his mother, had the triumvirate put to death; whereupon he assumed the title of Czar. His reputation for cruelty soon began to assert itself. In the space of six weeks he caused to be put to death no less than 25,000 (some authorities say 60,000) persons at Novogorod, from the idea that they were plotting to deliver up that city to the King of Poland. To crown all, in a fit of passion he killed his own son.
Ivory Black.A pigment originally obtained from calcined ivory, but now from bone.
Ivy Lane.From the ivy-covered houses of the prebendaries attached to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Jackanapes.Properly “Jack-of-apes,” an impudent fellow who apes the manners of his social superiors.
Jackass.The male ass.
Jack-boots.When first worn by cavalry these high leather boots were covered with metal plates as a protection for the leg. The term Jack is derived from the Norman-Frenchjacque, a leathern jerkin worn over a coat of mail. At a later period thejacqueitself was made sword-proof by metal plates on its under side.
Jacket.Expressed originally the diminutive of thejacque--viz. a short or sleeveless coat of leather. See “Jack-boots.”
Jack Ketch.The name formerly given to the common hangman, after Richard Jacquett, who owned themanor of Tyburn, where malefactors were executed previous to 1783.
Jack-knife.The name formerly given to a large folding pocket-knife, and now used by sailors, in contradistinction to a “Penknife.” See “Jack Tar.”
Jackson.The name of a river and several towns of the United States, after General Andrew Jackson, the seventh President.
Jack Straw’s Castle.A noted hostelry at Hampstead, said to have been built on the spot where Jack Straw, one of the leaders in Wat Tyler’s insurrection, made his habitation on the hillside.
Jack Tar.A sailor, because he wears tarpaulins in “dirty weather.” Jack is a generic name for a man or servant.
Jacobins.The French designation of the Black Friars or Dominicans, from the situation of their earliest convent in the Rue St Jacques, Paris, 1219.
Jacobites.The Catholic adherents of James II. and his lineal descendants after the accession to the English throne of William III.Jacobuswas the Latinised form of the King’s name.
Jacobus.The Scottish sovereign, valued at 25s., which became current in England also at the union of the two crowns in the person of King James I.
Jacquard Loom.After its inventor, Marie J. Jacquard of Lyons, who died in 1834.
Jacquerie.The name given to an insurrection of French peasants in 1358.Jacquesis the generic name for a member of the artisan class in France, owing to thejacque, or sleeveless white cotton jacket, worn by them. The leader of this insurrection called himself Jacques Bonhomme, being of the artisan class himself.
Jag.An Americanism for drunkenness. The word is employed in a variety of ways: “He’s got a jag on”--“He’s on a drinking bout”; “He’s on his jags”--“He knows how it is to have the jags”; “He has the jags just now,” etc. etc.
Jail Bird.So called because the earliest kind of prison in this country was an alfresco iron cage.
Jailed.An Americanism for being put in jail, sent to prison.
Jalap.FromJalapain Mexico, whence the root of this plant was first brought to Europe for medicinal purposes in 1610.
Jamaica.From the West IndianCaymaca, signifying “a country abounding in springs.”
Jamaica Road.See “Cherry Gardens Pier.”
James Bay.After James I., in whose reign this arm of Hudson’s Bay was completely explored.
James River.After James I., in the fourth year of whose reign it was navigated, and the English settlement called Jamestown, thirty-two miles inland, formed.
James Street.In Covent Garden, in compliment to the Duke of York, afterwards James II. That on the south side of the Strand received the Christian name of one of the Brothers Adam, builders of the Adelphi.
Jamestown.See “James River.”
Jamie Duff.The Scottish designation for a mourner or weeper at a funeral. So called after an Edinburgh eccentric of this name; nothing pleased him better than to attend a funeral, perhaps because he enjoyed the ride in the coach.
Jane Hading.This famous French actress was christened Jeanne, but, appearing on the stage while she was quite a child, her parents habitually called her Jane, because, as she has herself explained, being shorter, it would admit of the family name appearing in larger letters on the playbill.
Janissaries.A militia of Turkish footguards originally composed of the sons of Christian subjects, this being the tribute levied upon the parents for allowing them to live in peace and safety. The native term isJeniaskari, new soldier.
Janitor.The American description of a caretaker or doorkeeper. This term has long been obsolete in England; it was derived from the Latinjanua, door.
Jansenists.A religious sect headed by Cornelius Jansen, Bishop of Ypres, France, early in the seventeenth century.
January.Called by the RomansJanuarius, after Janus, the sun god, who presided over the beginnings of things. In the temple of Janus the figure of this god had two faces: one supposed to look on the past, the other on the future.
Japan.A Western corruption, through the PortugueseGepuen, of the native nameNiphon, or “land of the rising sun.” The brilliant black varnish called “Japan” was first made by the people of the Far East.
Jarvey.A cabman or car driver, so called after the name of a hackney coach driver who was hanged.
Jaunting Car.The characteristic light vehicle in Ireland in which the people enjoy a jaunt or excursion. English folk newly arrived in the Emerald Isle do not always appreciate it. See “Hold hard.”
Java.A Malay word meaning “the land of nutmegs.”
Jayhawker State.Kansas, from the nickname borne by the soldiers of Colonel Jennison of New York, who, being a jovial fellow, was called a “Gay Yorker,” afterwards corrupted into “Jayhawker.” The people of this state in process of time came to be styled “Jayhawkers.”
Jedburgh.A royal burgh situate at the confluence of the Rivers Tefy and Jed. The ancient form of justice meted out here of hanging a man first and trying him afterwards is frequently alluded to as “Jedwood” or “Jeddart” justice.
Jefferson.The name of a river, a city, and a mount in the United States, after Thomas Jefferson, the third President.
Jeffreys Street.After one of the family names of the Earl of Brecknock, Marquis of Camden, the ground landlord.
Jehu.A cabman, in allusion to Jehu, the son of Nimshi, who, we are told in 2 Kings ix. 20, drove furiously.
Jeremiad.A tale of woe, a doleful story. So called after the Prophet Jeremiah, who wrote the “Book of Lamentations.”
Jerked Meat.Dried meat, more particularly beef dried in the open air. The term is derived from the Chiliancharqui,appliedappliedto dried beef throughout Spanish America.
Jerkin.Expresses the diminutive of the Dutchjurk, coat, frock; hence a short coat or jacket.
Jermyn Street.From the town house of Henry Jermyn, Earl of St Albans.
Jerry Builder.A speculative builder who runs up whole streets of houses as cheaply as possible in order to sell them. The word “Jerry,” derived from the Frenchjour, day, is a corruption ofjoury, meaning temporary, unsubstantial.
Jersey.From Czar’s-ey, or “Cæsar’s Isle,” so called by the Romans in honour of Julius Cæsar. The close-fitting rowing shirt and female bodice received the name of a Jersey because it was first worn by the inhabitants of this isle.
Jersey Lily.The punning pet name of Mrs Langtry, when, as a society star, she first adopted the stage as a profession. Her Christian name is Lillie, and she was born in Jersey.
Jerusalem.Expresses the Hebrew for “habitation of peace.”
Jerusalem Artichoke.A corruption of “Girasole Artichoke,” from the resemblance of the leaf and stem of this flower to the “Girasole,” or sunflower.
Jerusalem Chamber.This apartment of Westminster Abbey, in which Henry IV. died, received its namefrom the pictures of the Holy Land, in connection with the Crusades, that adorned its walls.
Jesuits.The members of a powerful missionary order styled “The Society of Jesus” which was founded in 1534 by Ignatius Loyola, on a military basis, having himself been a soldier.
Jesuits’ Bark.Another name for the Peruvian or Cinchona Bark, because discovered by the Jesuit missionaries in Peru.
Jewin Street.The ancient burying ground of the Jews while they were permitted to reside within the city walls--viz. in the Old Jewry. The suffixinis a corrupt form of the Anglo-Saxonen, expressing the plural, as in Clerken or clerks’ well.
Jewry Street.All that remains of the old name given collectively to the Jewish quarter of London after this oppressed race had been driven eastward of the city proper. This street was the Jews’ later burial ground. The suffixrydenotes a place or district.
Jews’ Harp.A corruption of “Jaws’ Harp,” because it is held between the teeth.
Jezebel.A daring, vicious woman, so called after the wife of Ahab, King of Israel.
Jig.From the Frenchgigue, a lively dance, and the Italiangiga, a romp.
Jilt.From the Scottishgillet, a giddy young woman. This word expressed the diminutive of Jill or Julia, a name used in a contemptuous sense after Julia, the daughter of Augustus Cæsar, who disgraced herself by her dissolute conduct.
Jimmy.A crowbar used by house burglars. The word is not so much thieves’ slang as a corruption ofJenny, expressing the diminutive of gin or engine, the general term formerly for a machine or mechanical appliance.
Jimpson Weed.Properly “Jamestown Weed,” from the place in Virginia where it was introduced.
Jingo.See “By Jingo.”
Jingoes.The British war party during the Russo-Turkish struggle of 1877-8, when there was grave likelihood of this country interfering. The term became popular through the refrain in G. H. Macdermott’s famous song: