Live like Fighting Cocks.From the days of the Greeks down to comparatively modern times game-cocks were fed luxuriantly, so as to increase their pugnacity; hence the application of the phrase to good living.
Live Man.An Americanism for an energetic agent or canvasser.
Liverpool.From an extinct bird, somewhat resembling the heron, and called theliver, that made thepoolon which this city was built its home.
Liverpool Landseer.The sobriquet of William Huggins, who acquired an equal celebrity for animal painting in his native place, as Sir Edwin Landseer in the country at large.
Liverpool Street.After Lord Liverpool, one of the most popular members of the Ministry at the accession of George IV. There is another Liverpool Street named after him at King’s Cross.
Liverymen.Freemen of the city of London who on great special occasions wear the distinctive livery of the companies to which they belong.
Llandaff.ProperlyLlan Taff, the church on the Taff.
Lloyd’s.After Edward Lloyd, a coffee-house keeper inAbchurch Lane, whose premises were first used by merchants and shippers as a sort of club.
LL Whisky.That distilled by Messrs Kinahan of Dublin. When the Duke of Richmond was Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland between 1807 and 1813 he in the former year sent to various distilleries for samples of good whisky, and preferring that tendered by Messrs Kinahan, he ordered a large vat of the same quality to be exclusively reserved for him. This vat had LL painted on it, denoting “Lord-Lieutenant Whisky.”
Lo.An American term for an Indian. This originated in Pope’s “Essay on Man,” a couplet of which reads:
“Lo, the poor Indian! whose untutored mindSees God in clouds or hears Him in the wind.”
“Lo, the poor Indian! whose untutored mindSees God in clouds or hears Him in the wind.”
“Lo, the poor Indian! whose untutored mindSees God in clouds or hears Him in the wind.”
“Lo, the poor Indian! whose untutored mind
Sees God in clouds or hears Him in the wind.”
Loaded.An Americanism for intoxicated or “primed.”
Loafer.This word is neither Dutch nor German, as generally stated; it is distinctly Spanish-American. The early settlers of Mexico and Texas gave the name ofgallofoto a vagrant, who, like thelazzaroniof Naples, hung about the churches begging for alms. From the western states this word travelled to New York, and in the process became changed into “Loafer.”
Loan.An Americanism for “lend.”
Lock-out.When artisans have struck for an advance of wages, and afterwards decide to return to work on the former scale, the masters retaliate by shutting them out of the works altogether and employing fresh hands from elsewhere.
Lock, Stock, and Barrel.A sportsman’s phrase for the whole of a thing, in allusion to the three parts of a gun. In the modern sense it is used to imply the complete discomfiture of an adversary in argument or of one utterly outwitted in his schemes.
Loco-Focos.The American term for lucifer matches. By a patent dated 16th April 1834 John Marck, a storekeeper of Park Row, New York, brought out a self-lightingor friction cigar, which he called a Loco-Foco. The first portion of this name was taken from the newly introduced locomotive, which people generally thought to mean self-moving; the latter half was a euphonism of his own. When friction or self-firing matches came in they received the same designation. The Democratic Party of the United States received the name of “Loco-Focos” from the circumstance that at a great general meeting held in Tammany Hall to confirm the nomination of Gideon Lee as the Democratic candidate for Congress, a tumult arose, and the lights were turned out; whereupon the adherents of the candidate, who had provided themselves with loco-focos and candles, relighted the hall in a moment.
Loft.An Americanism for storey. In the United States it is usual to say a house contains so many “lofts” instead of storeys.
Logger.One employed in the North American forests cutting down trees and sawing them into logs.
Loggerhead.A dull, stupid fellow with no more sense in his head than a “logger” or lumberman. These loggers often quarrel for no visible cause; hence the expression to be “at loggerheads.”
Log-rolling.Primarily a political term descriptive of mutual co-operation on the part of individuals for the furtherance of a general cause. It means: “You help me and I’ll help you”; “If your party further my Bill through Congress I’ll pledge my party to push yours along too.” The expression obtains also in a social and journalistic sense: “If I propose a testimonial for you I expect you to do the same for me”; “I’ll write you up in the Press if you engage to return the compliment.” For the origin of the term we must look to the lumber regions of the state of Maine, where the loggers of different camps assist one another by turns to roll their logs down to the river.
Lollards.Originally an association of pious people in Germany at the commencement of the thirteenth centurybanded together for the purpose of burying the dead. They were so called on account of the solemn dirges they sang, from the Low Germanlollen, to sing softly. After a time the same title was assumed by the followers of one Walter Goilard, a dissolute priest, who was burned for heresy at Cologne in 1322. The Wycliffites assumed this name still later, and some of these it must have been who were imprisoned in the “Lollards’ Tower,” Lambeth Palace.
Lombard Street.From the Jews of Lombardy, who here set up banks and money-lending establishments, at the instance of Pope Gregory IX., as a means of assisting the people of England to raise money for the payment of their taxes early in the thirteenth century.
Lombardy.Called by the RomansLongobardiafter its people, whom they subdued. This name was not derived from their long beards, as generally stated, but from thelongis bardis, or long battle-axes, with which they were armed.
London.This name claims the same origin as “Lincoln,” the first rude habitations beside the Thames being situated on the rising ground now known as Tower Hill.
London Bridge was built on Woolpacks.This expression had its origin in the fact that, when the construction of Old London Bridge was stopped for want of funds, Henry II. expedited its completion by imposing a tax upon wool.
Londonderry.The town built by a company of London adventurers, to whom it, with the county of the same name, was granted by a royal charter of James I.Derryis Celtic for a grove or oak forest.
London Lion.An expression derived from the Royal Menagerie at the Tower of London ere the metropolis rejoiced in a Zoological Gardens, and when travelling menageries were unheard of. Country visitors up in town for a few days never failed at that period to feast their eyes upon a real live lion, and on returning to their homes boasted of having seen the London Lion.
London Stone.Marked the centre of Roman London, from which all the great roads through the country radiated.
London Wall.From the Roman wall which here defined the northern limits of the city. A portion of this old wall may yet be seen in Cripplegate Churchyard.
Lone Star State.Texas, from the single star in her flag.
Long Acre.The Anglo-Saxonacer, like the modern Germanacker, expresses a field. This was anciently a path across the fields between Lincoln’s Inn and “Lomesbury Village,” or the manor now known as Bloomsbury in the parish of St Giles’s-in-the-Fields.
Long Friday.The old name for Good Friday, both on account of the length of the Church service and the long fast imposed on all good Catholics.
Longford.The long ford on the River Camlin.
Long Island.So called from its shape.
Long Lane.This was a long, narrow lane extending from Barbican to Farringdon Road before the greater portion of its one side was cleared for the Smithfield Market.
Long Lane that has no Turning.An expression meaning that sooner or later a turn of fortune must come, since no lane, however long, exists that has no turning.
Long Peter.This name was merited by the celebrated Flemish painter, Peter Aartsen, by reason of his abnormal stature.
Long Parliament.That which was dissolved by Oliver Cromwell after it had lasted more than twelve years.
Longshanks.The surname of Edward I. on account of his spindle legs.
Longshoreman.Properly “Along-shoreman”--namely, a wharfinger, or one employed in loading and unloading vessels.
Look Daggers.A phrase used when two persons look fixedly at each other as if their eyes were dagger points ready to make a fatal thrust.
Loosen your Purse Strings.See “Purse Strings.”
Lord Bobs.The later nickname of Lord Roberts since the close of the South African War.
Lord’s Cricket Ground.After Thomas Lord, the founder of the earliest private Cricket Club in London, in 1780. First in Dorset Square, and eventually on its present site--his own landed property--he set up a private pitch for genteel folk far from the haunts of the city apprentices and other enthusiasts of the game.
Lord’s Day.The name given to Sunday by the Quakers.
Lordship Lane.From the Lord of the Manor of Dulwich.
Loretto.Called by the RomansLauretanaafter Laureta, the lady to whom the country villa, and a large tract of land on which the town was afterwards built, belonged.
Lorraine.Anciently Lotharingia, the duchy of Lotharius II., grandson of the Emperor Lewis I.
Los Angeles.Originally called by the Spaniards “Pueblo de los Angeles,” the city of the angels, on account of its delightful situation and climate.
Lo Spagnoletto.The surname of Guiseppe Ribera, the celebrated Spanish painter. It means “Little Spaniard.”
Lothbury.A corruption of “Lattenbury,” where the workers inlattenware, a species of bronze, had their shops in the Middle Ages. In the modern sense latten is a kind of sheet brass.
Loudoun Road.After the name of the builder on the estate.
Louis d’Or.A gold coin first struck in the reign of Louis XIII. of France. The name means a “Louis of gold.”
Louisiana.The name bestowed upon this State by M. de la Sale in 1682 in compliment to Louis XIV. of France.
Louvre.An adapted French word, froml’ouvert, “the opening,” which expressed a kind of turret on the roof of a building by way of a chimney to let out the smoke.A rude contrivance of this kind distinguished the ancient hunting seat of Dagobert, on the site of which Francis I. commenced the famous Parisian palace of this name in 1528, completed twenty years later by Henry II. Alouvrewindow partakes of the same character.
Lower Berkeley Street.See “Berkeley Street.”
Lower Thames Street.The eastern portion of Thames Street, from London Bridge to the Tower.
Lowndes Square.After the ground landlord, lineally descended from William Loundes, secretary to the Treasury,temp.Queen Anne.
Low Sunday.Not only was this Sunday at the bottom of the Lenten or Easter Calendar, but prior to the alteration of New Year’s Day it was frequently also the last Sunday of the year.
Luciferians.A sect of Christians in the fourth century, under Lucifer, Bishop of Cagliari in Sardinia, who separated from the Orthodox Church on the ground that the reconverted “Arians” should not again be admitted to the fold.
Lucifer Matches.Early friction matches, so called from the Latinlucis, light, andferre, to bring.
Lucullus Feast.A sumptuous banquet, so called after Licinius Lucullus, a famous Roman general, who in the days of his retirement was no less distinguished for the costly suppers he gave to the greatest men of the Empire. The sums expended on those entertainments were enormous. As an epicure he was unrivalled; he could also be a glutton on occasion. There is a story told that after the feast had been prepared no guests arrived. “Lucullus will sup to-night with Lucullus” was the explanation of the host.
Lud-a-massy.A corruption of the old exclamation “Lord, have mercy!”
Luddites.A name borne by the wilful destroyers of machinery in the manufacturingdistrictsdistricts; said to have been adopted from Ned Lud, an imbecile of Leicester,who being, chased by boys, took refuge in a house, and there broke a couple of stocking frames. These rioters caused great havoc during the second decade of the last century.
Ludgate Hill.The testimony of Old Stow notwithstanding, there is grave doubt whether King Lud, the reputed builder of the western gate of the city, ever existed. In much greater likelihood this gate received its name from its situation near the River Fleet, and meant simplyFlood Gate. See “Fleet Street.”
Lug.Northern and Scottish for “ear.” In England generally this word is regarded as slang except when employed in connection with “Lugger” and “Luggage.”
Luggage.So called because it is lugged about in transit by the handles, as a Lancashire man would pull another by thelugor ear.
Lugger.A small craft havinglugs, or drooping sails, like a dog’s ear.
Lumber.An Americanism for timber sawn into logs and sent floating down the rivers for eventual shipment.
Lumber-room.One set apart for odds and ends of no practical utility. The name is derived from “Lombard Room,” in which the Lombards, who were the first goldsmiths and money-lenders in England, stored the articles pledged with them.
Lunatic.From the Latinluna, the moon. The Romans persistently cherished the idea that a person’s mind was affected at the several changes of the moon.
Lupercalia.A Roman festival in honour ofLupercus, the god of fertility. This occurred on the 15th of February.
Lupus Street.This keeps alive the name of Henry Lupus, first Earl of Chester, from whom the Grosvenors, the ground landlords, are descended.
Lurid Waistcoat Banquet.The latest style of “Freak Dinner” in America, each guest disporting himself in a waistcoat of startling hue and design.
Lutherans.After Martin Luther, the German Reformer.
Luxembourg.This celebrated palace of the French capital stands on the site of that purchased and enlarged in 1583 by the Duke of d’Epinay, Luxembourg. The title of the Dukes of Luxembourg is very ancient, having been derived from a beautiful chateau calledLuici burgum, which was acquired by Siegfried, Count of Ardennes, in 963.
Lyceum Theatre.Opened in 1834 as the English Opera House. This was originally a lyceum or academical establishment connected with the Society of Arts. The wordLyceumwas correctly applied in this case from the academy formed by Aristotle in the temple of Apollo Lyceus, near the River Illissus.
Lych-Gate.A large gateway at the entrance to the churchyard where the coffin can be set down while the mourners await the arrival of the clergyman to lead the funeral service. The word comes from the Gothicleik, and Germanleiche, a corpse.
Lyddite.So called because experiments with this explosive were first made at Lydd in Kent.
Lying around Loose.An Americanism for being out of a situation, lounging about the town.
Lyme Regis.This little Dorsetshire seaport on the River Lym was honoured with a royal charter and the title ofRegisbecause it furnished Edward III. with three ships to aid in the siege of Calais in 1346.
Lynch Law.The summary justice meted out to public offenders in the western states of North America. This term was derived from James Lynch, a farmer of Piedmont on the western frontier of Virginia. There being no Court of Law for many miles around he was always appealed to in cases requiring a legal decision, and his judgments were so sound and impartial that the people gave him the name of Judge Lynch. The death sentence was by hanging at the nearest tree. To “lynch a man,” however, in themodern sense is to dispense with legal formalities altogether.
Lynn Regis.See “King’s Lynn.”
Lyon King at Arms.The principal at Heralds’ College in Scotland, so called from the lion rampant on the armorial bearings of the Scottish kings.
Lyre Bird.So called from the resemblance of the sixteen feathers of its tail when spread erect to a lyre.
Ma’am.An Americanism for mother. See “Madam.”
Ma’am School.The American term for a young ladies’ seminary, or an infants’ school kept by a woman.
Macadamised Road.This system of road-making by means of broken stones pressed down by a heavy roller was introduced by John Loudon Macadam, a Scotsman, appointed Surveyor of Public Roads in 1827.
Macaroni.From the Italianmacare, to crush, to bruise, throughMacarone, a mixture, a medley. This confection originally consisted of cheese and bread paste squeezed into balls.
Macaronies.Fashionable dandies first heard of in London after the accession of George III. Their leaders hailed from France and Italy, where Macaroni Clubs abounded. These clubs arose out of Dilettante Societies, formed for the cultivation of what was styled Macaronic Verse, after a poetical rhapsody entitled “Liber Macaronicorum,” a jumble of Latin and other languages published by a monk of Mantua in 1520. Subsequently everything in dress or taste received the name of Macaroni.
Macaroon.A biscuit the name of which has the same etymology as “Macaroni.”
Macassar Oil.So called because it was first exported from Macassar, the Dutch capital of Celebes Island.
Macclesfield Street.After the Earl of Macclesfield, the landlord of the estate when it was laid out in 1697.
Macedonians.A fourth century sect of Christians founded by Macedonius, Patriarch of Constantinople.
Machinaw.A heavy blanket worn by Indians, and also nowadays in the western states used as a travelling rug and bed pallet. The term is derived from Machinac (pronouncedMachinaw), the chief trading station with the Indians formerly. Western settlers also describe an overcoat as a Machinaw.
Machine.A bicycle is called a machine because it is a more or less complicated piece of mechanism made up of many parts. In the United States the term machine is applied both to a locomotive and a fire engine.
Mackenzie River.After Alexander Mackenzie, by whom it was first navigated in 1789.
Mackerel.From the Danishmackreel, “spots.”
Mackintosh.After the Scotsman who invented water-proofing material for over-garments.
Macklin Street.After Charles Macklin, the celebrated actor of Drury Lane Theatre. His name was really Maclaughlin shortened into Macklin.
Macmillanites.An offshoot of the Presbyterians under John Macmillan; also styled the “Reformed Presbytery.”
Madagascar.A corruption of the native nameMalagasay, the island of the Malagese or Malays.
Madam.In New England the term applied to the deceased wife of a person of local distinction, such as the parson, doctor, etc. In the southern states it expresses the mistress or master’s wife universally among the Negroes. Elsewhere it is eitherMadamorMa’amfor a mother.
Mad Cavalier.Prince Rupert, so called on account of his rash courage and lack of self-control.
Mad Dog.A skull cap, from the old idea that keeping the head impervious to air was a remedy against the bite of a dog.
Mad Poet.Nathaniel Lee, who wrote some of his finestpieces while confined during four years at Bethlehem Hospital.
Mad as a Hatter.A corruption of “Mad as an atter.”Atterexpressed the Saxon for a viper or adder. The word “Mad” was anciently used in the sense of venomous; hence this expression really meant “venomous as a viper.”
Mad as a March Hare.Being their rutting season, hares are very wild in March.
Made a bad Break.An Americanism for having made a silly slip of the tongue, a sad mistake, or a great blunder. The expression is, of course, derived from a game of billiards.
Made his Pile.Although a Californian phrase for having amassed a fortune, this originated at the gaming-tables throughout the States generally.
Madeira.Expresses the Portuguese for “timber.” This island was at the time of its discovery covered with forests. Also the name of a rich wine imported therefrom.
Madeleine.The church at Paris dedicated to Mary Magdalen or Mary of Magdala.
Maddox Street.After the name of the builder upon the land in 1720.
Madras.From the ArabicMadrasa, “university.” Originally Madrasa Pattan, the name expressed “University town.”Pattanis Sanscrit for town.
Madrid.In the tenth century this was simply a Moorish fortified outpost of Toledo, as expressed by its Arabic name,Majerit.
Maelstrom.Expresses the Norwegian for an eddy or whirlpool; literally “whirling stream.”
Maffiking.A word used to denote the madness which may seize upon an entire community on an occasion of great public rejoicing, as happened when news of the relief of Mafeking, during the South African War, reached England. Staid citizens--bankers, stockbrokers,and others--assembled in front of the Mansion House, cheering wildly, and losing all control over themselves to such a degree that they threw their hats high in the air. For the remainder of that day and far into the night all London went mad with joy.
Magazine.From the ArabicMakhzan, a depository for stores. In a literary sense this originally expressed a periodical whose contents were made up of elegant extracts from the best authors.
Magdalen Hospital.The old name of a penitentiary for fallen women, so called after Mary Magdalen. The French form of this name is Madeleine.
Magdalen Smith.The famous Dutch portrait painter, Gaspar Smitz, is usually known by this name on account of his many “Magdalens,” in which he excelled.
Magdeburg.German for “town on the plain.”
Magenta.This colour was so called because first produced after the battle of Magenta in 1859.
Magic City of the South.Birmingham in the state of Alabama. Since its foundation by the Elyton Land Company in 1871 it has bidden fair to rival Pittsburg as the Birmingham of America.
Magnolia.In honour of the eminent French botanist, Pierre Magnol.
Mahala.The Californian term for an Indian squaw, derived from the Spanishmuger(pronouncedmuher), a woman.
Mahatma.A Hindoo term for a Buddhist gifted with what appear to be supernatural powers, as the result of the very highest intellectual development.
Mahogany.A vulgar term very frequently heard in the Midland counties for a man’s wife. This arose from the fact that the wood of the Mahogany-tree (West IndianMahogan, but botanicallySwietenia Mahogani) was for many years at first used exclusively for the manufacture of domestic dining-tables; hence aman would say: “I’ll discuss it with my wife over the Mahogany.” Eventually the phrase was corrupted into “I’ll talk to the Mahogany about it,” and so the term came to denote the man’s wife.
Mahrattas.The Hindoo term for “outcasts.” Although devout worshippers of Buddha, this powerful Hindoo family does not recognise that fine distinction of caste which obtains elsewhere.
Maida Vale.After the victory of Maida, 4th July 1806.
Maiden.An ancient instrument of capital punishment made in the form of a woman, the front of which opened like a door, and, the victim being imprisoned, sharp steel spikes pierced his body on every side. This name was also given to an early species of guillotine in Scotland. To be executed by its means was to “Kiss the Maiden,” because she clasped him in a death embrace.
Maidenland.A Virginian term for the land which comes to a man by marriage on his wife’s side, and which passes from him at her decease.
Maiden Assize.So called when there are no charges for the jury, which in the event of conviction merit capital punishment or the death sentence. On such an occasion the sheriffs present a pair of white gloves to the judges as the emblems of innocence.
Maiden Lane.Anciently skirting the garden of the Convent. This thoroughfare had at its western corner a statue of “Our Lady” let into the wall.
Maid Marian.So far from having any connection with Robin Hood and his merry men in Sherwood Forest, this term is derived from the “Morris Dance,” in which five men and a boy took part. On account of his antics and the ill-fittingmorione, or helmet, that this boy wore, he came to be styled as the “Mad Morion,” of which Maid Marian was an easy corruption.
Maid of Orleans.Joan of Arc, who led her countrymenagainst the English, and effected the capture of the city of Orleans, 29th April 1429.
Maid of Saragossa.Augustina Zaragossa, who distinguished herself in theheroicheroicdefence of the city of Saragossa during its eight months’ siege by the French in 1808-9.
Maidstone.From the Anglo-SaxonMedwægeston, the town on theMedwæge, or Medway, which river runs through the middle of the county of Kent.
Mail.The American term for “post”--i.e.a letter. This word is, of course, derived from the mail bag in which letters are transmitted.
Mail Stage.The American form of “Stage-coach.”
Maine.The name given to the French settlement in the New World after the city so called in the Mother Country. Maine, from the Celticman, expresses a district or region.
Majorca.Expresses the Latin for Greater, relative to the “Balearic Islands.”
Make Bricks without Straw.To make something without the needful materials. In the East bricks are made out of straw and mud dried in the sun. The expression comes from the burdens laid upon the Israelites in Egypt as related in Exodus v.: “Go therefore now, and work; for there shall no straw be given you, yet shall ye deliver the tale of bricks.”
Make Money out of a Shoe-string.An Americanism for a capacity to make money out of nothing--that is, without working capital.
Make the Raise.An Americanism for to “raise the loan.”
Make the Sneak.An Americanism for to sneak or run away.
Make Tracks.Originally a Far West expression when a squatter deserted his claim and set out to explore an unknown region.
Make Trade hum.An Americanism for whipping up business by advertising or extraordinary energy.
Malaga.From the Phœnicianmalaca, salt. The wine of the same name is imported from this city of Spain.
Malmsey.Wine from Malvasia, an island in the Mediterranean historically famous for its vineyards.
Malta.From the PhœnicianMelita, “a place of refuge.”
Mamelukes.From the Arabicmamluc, a slave. The original standing army of Egypt, composed of boy slaves purchased by the Sultan from the Tartar Khan in the Caucasus in the thirteenth century.
Mamma.Latin for “breast”; hence all animals that are suckled by the mother belong to the class of “Mammals.”
Mammon.From the Syriacmamona, “riches.”
Manchester.Expresses the Anglo-Saxon for a common on the site of a Roman camp. The Friesicmanin this sense enters into many place names also on the Continent.
Manchester Square.After the Duke of Manchester, the owner of the estate.
Manchuria.The territory of the Manchus, the founders of the present ruling dynasty of China.
Mandarin.Although this title is borne by officers of every grade in China the word is really Portuguese,mandar, to command. It was applied by the early settlers of Macao to the Chinese officials of that colony, and has remained a European designation for a Chinaman of rank ever since.
Manhattan.From the Indianmunnohatan, “the town on the island.”
Manicure.The American mode of “Manicurist,” which, from the Latinmanus, hand, literally means one who undertakes the care of the finger-nails.
Manitoba.AfterManitou, the “Great Spirit” of the Alonquin Indians. This name is pronounced Manitobarnot Manitobar.
Man in the Street.A metaphorical expression for the average man, with no more than a superficial knowledge of matters in general. Not belonging to a club, he has small means of adding to his own store of knowledge by daily communion with those better informed than himself.
Manlius Torquatus.The Roman Consul Manlius received his surname “Torquatus” through having wrested the golden torque or collar from his adversary on the field of war.
Mannheim.German for “the home of men.” Until the Elector Palatine Frederick IV. built a castle here, and a town grew up around it in the seventeenth century, this was a village of refugees from religious persecution in the Netherlands.
Man of Kent.A native of the county of Kent east of the Medway.
Man of Ross.The name given by Pope to John Kyrle of Ross, Herefordshire. See “Kyrle Society.”
Man of Straw.One who, having nothing to lose, descends to mean practices for gain, well knowing that his victims rarely go to the expense of entering a prosecution against him, since they cannot obtain damages. This term was derived from the hangers-on at the Westminster Law Courts, who were ready to swear anything at the instruction of counsel for a bribe. They were known by displaying a wisp of straw in their shoes. If another witness was required while a case was being heard, counsel generally sent out to look for “a pair of straw shoes.”
Man-of-War.This term is a popular abbreviation of man-of-war ship--i.e.the floating home of a man-of-war’s-man. Our national prestige has from time immemorial been dependent on the supremacy of the seas, therefore an English sailor, more than a soldier, was regarded by our ancestors as a fighting man. Since the introduction of ironclads, however, it has become the custom to speak of a floating battery as a war vessel or battleship, and a sailor as a bluejacket.
Mansard Roof.After its inventor, François Mansard, the French architect of the seventeenth century.
Mansfield Street.From the town mansion of the Earls of Mansfield, which stood here.
Mansion House.Expresses the “house of houses,” the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, the representative in the city of the King, whose flag proudly waves in the breeze from the roof.
Mantua.A lady’s cloak or mantle, originally introduced from the Italian city of this name.
Maoris.The aborigines of New Zealand. In the native tongue this means “indigenous.”
Maraboo Feathers.Those plucked from the underside of the wings of the stork of the same name. The stork being held sacred by the Mohammedans, as it was by the ancient Egyptians, its name has the same meaning as that of the “Marabuts.”
Marabuts.The priestly order of the Arabs in North Africa; those who attend the mosques and call the people to prayers. Their name is derived from the ArabicMarabath, sacred or devoted to God.
Maraschino.A liqueur distilled from delicate and finely flavoured cherries, calledMarazques, cultivated at Zara in Dalmatia.
March.In honour of Mars, the Roman god of war.
Marconigram.A wireless telegram, so called after Marconi, the inventor of the system.
Margate.From the Anglo-SaxonMære, the sea; expresses the road or entrance to the Thames estuary from the sea. See “Gate.”
Margaret Street.After Lady Margaret Cavendish, wife of the second Duke of Portland, landlord of the estate.
Marigold.This, golden flower, indigenous to Mexico, was dedicated by the Spaniards to the Virgin. What are called “Marigold Windows,” having these flowers represented on them, appear in Lady Chapels.
Marine Store Dealer.The legal description of what is now a rag and bone merchant in a small way, because at one time old ships’ iron and cables were not allowed to be disposed of in any other manner save to such a registered dealer.
Market Street.The site of an ancient market on which at a later period the annual May Fair was held. This district is now one of the most fashionable in the West End of London.
Mark Lane.A corruption of “Mart Lane,” in which an ancient annual fair or mart of Flemish merchants was held.
Mark Twain.The literary pseudonym of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, reminiscent of his early life as a pilot on a Mississippi steamboat. “Mark Twain” in nautical phraseology means “mark two fathoms of water.”
Marlborough House.This, the residence of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, was built by Sir Christopher Wren for John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, in 1709 at a total cost of a million of money.
Marlborough Road.This, like the square of the same name off the Fulham Road, was so called after the “Duke of Marlborough” at one end of it. At Peckham, after the one-time residence of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, before he removed to Pall Mall.
Maroons.Revolted Negroes in South America and the West Indies. The term was derived from the Morony River, between Dutch and French Guiana, where great numbers of these fugitives found a place of safety.
Marquee.Originally the tent of a marchioness.
Marquis.From the Italian and FrenchMarchese, pursuant to the rootmark, a boundary. Anciently expressive of an officer who had the guardianship of the marches or boundaries of a duchy. At a later period the owner of a slice of land bestowed upon him out of a duchy. Nowadays the title next below that of duke.
Marquis of Granby.A tavern sign in honour of JohnManners, the British general during the Seven Years’ War in Germany, a soldier beloved by his men and esteemed by his country.
Marry.A perverted form of the oath “By Mary” in days when people were wont to swear by the Virgin.
Marsala.A light wine exported from Marsala in Sicily. This name was bestowed upon the town by the Arabs,Marsa Alla, “Port of God,” on account of its delightful situation.
Marseillaise.This was the composition of Rouget de Lisle, an artillery officer stationed with the French garrison at Strasburg. First sung at a banquet given by the mayor of that city, it became immensely popular; and when in 1792 the Marseilles volunteers were summoned to Paris, they sang it as they approached and entered the capital. The words and music at once struck the popular ear, so that “La Marseillaise” became the national war song.
Marshal.From the Teutonicmare, horse, andschalk, servant. This term, through the Frenchmaréchal, originally signified the groom of the horse; now it means in a civil sense the master of the horse and head of the ceremonies in devising pageants and processions. The Duke of Norfolk, as Earl Marshal of England, takes precedence over all other noblemen.
Marshal Forward.General Blucher, on account of his eagerness to make a dash in the campaign which terminated in the victory of Waterloo.
Marshalsea.The old Debtors’ Prison in Southwark, so called because the Court of the Knight Marshal, for the settlement of disputes between members of the Royal Household, was held within its walls. This edifice was demolished in 1842.
Marsham Street.From the ground landlord, Charles Marsham, Earl of Romney.
Martel.The surname of Charles, the son of Pepin d’Heristal, who signalised himself in battle against the Saracens when, according to the chronicler, “heknocked down the foe and crushed them between his axe, as a martel or hammer crushes what it strikes.” This exploit occurred during the attempted Saracenic invasion of FranceA.D.732.
Martello Tower.Originally built near the sea as a watch-tower for protection of merchandise against pirates. The term arose from the custom of the sentry striking a bell with amartel, or hammer, as often as he discerned a pirate ship out at sea.
Martin.The common wall-swallow, corrupted from its Latin nameMurten, frommurus, a wall.
Martinet.From the name of a strict officer under Louis XIV. of France; hence the phrase “a regular martinet.”
Martin’s Lane.From St Martin’s Church in this lane.
Martlemas.A corruption of “Martinmas,” or Feast of St Martin, 4th November, the usual time for the hiring of servants in the rural districts of England.
Maryland.The name given by Lord Baltimore to the colony founded by him, in honour of Henrietta Maria, queen of Charles I.
Maryland End.An Americanism for the hock of the ham, as distinguished from the other, the “Virginia End.”
Marylebone.A corruption of “St Mary of the Bourn”--i.e.the parish church of St Mary beside the bourn or stream which descended from near the hermitage at “Kilburn” to “Tyburn.”
Masaniello.The name of the leader of the Neapolitan insurrectionists of the seventeenth century was Tommaso Aniello, of whichMasaniellois a corruption.
Masher.From the Romany or gipsyMasha, “to fascinate the eye.” Whether the overdressed fop, so designated in our day, really possessed this enviable quality is open to question.
Mason and Dixon’s Line.An American expression for the old-time boundary between the slave and thefree states. This line was defended between Pennsylvania and Maryland and Virginia by two English surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, in 1763-7.
Massage.A Frenchised Hindoo word for rubbing. A male and female practitioner of this new curative mode of friction treatment are respectively styled a masseur and masseuse.
Mattan Diamond.This, the largest in the world, weighing 367 carats, is the property of the Rajah of Mattan in India.
Maudlin.A word expressive of sentimentality or an inclination to shed tears, more especially when in a state of intoxication. Old painters always represented Mary Magdalen with swollen eyes, the result of penitential tears; hence a corruption of “Magdalen.”
Maund.The Saxon for an alms-basket employed in the distribution of bread to the poor by the Lady of the Manor.
Maundy Thursday.So called fromMaundé, the French form ofMandatum, the first word in the New Commandment or mandate given by our Lord to His disciples after washing their feet at the Last Supper. The essence of this mandate was to love one another; hence the washing of feet of poor persons and distribution of doles by the reigning sovereign on this day. See “Maund.”
Mauritius.A Dutch colony named in honour of Maurice, Prince of Orange.
Mausoleum.After themagnificentmagnificentsepulchral monument erected by his widow, Artemisia, to Mausolus, King of Caria, at Halicarnassus, 353B.C.
May.The budding or shooting of plants in this month caused the Romans to give it the name ofMagius, afterwards shortened intoMaius, from the Sanskrit mah, to grow. Eventually this month was held sacred toMaia, the mother of Mercury, to whom sacrifices were offered on the first day.
MaydewCherriesCherries.A corruption of Medoc cherries, from the district in France where they are cultivated.
Mayfair.On the site of this fashionable district Edward III. established a six days’ fair in the month of May for the benefit of the leper hospital of St James the Less, where St James’s Palace now stands.
May Meetings.The annual meetings of the many religious, missionary, and philanthropic bodies of the United Kingdom are held in London, generally at Exeter Hall, during the month of May.
Mazarin Bible.A very rare edition of the Scriptures, being one of the earliest printed by Gutenberg with separate metal types, between 1450 and 1455. It received this name from the fact that a copy was discovered in the library of Cardinal Mazarin.
Mecklenburg Square.One of the many names about London which, when new streets were built upon, complimented the Hanoverian Succession.
Medina.Expresses the Arabic for “City.” Its full name isMedinat al Nabi, “City of the Prophet.”
Mediterranean Sea.The sea “in the middle of the earth” is that between the two great continents, Europe and Africa.
Medway.See “Maidstone.”
Meerschaum.Expresses the German for “sea foam,” the fine white clay out of which pipes are made being at one time thought to be the petrified scum or foam of the sea.
Meistersingers.Literal German for “Master Singers”; master craftsmen who in the Middle Ages revived the national minstrelsy, which had been allowed to fall into decay.
Melbourne.In honour of Lord Melbourne, the Prime Minister in 1837, when this Australian colony was founded.
Melodrama.Modern drama, distinguished by incidental music as an accompaniment to the action.
Memorial Day.The United States mode of expressing a great commemorative occasion, such as Independence or Decoration Day.
Memorial Hall.This building, in Farringdon Road, commemorates the issue of the famous “Act of Uniformity,” whereby 2000 ministers of the Church of England were deprived of their livings on 24th August 1662. The site was formerly occupied by the old Fleet Prison.
Memory-Corner Thompson.The name borne by John Thompson of the parish of St Giles’s-in-the-Fields. Seated in a corner of a coffee-house, he was wont for the amusement of regular habitues to display his astounding powers of memory in regard to the topography of London.
Memory Woodfall.The sobriquet of William Woodfall, brother to the reputed author of the celebrated “Letters of Junius.” His mnemonical powers differed from that of “Memory-Corner Thompson” in that, after listening to a debate, Parliamentary or otherwise, overnight, he could repeat it word for word the next morning.
Mentor.A “guide, philosopher, and friend,” so called after Mentor, the faithful friend and counsellor of Ulysses.
Mercenaries.From the Latinmercer, wages, reward. These hired soldiers of antiquity figured largely in the Punic Wars.
Mercer.The old name for a dealer in silks and woollen fabrics, so called from the Latinmercis, wares, merchandise. Nowadays such a one styles himself a “Draper.”
Merino.A fabric of wool from the sheep of the same name, which expresses the Spanish for an inspector of sheep walks.
Merioneth.After Merion, an early British saint.
Merrimac.Indian for “swift water.”
Merry Andrew.A buffoon or clown, said to have been so called after Andrew Borde, a noted physician of the time of Henry VIII., whose witticisms were on a par with his medical skill. His sayings were widely repeated, and since it happened that Andrew was then the most common name for a man-servant, facetious fellows came to be dubbed Merry Andrews.
Merry Monarch.Charles II., who from the time of coming to the throne never knew care, but made his life one round of pleasure.
Mesopotamia.The ancient description of the region situate between the Tigris and the Euphrates. The name is Greek, frommesos, middle, andpotamos, river.
Messe Rouge.Expresses the French for “Red Mass.” At the resumption of their duties at the Law Courts after the Long Vacation all the Catholic judges and barristers attend a Mass of the Holy Ghost to invoke the Spirit for the gift of wisdom. Like the masses of the Feast of the Holy Ghost, the vestment worn by the officiating priest is red, in allusion to the tongues of fire that descended upon the Apostles on Whit Sunday.
Methodists.This name was first given by a fellow-student of Christ Church, Oxford, to the Brothers Wesley and a few friends who were in the habit of meeting on certain evenings for religious conversation. They also visited the inmates of Oxford Jail at stated times, always faithfully kept their engagements, and acted up to their Christian principles in a strictly methodical manner. The new sect was afterwards styled by John Wesley “The First Methodist Society.”
Metz.This city was styled by the RomansMettis, from theMedio matrici, the people of the country, whom they conquered.
Mexico.Expresses the seat or place ofMexitli, the Aztec god of war.
Michaelmas Day.The feast of St Michael, prince of the heavenly host, and patron saint of the Catholic Church. This is properly described as “St Michael and all Angels” (29th September).
Michaelmas Goose.Stubble geese being at their best about this time, the rural tenantry always brought their landlords a goose with their Michaelmas rent. Since the latter usually received more geese than they could consume themselves, they passed them over to friends, and thus the goose became a standing Michaelmas dish.
Michigan.Indian for “a weir for fish.”
Middlesex.Expresses the territory of the Middle Saxons, situate between that of the East and West Saxons under the Heptarchy.
Middling.North of England, and also American, for medium or passable in the sense of feeling well.
Mignonette.Expresses the diminutive ofMignon, the French for “darling.”
Mildmay Park.The estate of the Mildmays, whose ancestor, Sir Henry Mildmay, came, by marriage, into possession of Mildmay House and its park in the time of Charles I.
Mile End Gate.From a toll gate which at this point of the highroad marked the eastern limits of London town and the parish of Whitechapel, distant one mile from the city boundary at Aldgate.
Miles Lane.After Miles Coverdale, a famous preacher at the Weigh-House Chapel hard by in former days.
Milford Lane.From an old mill that stood here in the fields. The lane itself led to a ford across the river at low water.
Milking the Street.An Americanism for the operations of stockbrokers who, by alternately raising and depressing shares, capture all the floating money in the market. The allusion is, of course, to Wall Street, the financial centre of New York city.
Milk Street.The ancient milk and butter market in connection with Cheapside.
Millbank.From an old mill that stood on the Thames bank, on the site of which the Grosvenors built a mansion, subsequently displaced for the gloomy prison of the same name.
Millerites.An American religious sect, whose founder, William Miller, prophesied the millennium or first judgment of the world by Christ and His angels to take place on 23rd February 1843. Many of his followers went mad through excitement as this date approached. Subsequent days assigned for the fulfilment of the prophesy proved alike misleading.
Milliner.A corruption ofMilaner, after the city of Milan, which at one time set the fashion throughout Europe for elegance and taste not only in matters of dress, but of art. A milliner is one who deals in hats, feathers, and ribbons. See “Mercer.”
Mill Street.From a mill that stood hereabouts when the scene was one of peaceful rusticity.
Milton Street.After the author of “Paradise Lost,” who resided here for a time, and was buried in the parish church of St Giles’s, Cripplegate. This was the famous Grub Street of tradition.
Milwaukee.Indian for “rich land.”
Mincing Lane.A corruption of “Mynchen Lane,” denoting the property of the Minchery, the Saxon term for a nunnery of St Helen’s in Bishopsgate Street.
Minden Boys.The 20th Foot, so called from the conspicuous bravery displayed by them at the battle of Minden.
Mind your P’s and Q’s.This had reference originally to the pints and quarts chalked up against a rustic at the village alehouse. When his score threatened to become too disproportionate to his prospective wages, the alehouse-keeper generally administered a timely warning in these set terms. It was a polite way ofsaying he would very soon decline to serve him with more until the next settling day.
Miniature.So called because this early species of hand-painted portraiture originated in the head of the Madonna or of a saint that formed the initial letter of the beautifully illuminated rubrics produced by the monks styled the “Miniatori,” because their paints were made out ofminium, or red lead.
Minnesingers.Expresses the Old German for “love singers,” the troubadours of the Fatherland in the Middle Ages.
Minnesota.Indian for “smoky water.”
Minorca.Expresses the lesser of the “Balearic Islands.”
Minories.This thoroughfare was laid out across the lands belonging to the Minoresses or Nuns of St Clare after their priory had been demolished at the Reformation. The Order of the Minoresses corresponded to the Friars Minor of the Franciscans founded by St Francis de Paula.
Minster.The distinction between a minster and a cathedral lies in this: the former is the church in connection with a monastery, whereas the latter contains thekathedra, or chair, of a bishop.
Minstrel Boy.A favourite page whose duty it was to attend a knight in peace and war. On his return from “feats of arms” he recited the doughty deeds of his master to the accompaniment of a lute, harp, or lyre in the banqueting-hall. In times of peace his theme was the bravery of the knight in the lists at tournaments or his prowess in defence of fair maidens.
Minstrel of the Border.The name bestowed upon William Wordsworth by Sir Walter Scott.
Mint.On the spot where Manlius Capitolinus had built himself a sumptuous residence the Romans set up a temple to Juno Moneta, or “The Monitress,” since Manlius had been apprised of the Gallic invasion through the cackling of the sacred geese. Subsequentlythis temple of Moneta was converted into an establishment for the coinage of money. Both mint and money therefore come fromMoneta.
Mint Street.From the old mint established at Suffolk House by Henry VIII. when that property was sequestered to the Crown.
Minuet.So called from the Latinminutus, small, on account of the short, graceful steps which distinguish this dance.
Miserere.The name given to a mediæval choir stall of which the seat could be turned up so as to form a ledge for the support of the aged monks while kneeling. Its name,miserere, “Have mercy,” was singularly appropriate.
Misluck.An Americanism for misfortune or ill luck.
Misses’ Tailors.An Americanism for “Ladies’ Tailors.”
Mississippi.Indian for “great and long river.”
Missouri.Indian for “muddy water.”
Mitre.An inn sign most generally to be met with in a cathedral city, having reference, of course, to the mitre worn by a bishop.
Mitre Court.So called after an ancient Fleet Street tavern hard by.
Mitre Square.From an old inn, “The Mitre.”
Mob.From the Latinmobile vulgus, “the vulgar crowd.”
Mobtown.The name given to the city of Baltimore on account of the lawlessness of a certain section of its inhabitants.
Mocha.Coffee brought from the district of the same name in Arabia.
Mocking Bird.A species of thrush that mocks or imitates the notes produced by other birds.
Moet and Chandon.A favourite brand of champagne from the vineyards of the French firm trading under the name of “Moet et Chandon.”
Molasses.The American term for syrup or treacle, derived from the Frenchmelasse, the root of which is the Latinmellis, honey.
Money.See “Mint.”
Mohair.From the ArabicMukhayyar, “goatskin hair,” through the Frenchmoire, the fine silken hair of the Angora goat.
Mohawks.Night marauders who in the days of the “Old Charlies” terrorised peaceable London citizens, self-styled after the fierce Indian tribe of the same name. “Mohawk” means “man-eater” or “live-eater,” this term being applied to the Iroquois by the eastern Indians of North America.
Moire Antique.The French description of watered silk worked in the style of the olden times. See “Mohair.”
Moldavia.The country traversed by the River Moldau.
Moleskin.A superior fabric of fustian or strong cotton distinguished for a smoothness like the hair of the mole.
Molly Maguires.An Irish Secret Society in the United States, more especially Pennsylvania, composed of young men dressed in women’s clothes, and with blackened faces, who did not hesitate to murder in connection with the agrarian outrages that they committed. The execution of ten of the ringleaders in June 1877 at length put an end to their reign of terror.
Monastery.From the Greekmonos, alone. This term expresses an establishment of monks, secluded from one another in cells except when at prayers or at meals; recluses who never go into the outer world at all. A Friary, on the contrary, is a convent whose inmates live in community and go forth to preach among the people.
Monday.A term derived from Scandinavian mythology when, after the first day of the week given up to sun-worship,the second was set apart for the worship of the moon.
Money makes Money.This is a truism which it were vain to deny. Without capital a man cannot possibly set up in business for himself, even as a costermonger. The command of money makes its possessor doubly rich.
Monger.This word enters into various designations of the trading community, such as Fishmonger, Costermonger, being derived from the Anglo-Saxonmongere, “one who trades.”
Monk.From the Greekmonachos, “one who lives alone.” See “Monastery.”
Monkey.From the Italianmonicchio, the diminutive ofmonna, an ape. This word is often used as a verb--e.g.“Don’t monkey about on there,” meaning “Don’t play about or be up to monkeyish pranks.”
Monkey Board.The platform at the back of an omnibus, so called on account of the capers usually indulged in by the conductor. On a vehicle of the old-fashioned kind this platform was so small that he had to jump off it in order to allow a passenger to enter or alight.
Monk Lewis.The sobriquet of Matthew Gregory Lewis after he had published his celebrated novel, “The Monk,” in 1795.
Monmouth.The mouth of the Mon, the ancient description of which wasMynwy, “the border river.”
Montague Place.This, like the street close by, received its name from Montague House, the town mansion of the Dukes of Montague, in which the treasures of the British Museum were at first deposited pending the erection of the present edifice.
Montague Square.Like the street of the same name, this was designated in compliment to Mrs Montague of the “Blue Stocking Club,” who after the death of her husband resided in Portman Square.
Mont Blanc.French for “white mountain,” because it is eternally snow-clad.
Montenegro.Literally “black mountain.”
Montepulciano.A famous Italian wine produced at the ancient city of the same name.
Montgomery.After Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, who obtained forcible possession of the castle erected on the height by the Lord of the Marshes in the time of William the Conqueror.
Montreal.So called from the admiring exclamation of Jacques Coutier, when in 1534 he viewed the surrounding country from its summit. The name is French for “Royal Mount.”
Montserrat.Expresses the Latin for a mountain serrated or jagged like a saw.
Monumental City.Baltimore, so called on account of its one hundred and four churches, the obelisk, etc., which it contains.
Moonshiners.The name given in the western states of America to illicit whisky distillers.
Moonshine Whisky.American whisky distilled under cover of night by “Moonshiners.”
Moorfields.See “Moorgate Street.”
Moorgate Street.From the postern gate in the Roman Wall leading to the moor beyond the fen lands or marshes of Finsbury known as Moorfields.
Moors.From the Latinmauri, and Spanishmoros, “black.” Elsewhere denominated “Saracens,” these Arab conquerors of the peninsula were called by the Spaniards “Moriscoes.”
Mop Fair.The name given to a fair held a few days after the periodical Statute Fair for the hiring of farm servants. The dregs of the Statute Fair are then mopped or swept up.
Moravia.From theMorava, which name expresses a marsh or boundary river.
Moravians.The followers of John Huss, driven out of Bohemia and Moravia by religious persecutions early in the eighteenth century.
Morgan Horse.A favourite breed of American sporting horse descended from the animal owned by Justin Morgan, a schoolmaster of Randolph, Vermont, nearly a hundred years ago.