Виктор Евгеньевич Никитин
Исторический английский фразеологический словарь
Oldham. Expresses the old home or settlement.
Old Hat. A country tavern sign which must have been the original when the same premises was devoted to some other business, in days characterised by the display of signs by tradesmen generally.
Old Hickory. “Hickory” is an Americanism used adjectively for anyone who is tough, obstinate, or hard, after the tree of the same name. General Andrew Jackson merited the nickname of “Old Hickory” from his own soldiers on account of his tough, unyielding disposition. Its origin is thus explained by Parton, 255the author of the President’s “Life”: “The name of ‘Old Hickory’ was not an instantaneous inspiration, but a growth. First of all, the remark was made by some soldier, who was struck with his commander’s pedestrian powers, that the General was tough. Next it was observed that he was as tough as hickory. Then he was called ‘Hickory.’ Lastly, the affectionate ‘Old’ was prefixed, and the General thenceforth rejoiced in the completed nickname, usually the first-won honour of a great commander.”
Old Jewry. The original Jewish quarter of the city of London. See “Jewin Street.”
Old Kent Road. The South London portion of the Roman highway to Dover.
Old Lady of Threadneedle Street. The popular name of the Bank of England. There is a tradition that towards the end of the eighteenth century a demented old lady wandered up and down Threadneedle Street day by day for a long period until she suddenly disappeared. It was generally assumed that this old lady of Threadneedle Street must have been waiting for someone who had passed into the Bank, and, according to her idea, never came out again. When, therefore, in 1797 the Bank threatened a temporary stoppage of payment, and one-pound notes were issued, John Gilray, the artist, published a caricature entitled “The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street in Danger.” Since that time the Bank has been colloquially referred to by this title.
Old Line State. Maryland, whose famous regiment, the Old Maryland Line, saved the prestige of the army when Lord Cornwallis’s Grenadiers broke the American lines at Loughland.
Old North State. North Carolina, from its relative position to South Carolina.
Old Paulines. Old scholars of St Paul’s School.
Old Pye Street. See “New Way.”
Old Quebec Street. Laid out and built upon soon after the capture of Quebec by General Wolfe in 1759.
256Old Rep. Short for “Old Reprobate.”
Old Rowley. A sobriquet of Charles II., from the name of his favourite race-horse.
Old Rye. A United States term for old whisky distilled from rye.
Old Salt. An old sailor who has sniffed the brine of the ocean from his youth.
Old Scotland Yard. See “Scotland Yard.”
Old Soldiers. An Americanism for cigar-ends, because they are the remnants of the originals that have done good service.
Old Sport. An Americanism for a broken-down gambler.
Old Tom. The name first given to gin by Thomas Norris, who, after having long been employed in the distillery of Messrs Hodges, opened a gin palace in Covent Garden, and perpetuated the affectionate name of “Old Tom Chamberlain,” his former master.
Old Toughs. The nickname of the 103rd Foot, merited during the Indian Mutiny.
Old Woman. In stage parlance an actress who plays old women’s parts. A fine distinction is, however, drawn between “old women” and what are called “Aristocratic Old Women.”
On the Tapis. Tapis is French for a carpet; expressive also of the cloth or kind of tapestry which covered the table in the Council Chamber when French was the language spoken at the English Court.
On the Tenterhooks. To have one’s curiosity fully aroused; on the tiptop of expectation. The phrase has been derived from the mode of tentering or stretching cloth upon hooks after it is woven.
On the Tiptoe of Expectation. A phrase derived from the crowds awaiting a public procession. As soon as the music is heard everyone stands on tiptoe, and looks in the direction whence the sounds proceed.
Oof. A slang term for “money”; derived from the 257legendary “Oof Bird,” which from the Latin, ovum, an egg, traces its origin to the goose with the golden eggs.
Olive Branches. A man’s children are so designated from the Biblical simile in Psalm cxxviii. 3: “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.”
Olla Podrida. A Spanish term for a mixture of meat and vegetables collected in a common pot for cooking as required. In a literary sense it signifies a miscellany of short productions. The French equivalent for the term is pot-pourri, which is also employed figuratively.
Omnibus. The dative Latin plural of omnes, all. In a public vehicle of this kind there is room for many, without class distinction.
One-horse. A term used adjectively for anything mean or insignificant. This figure of speech is derived from agriculture.
Oneida. Indian for “people of the beacon stone.”
Ontario. From the Indian Onontae, which expresses “the village on the mountain,” whence the tribe of the Onondagas derive their name.
On this Side of Jordan. An Americanism for “in this life” or “in this world.”
Opal. From the Sanskrit opula, through the Latin opalus, a precious stone.
Oporto. Portuguese for “the harbour.”
Orange Lilies. The 35th Foot, so called on account of the facings on their uniform.
Orangemen. The Protestants in the northern provinces of Ireland, so called on account of their adherence to William III., Prince of Orange, in opposition to the “Jacobites” or the adherents of the Stuart king, James II.
Orange Peel. One of the nicknames of Sir Robert Peel, owing to his strong anti-Catholic spirit. See “Orangemen.”
258Orange River. This, the largest river in South Africa, received its name from the colour of its waters when in flood.
Orange River Free State. This name was given by the “Boers” to what is now British territory in South Africa because its early settlers were also emigrants from the principality of Orange in Holland. Its new title is the Orange River Colony.
Orange Street. In compliment to William III., Prince of Orange.
Orator Henley. The sobriquet of John Henley, an English divine who in 1726 attracted large and fashionable congregations in a so-called “Oratory” or chapel in Newport Market.
Oratorio. A term derived from the fact that the first sacred musical dramas or cantatas were performed in the Church of the Oratorians, which religious Order was founded by St Philip Nero at Rome in 1540.
Orchard Street. Off Portman Square, after Orchard Portman, one of the country seats of the Portmans in Somersetshire. At Westminster, from the ancient orchard belonging to the Abbey.
Orchestra. A Greek term applied to the place in the theatre allotted to the chorus of the dancers. Among the moderns it expresses the place assigned to the instrumentalists.
Orchid. From the Greek orchis, a testicle, which the root of this plant resembles.
Oregon. From the Spanish Oregano, “wild majorum,” which grows abundantly in this state.
Orellana. The original name of the “Amazon” River, after its navigator.
Oriel College. This college at Oxford was built in 1326 by Adam de Brome, the Almoner of Edward II., and called by him St Mary’s College. A few years later Edward III. added to its revenues a rich messuage hard 259by known as “Le Oriel,” from which circumstance the foundation received the name which it now bears.
Orinoco. Indian for “coiling snake.”
Orion Horne. One of the sobriquets of Richard Horne, author of “Orion,” which acquired an exceptional notoriety on account of its being published at the low price of one farthing.
Orkney Isles. Under the name of Orcades these are mentioned by the ancient geographers. Orkney is Gaelic for “Isle of Whales.”
Orleans. A corruption of Aureliani, after the Roman Emperor Aurelian.
Orloff Diamond. This gem, weighing 194 carats, and purchased by Catherine II. of Russia in 1775, preserves the family name of that Empress.
Orme Square. After the name of a printseller of Bond Street who bought the land and built upon it.
Orrery. After the Earl of Orrery, who first caused one to be made.
Osnaburg Street. Named in compliment to Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, the last sovereign-bishop of Osnaburg in Hanover.
Ossulton Street. See “Lisson Grove.”
Ostend. Literally the east end of Flanders in Belgium.
Ostler. From the French hostelier, an innkeeper.
Oswestry. A corruption of Oswaldstry, the “place of Oswald,” where Oswald, King of Northumbria, was slain in 642. Evidence of this is afforded by the original name of Oswald’s Well, which yields a spring of pure water.
Ottawa. Expresses the Indian for “traders.”
Ottoman Empire. That of the Turks, founded by Othman I. at the commencement of the fourteenth century.
Ouida. The pseudonym of Louise de la Ramée. This was suggested to her at the very commencement of her literary career by the infantile perversion of Louise into “Ouida.”
260Ouse. From the Celtic uisg, water.
Out of Collar. Out of harness and the working habit. A horse has the collar slipped over its neck when put to work.
Out of Sorts. A technical phrase in the printing trade. “Sorts” are the different sizes and kinds of type used by a compositor. At times he runs short of “sorts,” so that the composition of the particular work in hand has to be suspended until the required sorts are obtained, either by distributing old matter put up in paper or sending to the typefounder’s for a new supply. Hence a person indisposed for work confesses to being “out of sorts.”
Ovidius Naso. See “Naso.”
Oxford. Cited in Domesday Book as Oxeneford. Literally a ford for the passage of oxen across the River Isis.
Oxford Blues. The Royal Horse Guards, from their dark blue uniforms and the circumstance that this regiment of horse was first raised by Aubrey, Earl of Oxford, soon after the Restoration.
Oxford Movement. The great Catholic revival in England, which, midway in the last century, resulted in the passing over of many of the most eminent Oxford scholars to the Church of Rome.
Oxford Street. After Edward Harley, Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, landlord of the estate north of this principal thoroughfare.
Oyez, Oyez. The old French ceremonial exclamation (“Hear ye, hear ye!”) to enjoin silence. This obtained in our own country when French was the language of the Court. In modern times it has been corrupted by Court criers and town bellmen into “O yes, O yes.”
Oyster Part. In theatrical parlance a part which contains only one line or speech; like an oyster, the actor opens his mouth but once.
261
P
Pacha. See “Pasha.”
Pacific Ocean. So called by Magellan, who, after a tempestuous passage through the straits which bear his name, enjoyed a cruise of three months and twenty-one days across this ocean in continuous fine weather, and with the advantage of favourable winds.
Pack Horse. An inn sign denoting that the establishment provided accommodation for “Packmen,” and also that pack horses were let out on hire.
Packmen. The old name for commercial travellers, whose goods or samples were carried in packs or sacks fastened to the saddle of a pack horse.
Paddington. The ancient description of this parish was “Padynton,” the settlement of the Pædings. Another branch of the same family gave its name to “Padendene”–i.e. the wooded valley of the Pædings in Surrey.
Paddington Street. Originally a narrow lane leading northward on to the common known as Paddington Fields.
Paddle your own Canoe. Originally a Western phrase for self-reliance. A canoe is an Indian boat affording room for one person. If he cannot paddle it himself no one else is in a position to help him. The expression became extremely popular in England through a song of this title thirty years ago.
Paddy. The common name for an Irishman, being short for “Pat,” after St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Pagan. This term had at first not the slightest connection with religion. Derived from the Latin pagus, the country, a paganus denoted a peasant or villager. Removed from the refinement of the cities such a one had, of course, very little acquaintance with the complicated system of Roman mythology. On this account 262only could it be said that those who remained unconverted to Christianity were Pagans.
Page Green. See “Seven Sisters’ Road.”
Painted Hall. The picture gallery of Greenwich Hospital received this name on account of its superbly painted ceiling.
Painter. The rope by which the “Jolly Boat” or any other is attached to a vessel, so called from the Latin panther, through the French pantier, a drag net.
Paint the Town. An Americanism for a night’s drunken frolic; the allusion is to a drunkard’s red nose.
Palace Car. An Americanism for a “Pullman” or Saloon car.
Palaver. From the Portuguese palavra, “a talk.”
Pale Faces. The name popularly bestowed upon the whites by the North American Indians.
Palestine. From the Hebrew Palæstina, “the land of strangers.” This was the ancient Philistia, the country of the Philistines, a term derived like that of Palestine from the root phalash, to emigrate or wander.
Pall Mall. From a species of croquet, called Paille Maille, introduced by Charles II. after his involuntary exile in France, and played by him and his courtiers here when the thoroughfare was open to St James’s Park.
Palmer. The name bestowed upon a “Pilgrim” returning from the Holy Land who carried a palm branch, usually affixed to his head-gear, as a proof that he had actually accomplished his self-imposed task. On arriving at the place whence he had set out he repaired to the church or chapel, and offered the palm to the parish priest, who laid it on the altar on his behalf.
Palmetto City. Augusta, the capital of the Palmetto State.
Palmetto State. South Carolina, from the palmetto-tree in her arms. During the Civil War the soldiers of this state bore the name of “Palmetto Boys.”
263Palm it off. A phrase derived from the usual procedure of a conjurer, who is an adept at concealing in the palm of his hand that which he pretends to have “passed” elsewhere.
Palm Oil. A bribe placed in the hand of a servant makes him the more willing to throw open the apartment of the great man to whom one wishes to gain access.
Palm Sunday. From the palms distributed to the congregation by the Catholic Church in commemoration of Christ’s entry into the city of Jerusalem, when the populace strewed palm branches and leaves in His path.
Palmy Days of the Drama. The days of our greatest exponents of the Drama, so called because, had such celebrated histriones as Garrick, Mrs Siddons, the Keans, and the Kembles lived in the time of the Romans, they would have been awarded a palm branch in recognition of their genius.
Palsgrave Place. In honour of Frederick, King of Bohemia, Palsgrave of the Rhine, married to the Princess Elizabeth, daughter of James I.
Pam. The popular name of Lord Palmerston.
Pamphlet. After Pamphilia, a Greek lady who kept a commonplace book for the collection of anecdotes and literary memoranda.
Panama. Expresses the Carribean for “mud fish,” with which the shores of this isthmus abound.
Panama Hat. A corruption of “Palmata Hat,” from the primitive head covering in equatorial South America made out of the large leaf of the Cardulavia palmata tree.
Pancake Tuesday. From the pancakes eaten on this day. The custom arose in Catholic days with a view to using up the eggs and lard that were interdicted during Lent; also because pancakes were an excellent stay to the appetite while the faithful had to wait long hours in church to be shrived by the priest in the confessional.
264Pancras Road. From Old St Pancras parish church. New St Pancras church is situated in the Euston Road.
Panel Den. An Americanism for a brothel, in which the rooms are panelled off into small compartments.
Pan-Handle State. West Virginia, on account of its shape, rising up like a wedge between Pennsylvania and Ohio.
Panorama. Expresses the Greek for “a view of the whole,” as would be obtained from a monument or a natural eminence. This is the correct description of a picture exhibited in a circular building, where the spectators are placed in the centre; not at all of an old form of picture entertainment at one end of a hall, which approximates to a Diorama, because conformably to di, through, it is viewed through the darkness.
Pantaloon. One of the characters of the Italian comedy or “Pantomime,” so called because he was typical of the Venetians, wearing, like them, originally a close-fitting garment made all in one piece, known as a pantaleone. The Venetians were nicknamed Pantaleone (“all lion”) from their common patron, St Mark, whose symbol was a lion; hence the application of the term pantaloons to tight-fitting knickerbockers or trousers.
Pantaloonery. An Americanism for trouser material. See “Pantaloon.”
Pantechnicon. A Greek word compounded out of pan, all, and techne, art. The large vehicle of this name was first used exclusively for the conveyance of pictures and art treasures to exhibitions.
Pantheism. From the Greek pan, all, and theos, God; the religion which recognises the Spirit of God moving throughout all the processes, works, and glories of His creation. The single doctrine expressed by Pantheism is that “God is everything, and everything is God.”
Pantheon. The Roman temple erected in honour of the gods collectively, so called from the Greek pan, all, and theos, god.
265Pantomime. In the modern sense a pantomime is an entertainment in which current events or fashionable foibles are introduced by way of burlesque. Formerly it denoted a performance of Italian comedy in which the action took place in dumb show, so called from the Greek pantomimos, an imitator of all or everything. The Roman mimes or mimi were not theatrical performers, but mutes at funerals, whose function it was to imitate the characteristic actions of the deceased–e.g. the virtue of generosity.
Panton Street. After a noted gamester, Colonel Thomas Panton, whose daughter became connected by marriage with the family of the ground landlord, Lord Arundel of Wardour.
Pants. Short for “pantaloons,” an Americanism for trousers. See “Pantaloon.”
Panyer Alley. This was an alley behind an ancient church facing Cheapside, where the bakers stood with their bread paniers. The word “panier” is French for a bread basket.
Pan’s Pipes. The primitive reed instrument named after Pan, the god of shepherds.
Pansy. From the French “penseé,” which in the Language of Flowers means “thoughts.”
Papa. See “Pope.”
Papal Bull. So called on account of the bulla, a seal embellished with the symbol of St Peter.
Paper. From the Greek papyros, the Egyptian plant out of the reeds of which the earliest writing material was made.
Paper King. John Law, the projector of the Mississippi Scheme, whose prospectus promised fortunes that were never realised by the luckless speculators.
Papua. Expresses the Portuguese for “frizzled.” This name was bestowed upon the natives of New Guinea on account of their enormous heads of frizzled hair.
Parachute. From the Greek para, “beyond,” and the French chute, “a fall.”
266Paraquay. Expresses the Brazilian for the country of the Para, or “great river.”
Parasol. This term is now obsolete, having been superseded by “Sunshade.” Derived through the Italian parasole, from the Greek para, beyond, and sol, the sun, its meaning was synonymous with that of its modern substitute.
Parchment. From the Greek pergamenos, through the French parchemin, so called after Pergamos, the city of Asia Minor where, consequent upon Ptolemy’s prohibition of the exportation of the Egyptian papyrus, dried goatskins were first utilised for a writing material.
Paris. Called by the Romans Lutetia Parisiorum, a name signifying the collection of mud huts inhabited by the Parisii, a Gallic tribe conquered by them.
Paris Garden. A notorious bear-baiting establishment in South London for several centuries, so called after Robert de Paris in the reign of Richard I. The entrance thereto is fixed by what bears the name of Bear Garden at the corner of Sumner Street, Borough.
Park Lane. Originally a narrow lane skirting the east side of Hyde Park; it is now one of the most fashionable streets in the West End of London.
Park Street. Leads westward from Camden Town to Regent’s Park.
Parker Street. In honour of Archbishop Parker, who founded two fellowships and five scholarships at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, in addition to presenting it with a valuable library of ancient manuscripts. This street was at one time called Bennet Street, after the original name of the college, from the adjacent church of St Benedict.
Parliament. From the French parlerment, founded on the Latin verb parler, to speak. See “Parlour.”
Parliamentarians. The forces under the Parliament of 267the Commonwealth under Cromwell during the Civil War with Charles I. and the Royalists.
Parliamentary Whip. One whose duty it is to hunt up Members of the House of Commons when questions of grave import are being put to the vote.
Parliament of Dunces. That convened at Coventry by Henry IV. in 1404 because it did not number among its members a single lawyer. Sir Edward Coke styled this the “Unlearned” and also the “Lawless Parliament.”
Parlour. Originally the apartment reserved for visitors where conversation could be indulged undisturbed. See “Parliament.”
Parnellites. The Home Rule party in Ireland during the lifetime of their political leader, Charles Stewart Parnell.
Parry Islands. Discovered by Rear-Admiral Sir William Parry in the course of his search for the North-West Passage.
Parsees. The modern designation of the Zoroastrians or Fire Worshippers in Persia and India. The Parsees were the original inhabitants of Persia, a wild Ayrian family called the Parsa, meaning “The Tigers.” By the Greeks the territory they overran was styled Perseus, on account of their chief stronghold, Persipolis, “the city of the Parsa,” the ruins of which may yet be seen. The modern Parsees are therefore descendants of those who refused to embrace Mohammedanism.
Parsons Green. Prior to the year 1740 the parsonage of Fulham Parish Church stood facing this green. On its roof was a cross which bore the name of “Parson’s Cross,” afterwards corrupted into “Percy Cross.”
Partridge Day. The first of September, when partridge shooting commences.
Pasha. A Western corruption of the Turkish “Pashaw,” from the Persian bâshâ, a governor or ruler of a province under the Shah or King.
268Passenger Pigeon. So called on account of its migratory habits. This species is found chiefly in America.
Passing Bell. That rung at the parish church to announce publicly that the soul of a parishioner has just passed away.
Passion Flower. The traditional reverence for this favourite flower is due to a fancied resemblance of its tints and various parts to the instruments of Christ’s Passion; also because it remains open for three days, corresponding to the period between the Last Supper and the Resurrection.
Passionists. A missionary Order founded by St Francis de Paulo, otherwise “St Paul of the Cross,” for the preaching of “Christ’s Passion and Him Crucified.”
Passion Play. An alfresco sacred drama based upon the incidents of Christ’s Passion and Death; that performed every tenth year at Oberammergau is world famous.
Passion Sunday. Although this should properly be the first day of what is called Passion Week, Palm Sunday is in a sense a feast day, in allusion to the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem. The Sunday previous is therefore set apart for a general commemoration of the Passion–all crosses, statues, and paintings in the churches being draped in purple, with a view to concentrating the attention of the worshippers on the sufferings of the Redeemer.
Passion Week. The week in which Good Friday occurs, in commemoration of Christ’s Passion.
Passive Resister. One who in our own day passively resists the imposition of the Education Rate by allowing his goods to be seized or going to prison instead of resorting to active measures of violence.
Passover. The great Jewish festival commemorative of the Destroying Angel having passed over or spared the houses of the Israelites whose doorposts were sprinkled with the blood of the lamb slain overnight 269by Divine command. The Hebrew term for this festival is Pesach, whence “Pasch” has been derived.
Pastoral Letter. One addressed by a bishop to his flock. As his title implies, he is an overseer, and his crook is symbolical of a shepherd.
Pat. See “Paddy.”
Patagonia. This name, from the Spanish patagon, a large, clumsy foot, was given by Magellan to the country because, seeing the impressions of the great shoes worn by the natives, he imagined them to be giants.
Paternoster Row. Two reasons are assigned for this designation. The Row was the locale of the makers of “Pater Nosters,” or rosary beads, so called from the name of the first large bead, and the sellers of religious texts and prayer-books. Also because on great festival days the monks went in solemn procession to St Paul’s, the recital of the Pater Noster being commenced at the eastern corner of the lane, outside the churchyard, and concluded at the western extremity, where the Ave Maria was then taken up. See “Amen Corner.”
Pathfinder. The surname of General John Charles Fremont, the leader of four exploring expeditions across the Rocky Mountains.
Patricians. See “Plebeians.”
Paul’s Chain. This lane, on the south side of the Paul’s Churchyard, formerly had a chain drawn across it during divine service; hence its name.
Paul Veronese. The better-known name of the celebrated Italian painter Paulo Cagliari, who was born at Verona.
Pawn. In relation to the game of chess. The ordinary piece or “man” bears this name from the French peon, a walker or foot soldier, the superior pieces being kings, queens, knights, castles, and bishops. An article left in the charge of a pawnbroker is called a pawn, from the French pan, a pledge.
270Pawnbroker. See “Pawn” and “Broker.”
Peabody Buildings. After George Peabody, the American philanthropist, who left a huge fortune in trust for the building of “model dwellings” for the poorer classes. His statue, at the back of the Royal Exchange, was unveiled 23rd July 1869.
Peach. A schoolboy term for to inform against another. In allusion to the fruit of this name, it means to turn soft-hearted, and betray. In American the word is used to denote a pretty woman or anything soft and beautiful.
Peacock. An inn sign dating from the Crusades, when, the flesh of the peacock being deemed incorruptible, this bird was adopted by many a knight as a crest, typical of the Resurrection. “By the peacock” was a common oath in those days.
Pearl Bible. So called from the name of the printing type employed in its composition.
Peckham. A corruption of Beckham, a home or settlement among the becks or brooks.
Peckham Rye. In its application to common, the word “Rye” comes from the Anglo-Saxon ree, a watercourse.
Peculiar People. Originally those who believed that disease was the direct consequence of sin, and that by prayer alone could it be removed. See “Faith Healers.”
Pedlar. An itinerant trader, so called in conformity with the Latin pedes, the feet.
Pedro the Cruel. The surname of the King of Castile and Leon, who, midway in the fourteenth century, murdered his two brothers and poisoned his queen. How he meted out punishment to those outside his own family may be guessed.
Peeler. The old name for a policeman, after Sir Robert Peel, to whom the introduction of the modern system of Watch and Ward was due.
271Peep O’Day Boys. Irish insurrectionists who broke into the houses of the people at peep of day in search of arms. They were not averse to carrying off other plunder at the same time.
Peewit. This bird is so called from its characteristic notes.
Peg Away. Originally a camping phrase. When a tent is being put up it is necessary to secure its ropes to the ground on all sides before the work can be left, lest the whole structure, caught by the wind, should be blown down.
Pekin. Chinese for “northern capital.”
Pelican State. Louisiana, from the pelican in her arms.
Pembroke. Called by the Welsh “Penbroshire,” signifying the pen or head of the bro or country; literally the Land’s End.
Pembroke College. Founded at Cambridge in 1348 by the widow of Aylmar de Valence, Earl of Pembroke.
Peninsula State. Florida.
Penitentiary. The modern name for a “Magdalen Hospital,” designed as a home or refuge for fallen women who are penitent. This term was adopted also by the Quakers of Philadelphia in 1786 for a prison.
Penknife. A small pocket-knife intended primarily for cutting quill pens. Though quills are no longer in fashion, save among lawyers and bankers, and the penknife is serviceable only for trimming one’s finger nails, its original name survives.
Pennsylvania. From the Latin sylva, a wood; expresses the colony in the wood founded by William Penn.
Penny. From the Danish pennig and German pfennig, a copper coin of full value. This was originally nicked across to admit of being broken into halves and quarters.
Penny Blood. The modern substitute for the “Penny Dreadful.” The term “Blood” is short for a blood-curdling relation.
272Penny Gaff. The term applied to a low-class theatre, in allusion to the first Drury Lane Theatre, built on the site of a famous cockpit. Gaff was but another name for a cockpit, expressing as it did in various languages the iron hook, fork, or spur with which the cocks were goaded when they showed a reluctance to fight.
Penny Wedding. One to which all the villagers are invited, each contributing his or her quota to the expenses of the feast amounting to less than a shilling, while children uniformly bring a penny.
Pennyweight. Anciently, before standard weights came into use, the weight of a Norman silver penny.
Penrith. A corruption of “Perith,” from Perith Hill, at the foot of which the town is situated. The name is Celtic for “red hill,” in allusion to the red stone quarried on the spot.
