OLJ^I frC 6"" CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 073 177 689 M Cornell University S Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924073177689 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE: 91 iEeto flanlitiooft FOR READY REFERENCE ON SUBJECTS COMMONLY OMITTED FROM CYCLOPAEDIAS; COMPRISING PERSONAL SOBRIQUETS, FAMILIAR PHRASES, POPULAR APPELLATIONS, GEOGRAPHICAL NICKNAMES, LITERARY PSEUDONYMS, MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS, RED-LETTER DAYS, POLITICAL SLANG, CONTRACTIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS, TECHNICAL TERMS, FOREIGN WORDS AND PHRASES, AMERICANISMS, J^l'C. COMPILED BY HENRY FREDERIC REDDALL. "TRIFLES MAKE THE SUM OF HUMAN THINGS." CHICAGO: A. C. McCLURG & COMPANY. 1889. e la-- Copyright, By a. C. McClurg & Co, A.D. i88g. PREFACE. IN the words of John Dryden, " Some will think this book needs no excuse, and others will receive none ; " but for those who belong to neither class, and who judge the work on its merits, a few words of introduction and explanation seem necessary. Not the least of the problems connected with the compilation of a work having a distinct plan, and bearing such a title as " Fact, Fancy, and Fable," is to decide what to admit and what to exclude. Occasionally there must needs be a deviation from the set rule ; yet in the main the lines of selection will be found to be clearly laid down and closely adhered to. Approximately, our " Fact " embraces Americanisms, Memorable Days, Pseudonyms, Political Nomencla- ture, Foreign Words and Sentences, and Contractions and Abbre- viations ; " Fancy " deals with Personal Sobriquets and Nicknames of all kinds, and with Familiar Phrases and Folk-Sayings ; while the realm of the purely mythological belongs to " Fable." The wholly fictitious characters of satires and novels and of ro- mance and poetry, which consume so large a portion of the works of Wheeler and Brewer, and must ever be of secondary popular interest, have been reserved for a future compilation, should the same be deemed advisable. Only where a nominally fictitious character is a portraiture or a burlesque of a real personage has the reference been admitted here. A glance at the scheme of " Fact, Fancy, and Fable," outlined on the titlepage, will enable the reader to form some idea of the scope of the work. Briefly stated, the aim of the author has been to amass a great amount of useful or curious information which has hitherto been either inaccessible to the general reader or so widely scattered among a score or more of different volumes as to be practically un- attainable when most needed. Thus, for pen-names the anxious inquirer has had to turn to Frey's " Initials and Pseudonyms " or IV PREFACE. some kindred work ; for mythological characters and events, to the various classical dictionaries ; for Americanisms, to Bartlett's ad- mirable compilation ; for personal sobriquets, to Wheeler's " Noted Names of Fiction ; " for every-day and folk sayings, to Brewer's " Dictionary of Phrase and Fable," to the same author's " Reader's Handbook," Wheeler's " Familiar Allusions," or to Edwards's " Words, Facts, and Phrases." Much information pertaining to our Red-Letter Days may be gleaned, amid a mass of other data, from Chambers's " Book of Days ; " but this fruitful subject is only partially treated therein. Political nomenclature must also be sought for in divers channels ; and not until one has essayed to run to earth some apparently self-explanatory phrase does it become apparent how little has been done to catalogue such matters. The interesting sub- ject of Geographical Nicknames is nowhere else treated at the length it deserves. Contractions and Abbreviations, and Foreign Words and Phrases, may be found appended to any good dictionary ; but in no case, it is believed, have these ever been set forth so fully as in the present instance. It will be admitted that there is a distinct advantage in having all these matters grouped under one alphabet. The books above enumerated may be said to constitute the bibli- ography of the various topics, and to all of them grateful acknowledg- ment is made in so far as the writer has profited by their contents. But in addition thereto many other works of reference, indirectly related to the subjects involved, as also modern history and biogra- phy, both English and foreign, have been ransacked for references, and much correspondence carried on with friends and authorities at home and abroad. The departments embracing Geographical Nicknames, Red-Letter Days, and Political Nomenclature are thought to be noteworthy in that they deal with subjects never before adequately treated ; in all other directions the constant aim has been to include every entry likely to be sought for. While it would be folly to claim or expect that complete success in this respect has been attained, the author indulges in the modest hope that in the following pages much will be found that has never before been collated. For instance, in none of the works mentioned above is there to be found an explanation of the allusion contained in the phrase "Legislature of a Thousand Drinks." It occurs in Dana's "Two Years before the Mast," and refers to an episode in the early annals of California. To Mr. Hubert Howe Bancroft, the historian of the Pacific coast, the writer is in- debted for an account of the origin of the nickname. So with the PREFACE. sayings "Between the Devil and the Deep Sea," "Angel Gabriel Riots," "Gladstone's Umbrella," "Spellbinders," "Nigger in the Woodpile," " Cain of America," " Gossamer Days," " California Column," " Cockerel Church," and a hundred others. It may easily be that the world is not actually suffering for lack of such " hole and corner" information, but the inquiry-columns of the periodical press afford ample evidence that there is no little popular interest therein. It remains to be said that scattered throughout the dictionary will be found many entries gleaned from the author's previously pub- lished writings during the past decade. The articles on " Caspar Hauser," " Junius," " The Man of the Iron Mask," and the " Wander- ing Jew," are condensed from his little book " Who Was He i " pub- lished in 1887. H. F. R. New York City, 1889. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. A. When written as an indorsement on the margin or face of a document, A signifies Approved or Accepted or Audited, as the case may be. The small a indicates one, or unity s as, " one dol- lar a pound," — meaning one dollar for each pound. When written @, it signi- fies at J as, "12 lbs. at 50 cts." A 1. First quality; the registry mark of underwriters, indicating first-class. American vessels are registered A, and afterward distinguished by figures in de- scending grade ; as, A i, A iX, A \yi, A ijf, A 2, etc. In the English Lloyds " A I " denotes that the vessel is well built and seaworthy, the figure I indi- cating that her rigging, anchors, cables, etc., are in good condition. A 2 indi- cates that the equipments are unsat- isfactory. The ordinary expression as to the highest mercantile standing is "A No. i7' A. or Ans. Answer. A. A. A. G. Acting Assistant Adju- tant-General. A. A. G-. Assistant Adjutant-General. A. A. F. S. American Association for the Promotion of Science. Aaron's Serpent. England has been so named because she absorbed the va- rious petty states of India; Germany, because she did likewise for the smaller German states. The allusion is to Ex. vii. 10-12. A. A. S. AcademicB Americana Socius. Fellow of the American Acad- emy (of Arts and Sciences). A. A. S. S. Americana Antigua- riancB Societatis Socius. Member of the American Antiquarian Society. A. B. Artium Baccalaureus. Bach- elor of Arts. A. B. That is, "able-bodied,"— the rating on board ship of all skilled or I able seamen. A ship's "boys" are un- skilled mariners, no matter what their age. Ab. The fast of Ab, or " Black Fast," as it is sometimes called among the Jews, occurs annually about Aug. 10, and lasts from sunset to sunset. This fast is one of the most solemn occasions in the Hebrew worship, and is scrupulously observed by orthodox Jews. It commemorates the destruction of the two temples of Judaea. The tem- ple of Solomon was destroyed by Neb- uchadnezzar, king of Babylon, which sad event of Jewish history occurred in the month of Ab. The second tem- ple was destroyed by Titus the Ro- man. This happened on the 9th of Ab. Hence the season of fasting and lam- entation which marks the event as each year goes by. Abactu ad posse valet consecutio. (Lat.) Inference by induction from what has been to what may be. Abaddon. The Hebrew designation of the fallen angel or evil spirit who is called ApoUyon in Greek. Ab agendo. (Lat.) From acting or doing. Abandannad. A slang sobriquet for the purloiners of pocket-handkerchiefs ; t. e., bandannas. Supposed to be a cor- ruption or contraction of " a bandanna lad." Abandon fait lairon. (Fr.) Negli- gence makes the thief. Ab ante. (Lat.) Before ; previously. Ab antiquo. (Lat.) From olden time. Abaris. In classic myth a priest of Apollo to whom the deity presented a golden arrow on which to traverse the air, and which also rendered him invis- ible. Hence the allusion to the arrow, or dart, of Abaris. 8 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. A bas. (Fr.) Down ; down with. Abaster, Abates, and 2!ton. The three horses of Pluto (g. v.). Abb. Abbott's U. S. Circuit and Dis- trict Court Reports. Abbot of Misrule. The master of revels, especially of Christmas festiv- ities, in the Middle Ages. Abbot of Unreason. A medisval personage who held sway in the houses of the nobility during the Christmastide festivities. The same as " Lord of Mis- rule." Abby Wiiiey. The stage-name of Mrs. R. B. Chamberlain. Abcedeurian. One who teaches or is learning the ABC. Abcedaiian Hymns. Those in which each verse, from the first to the last, began with successive letters of the alphabet in regular progression. A. B. C. P. M. American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Abdallah. (Pseud.) Otway Curry, a writer for the American press. Abderitan. Another name for an idiotic or foolish person. The natives of Abdera, in Thrace, were famed in an- cient times for their dense stupidity. Abderite. The nickname for a scof- fer. See Laughing Philosopher. Abdiel. The angel who defied Luci- fer when he urged the angels to revolt. Abdiel. (Pseud.) (i) Joshua William Brooks. (2) Samuel Hull. A beau jeu beau retour. (Fr.) One good turn deserves another. Abel Eeene. A village schoolmas- ter, afterward a merchant's clerk. He was led astray, lost his place, and hanged himself. Abel Shufflebottom. (Pseud.) Rob- ert Southey(i774-i843). Aberdeen. (Pseud.) Hugh D. Mcln- tyre. Abessa. The impersonation of ab- beys and convents, represented by Spenser in the " Faerie Queene " as a damsel. Ab extra. (Lat.) From without. Ab hoc et ab hac. (Lat.) From this and that; confusedly. AbialL An African deity, wife of Makembi. She is invoked In time of pestilence. Ab identitate rationis. (Lat.) "From identity of reason." For the same reason. Abigail. Another name for a lady's or waiting maid. Abigail, in i Sam. XXV. 3, repeatedly styles herself David's handmaid. The term was also much used by the Queen Anne novelists, — probably in allusion to Abigail Hill, after- ward the famous Mrs. Masham, who was woman-in-waiting to her royal mistress. Abigail Perkins. (Pseud.) James Otis Kaler in the " Boston Globe." Abingdon Law. Summary punish- ment without trial. In 1645 Lord Es- sex and Waller held Abingdon, a town in Berks, against Charles L The town was unsuccessfully attacked by the Royalists in 1644 and 1645. On these occasions the besieged put every Irish prisoner to death, without the sem- blance of a trial. Hence the origin of the term "Abingdon Law." Ab inconvenienti. (Lat.) From the inconvenience. Ab incunabulis. (Lat.) From the cradle ; from childhood. Ab initio. (Lat.) From the begin- ning. Ab IntegTO. (Lat.) Anew; afresh. Ab intestate. (Lat.) Without a will; intestate. Ab intra. (Lat.) From within. A bis et k blano. (Fr.) "From brown to white." By fits and starts. Abl. Ablative. Abnormis sapiens. (Lat.) Wise by natural good sense ; endowed with good sense. Aboard. The extent to which in the United States the nautical term "aboard" has extended its meaning to land affairs, is quite amusing. Travel- lers by rail are urged to go aboard the cars, as railway carriages are called, the conductor finally cr)ring out, "All aboard ! " Abolitionists. A term, denoting the Anti-Slavery party in the United States, which appeared soon after the founding of "The Liberator" by William Lloyd Garrison in 1831. Garrison, Wendell Phillips, John Brown, E. P. Lovejoy, Joshua R. Giddings, John P. Hale, Sal- mon P. Chase, and Charles Sumner were avowed Abolitionists. There never was a time when all Americans acquiesced in slavery. The Society of Friends — the original English settlers of Pennsylvania — opposed it, and so from time to time did others ; but the acrimonious contest over slavery out of which grew the term "Abolition" and' its de- rivatives, dates from 1829, when William Lloyd FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Garrison began the severe arraignment of slave- holders as criminals. In 183 1 he started his pa- per, " The Liberator." The next year a society was formed in Boston for the purpose of pro- moting the cause of emancipation ; that was the New England Anti-Slavery Society. The Ameri- can Anti-Slavery Society was formed at Philadel- phia in 1833, Beriah Green, president, and John G. Whittier one of the secretaries. Their num- ber was small ; but in 1840 they divided into two wings, one favoring abolition vrithin the Union, the other denotmdng the Constitution as a bul- wark of slavery. Wendell Phillips, the chief orator of the cause, was especially virulent in denunciation of the Constitution. The cause of anti-slavery grew much more rapidly tlian the party which was its highest embodiment. There wa.s never any very large number of American citizens who were, prior to the civil war, avowed AboUtionists. Gradually the principle of eman- cipation gained ground, however. At the South, and largely in Democratic circles North, the Re- publicans were called Abolitionists, — often with the epithet " Black" prefixed. After the war, a majority of the Northern people took pride in eliding to have been Abolitionists. In 1844, when the Abolitionists polled 62,300 presidential votes, the Whigs attributed the defeat of Clay by Polk to the defection of Anti-Slavery Whigs. The ticket then was Bimey and Morris. In oper- ating the " underground railroad " the Abolition- ists took the lead, as they did in all anti-slavery movements. Their first martyr was Elijah P. Lovejoy, of Alton, 111., who was killed by a mob in 1839. John Brown was the most famous of the list. John Quincy Adams, Joshua R. Giddings, John P. Hale, Salmon F. Chase, and Charles Sumner were conspicuous in Congress for boldly avowing Abolitionism before the formation of the Republican party. It was not until emancipa- tion had become an accomplished fact that the party finally disbanded. The Colonizationists, who wanted to do away with slavery by return- ing the negroes to Africa, were bitterly hostile to the Abolition movement. They never went into politics. — Hale. A bon chat bon rat. (Fr.) "To good cat good rat." They are well matched ; tit-for-tat. A bon march^. (Fr.) Cheap. The Bon Marchi in Paris is an immense establishment, where everything is sold, much frequented by foreign shoppers and bargain-hunters. Abonnement. (Fr.) Subscription. Ab origine. (Lat.) From the begin- ning. Aborigines. This word is explained in every dictionary, English, Latin, or French, as a general name for the in- digenous inhabitants of a country. In reality it is the proper name of a pecu- liar people of Italy, who were not indigenous, but were supposed to be a colony of Arcadians. The error has been founded chiefly on the sup- posed derivation of the word from ab origine, Never was a more eccentric etymology, — a preposition with its gov- erned case made plural by the modern final .r ! Abou Hassan. A rich merchant, transferred during sleep to the bed and palace of the Caliph Haroun-al-Raschid. Next morning he was treated as the caliph, and every effort was made to make hira forget his identity. The same trick was played on Christopher Sly in the induction of Shakspeare's comedy, " Taming of the Shrew." Abou-JsUiia. In Mohammedan my- thology, the angel of death. Above Par, Below Par. These are common Americanisms. " Par " is a commercial term signifying that cer- tain stocks or shares can be bought on the Stock Exchange at their nomi- nal value ; as when ;^loo worth of London and Northwestern Railway stock can be bought for ;^ioo, there being neither premium nor discount. " Par," therefore, may be taken to mean level, or average. It is used in Amer- ica to denote the state of health or spirits of a person. " Below par " means low in health or spirits; "above par" signifies in better health or spirits than usual. Ab ovo. (Lat.) "From the egg." From the beginning. Ab ovo usque ad mala. (Lat.) "From the egg to the apples." From the beginning to the end of anything. At a Roman entertainment eggs were the first and apples the last dish served. Abp. Archbishop. A. B. Pbilologer. (Pseud.) Lau- rence Sterne, author of the " Sentimen- tal Journey," etc. Abr. Abridgment, or abridged. Abracadabra. A famous ancient for- mula, to which was ascribed mysterious powers, said to be of Persian origin. No other combination of letters was re- garded with so great veneration, and it was thought to be an infallible preven- tive of fevers and agues. Here are the directions for its preparation and use given by an old writer : — Write the letters of the word so as to form a triangle, capable of being read many ways, on a square piece of paper. Fold the paper so as to conceal the vmting, and with white thread stitch it into the form of a cross. This amulet wear in the bosom, suspended by a linen ribbon, for nine days ; then go in dead silence, before sunrise, to the banks of a stream that flows eastward, take lO FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. the amulet from off the neck, and fling it back- ward into the water. If you open or read it, the charm is destroyed. ABRACADABRA ABRACADABR ABRACADAB ABRACADA A E R A C A D A B R A C A A B R A C A B R A A B R A B A See Om Mani Padma Hum. Abraham ITewland. A colloquial term for a Bank of England note. For many years in the early part of the present century Abraham Newland was cashier, and signed all the notes. To counterfeit these was a capital offence ; whence arose the famous couplet : — " I have heard people say, sham Abram you may, But you must not sham Abraham Newland." Abrahamic Covenant. The cov- enant made by God with Abraham that Messiali should spring from his seed. Abraham's Bosom. The repose of the happy in death. The figure is taken from the ancient custom of allowing a dear friend to recline at dinner on one's bosom. Thus the beloved John reclined on the bosom of Jesus. Reclining on the triclinium^ or dinner-bed, the guest lay usually upon his left side, leaving his right hand free to reach the food. His head would thus easily come into contact with the breast of the person on his left. It was in this way that John leaned on the bosom of Jesus while at supper. This is also mentioned in John xiii. 25 ; xxi. 20. A figtuative use of the custom referred to is made in Luke xvi. 22, 23 ; John L 18. — Freeman. Abram Man. A slang term for a begging impostor. The name is de- rived from the occupants of the Abra- ham Ward in Bedlam, who used to solicit alms of charitable visitor^. The phrase "to sham Abram" means to feign sickness or distress in order to shirk honest labor. See Abraham New- land. A bras ouverts. (Fr.) With open arms. Abraz. In classic mjfth, one of Au- rora's horses. See Aurora. Abraxas, or Abracaz. In Persian mythology, the Supreme Being. Abraxas Stones. Stones with the word " Abraxas " engraved on them, used as a talisman. The word sj^mbolizes the mystic number 365 and the number of intelligences between earth and deity. Abrege. (Fr.) Abridgment. A. B. S. American Bible Society. Absalom. In Dryden's poem, " Ab- salom and Achitophel," the former char- acter stands as a nickname for the way- ward son of Charles II., the Duke of Monmouth (1649-1685). Absence d'esprit. (Fr.) Absence of mind. Absens hasres non etit. (Lat.) " The absent will not be the heir." Out of sight, out of mind. Absente reo. (Lat.) The defendant being absent. Absit invidia. (Lat.) Let there be no ill-will. Absil omen. (Lat.) Mayit not prove ominous. Absolutism tempered by Assassi- nation. Count Ernst Friedrich MUn- ster, Hanoverian envoy at St. Peters- burg, discovered that Russian civilization is " merely artificial," and first published to Europe the epitomization of the Rus- sian Constitution, that it is " absolutism tempered by assassination." Absquatulate. To run away, or ab- scond. An American word, compounded of ab, squat, to go away from your squat- ting. A " squatting " is a tenement taken in some unclaimed territory without pur- chase or permission. The persons who take up a squatting are termed " squat- ters." Absque argento omnia vana. (Lat.) Without money all is vain. Absque hoc. (Lat.) Without this. Absque ulla conditione. (Lat.) Un- conditionally. Absyrtus. In classical mythology a brother of Medea who fled with her from Colchis. Being nearly overtaken by her father, she slew ADS3Ttus and divided his body into fragments, which she dropped behind her, that her father might be hindered in his pursuit by stopping to pick up the remains of his son. Abundat dulcibus vitas. (Lat.) He abounds with pleasant faults. Ab uno disce omnes. (Lat) " From one learn all." From a single example you may have an idea of the whole. AbusuB non tollit usum. (Lat.) Abuse is not an argument against proper use. A. C. Ante Christum. birth of Christ. Before the FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. II A. C. Arch-chancellor. . Acacians. (i) Followers of Acacius, bishop of Caesarea in the fourth century, who held peculiar doctrines respecting the nature of Christ. (2) Partisans' of Acacius, patriarch of Constantinople, promoter of the Henoticon (482-484). Acad. Academy. Acad. Nat. Sci. Academy of Natu- ral Sciences. Academic City. A name given to Worcester, Mass., in allusion to the number and excellence of its educa- tional institutions. See Heart of the Commonwealth. Academics. Followers of Plato, who taught in the Academy, a garden planted by one Academes. AcademicuB. (Pseud.) (i) Rev. Aula Macaulay, who contributed to " Ruddi- man's Weekly Magazine " under this signature. (2) Charles Seager, M. A. (3) William Pulteney Alison. (4) John Loveday, D. C. L., in his contributions to the "Gentleman's Magazine." Academy Figures. Drawings in black and white chalk, on tinted paper, from living models used by artists. So called from the Royal Academy of Artists. A cader va chi troppo alto sale. (Ital.) Who climbs too high, goes to fall. Acadia, or Acadie. The original name, but now the poetical designa- tion, of Nova Scotia. It was granted by Henry IV. of France, Nov. 8, 1603, to De Monts, a Frenchman, and a com- pany of Jesuits, who were finally ex- pelled from the country by the English governor and colonists of Virginia, who claimed all that coast by virtue of its prior discovery by the Cabots in 1497. In 1621 Sir William Alexander, a Scotch- man, applied to and obtained of James I. a grant of the whole peninsula, which he re-named Nova Scotia, in honor of his native land. The country frequently changed owners during the next cen- tury, and in 1713 was finally ceded to England. In 1755 the French residents were forcibly expatriated by the Eng- lish, which event forms the subject of LoRgfellow's poem, " Evangeline." A capite ad calcem. (Lat.) From head to foot ; thoroughly. A oapricoio. (Ital.) At will ; agree- ably to the fancy. (Mus.) Acariatre. (Fr.) Ill-natured; cross; crabbed. A causa persa, parole assai. (Ital.) When the cause is lost there is enough of words. Ace. Accusative. Accedas ad curiam. (Lat.) You may come into court. Accelerando. (Ital.) Gradual quick- ening of movement [Mus.] Aocepta. (Lat.) The receipts in ac- counts. Accessit. (Lat.) He came near. Acciacatnra. (Ital.^ A species of arpeggio. (Mus.) Accoltellatori. Literally, "gladia- tors." A name given to secret assas- sins who infested Ravenna and other places in Italy in 1874. According to Gunter. In the United States this phrase is used as the equiv- alent of the English " According to Cocker." Gunter was an English math- ematician of great eminence, who died 1626. He invented " Gunter's scale " and the surveying chain universally •known as "Gunter's chain." Acct. Account. Accueil. (Fr.) Reception; greeting; welcome. Accusare nemo se debet, nisi co- ram Deo. (Lat.) No one is bound to accuse himself, unless before God. Accusative, The. A nickname con- ferred on John Calvin by his mates in college. Ace Clubs. (Pseud.) J. C. Loftin. Aceldama. A field of battle, or any place where much slaughter has taken place. The name is derived from the locality to the south of Jerusalem, so called, which the priests piu-chased with the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas for the betrayal of Christ. Acephalites. Literally, "without a head." (i) Certain of the Eutychians who in the fifth century were " deprived of Mongus, their head," through his re- nunciation of his errors. (2) A body of reformers in the reign of Henry I. who "acknowledged no leader." (3) Another name for the mythical Blemmyes, a peo- ple said to inhabit the interior of Africa, who had no heads, their mouth and eyes being placed in their chests. Acerrima prozimorum odia. (Lat.) The hatred of the nearest relatives is most intense. 12 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Acervatim. (Lat.) By heaps. Acestes. In classical mythology a son of the river-god Crinisius, who m a trial of skill at archery shot an arrow into the air with such velocity that it took fire, and left a flaming path until it was wholly consumed. Ac etiam. (Lat.) And also. Achaean League. A federation be- tween the twelve cities of Achaia. Alex- ander the Great dissolved it ; but it was revived in 280 b. c, only to be finally broken up by the Romans in 147 B. c. A chaque saint sa ohcindelle. (Fr.) To every saint his candle ; that is, con- ciliate every source of possible favor. A charge. (Fr.) At expense. AchariuB. (Pseud.) Fredrik Wilhelm Scholander. Acharne. (Fr.) Bloodthirsty. Achates. In classical mythology the companion of JEntas, whose fidelity has given us the phrase ^dus Achates, — faithful Achates. Acheron. In classical mythology a son of Sol and Terra, who was changed into a river in Hades. The word is sometimes used as a synonym for hell itself. Acherontian Books. The celebrated books of augury which the Etruscans received from Tages, grandson of Ju- piter. Acherusia. A chasm or abyss in Pontus, said to communicate with the nether world, and through which Her- cules hauled Cerberus to earth. Acheta, or Acheta Domestica. (Pseud.) Miss L. M. Budgen, an Amer- ican poet. A chevEil. (Fr.) On horseback. Achilles. In classical mythology son of Peleus and of Thetis, a Nereid. He was the chief personage of Homer's Iliad, and was famed more than all the Greeks in the Trojan war for bravery, strength, and personal beauty. At birth his mother immersed him in the River Styx, and he was thus made in- vulnerable, save in the heel by which she held him; but he was killed by Paris, to whom Apollo discovered his weak spots. Achilles. Albert III., Margrave of Brandenburg, was so named. See also Ulysses. Achilles' Heel of England, (i) Ire- land has been so named. A legend has it that Achilles was vulnerable only in the heel, and that in consequence of a wound in that part he died. In allusion to the almost constant disaf- fection existing in Ireland during the last two centuries, and from the fact that foreign invasion has more than once descended on her shores, the " sis- ter isle " has come to be regarded as the spot where England might be most easily assailed should she ever be em- broiled in an extensive foreign war. (2) Carlyle so named Hanover, which, he said, was "liable to be strangled at any time for England's quarrels ; the Achilles' heel to invulnerable England." AchiUeB of England. The Duke of Wellington (1769-18J2) was thus fre- quently referred to. Achilles of Germany. Albert, Elec- tor of Brandenburg (1414-1486). Achilles of Rivers. The Columbia River, the largest American river that enters the Pacific Ocean. It is a noble stream, remarkable for grand and pic- turesque scenery. Like the famous Homeric hero, it may be said to be vul- nerable at its heel, for a treacherous and constantly shiJEting bar obstructs navigation at its mouth ; though, this passed, the largest steamers can ascend 115 miles to Vancouver. Achilles of Rome. A sobriquet for Sicinius Dentatus (flourished 405 B. c). Achilles' Puzzle. This is an argu- ment that Achilles could never catch a tortoise, because while the man was running the intervening distance, the tortoise would still get some dis- tance ahead, and so on to infinity. It was invented by Zeno the Eleatic, 4SS B-C. Achilles' Spear. Telephus tried to stop the march of the Greek army on its way to Troy, and received a wound from Achilles. The oracle told him, as "Achilles gave the wound, only Achilles could cure it." Whereupon Telephus went to the tent of the hero, and was cured, — some say by an herb called "Achilles," and others by an empla&- trum of rust scraped from the spear. Hence it was said that " Achilles' spear could both hurt and heal." Whose smile and frown, like to Achilles' spear, Is able with the change to kill or cure. Shakspeare, z Henry VI., act v. sc. i. Achilles' Tendon. The sinew run- ning from the heel to the calf of the leg. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 13 Achitophel. The Earl of Shaftes- bury is thus satirized in Dryden's "Ab- salom and Achitophel." Achitophel was the treacherous friend and adviser who deserted David and fled to Absa- lom, and who afterward hanged himself. 2 Sam. xvii. Aohor. The god of flies. He was adored by the Cyrenians, in the belief that they thereby secured immunity from annoyance by those insects. Achtequedjams. In Hindu mythol- ogy the eight colossal elephants who sustain the earth on their heads. Acis. In classical mythology a Sicil- ian shepherd, beloved of Gjuatea, but crushed under a rock by Polyphemus, the Cyclops, in a fit of jealousy. Galatea, when his life-blood gushed forth from under the stone, changed it into a river. Ackland Ton Boyle. The stage- name of Mr. A. Boyle. Ackncvirledge the Corn. An ex- pression which means " to confess or acknowledge a charge or imputation." The following is the origin of the phrase : — Some years ago a raw customer from the upper country determined to try his fortune at New Orleans. Accordmgly he provided himself with two flat-boats, one laden with corn, and the other with potatoes, and down the river he went. The night after his arrival he went up town to a gambling-house. Of course he com- menced betting, and, his luck proving unfortu- nate, he lost. When his money was gone, he bet his " truck ; " and the com and potatoes followed the money. At last, when completely cleaned out, he returned to his boats at the wharf, when the evidences of a new misfortune presented themselves. Through some accident or other, the flat-boat containing the com was sunic, and a total loss. Consoling himself as well as he could, he went to sleep, dreaming of gamblers; potatoes, and com. It was scarcely sunrise, however, when he was disturbed by the ** child of chance," who had arrived to take pos- session of the two boats as his winnings. Slowly awakening from his sleep, our hero, rubbing his eyes and looking the man in the face, replied : " Stranger, / acknowledge the corrij — take 'em ; but the potatoes you can't have, by thunder I " A coelo usque ad centrum. (Lat.) "From heaven as far as the centre." From the sky as far as to the centre of the earth. A coeur ouvert. (Fr.) " With heart open.'' Openly; frankly; with the most perfect candor. A compte. (Fr.) On account ; in part payment. A contre-oceur. (Fr.) Against the heart; against the grain; against one's will; reluctantly; grudgingly. Acorn. (Pseud.) James Cakes. A corps perdu. (Fr.) With might and main ; desperately ; headlong. A coup sGr. (Fr.) With certainty ; certainly ; sure to win. A couvert. (Fr.) Under cover ; pro- tected. Acraaia (Feebleness). In Spenser's "Faerie Queene," an enchantress who lived in the " Bower of Bliss," situate in " Wandering Island." She transformed her lovers into monstrous shapes, and kept them captive. Sir Guyon crept up softly, threw a net over her, and bound her in chains of adamant ; then broke down her bower and burnt it to ashes. Aerates (Incontinence). Called by Spenser the father of Cymochles and Pyrochles. Acre Fight. The conflicts of the Scottish border were so named because they were fought in the open field, — Lat. ager, a field. A. C. S. American Colonization So- ciety. Act. Active ; acting. Actaea. (Pseud.) Mrs. Elizabeth Cary Agassiz. Actaeon. In classical mythology a mighty hunter who, having intruded on Diana while bathing at a fountain, was changed by her into a stag, and in that shape was killed by his own dogs. Actian Tears. Augustus founded athletic games at Actium to commemo- rate his naval victory over Antony. Hence Actian years were those in which the contests took place, — every fifth year. Act! labores jucundi. (Lat.) Fin- ished labors are pleasant. Act of Faith. See Auto da 7±. Act of Uniformity. This Act, which was passed in 1661, for regulating pub- lic worship, etc., obliged all the clergy to subscribe the Thirty-nine Articles. Up- wards of two thousand conscientious min- isters left the Church of England and became dissenters rather than submit. Acton Bell. (Pseud.) Anne Bronte, sister of Charlotte Bronte (1820-1849). Actum est de republica. ^Lat.) It is all over with the commonwealth. Actum et tractatum. (Lat.) Done and transacted. A. D. Anno Domini. In the year of the Lord. 14 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Ada Bartling. The stage-name of Mrs. Gustavus Levick. Ada Boshell. The stage-name of Mrs. J. W. Grath. Ada Cavendish. The stage-name of Mrs. Frank Marshall. Ada Clare. (Pseud.) Mrs. Jane McElhinney. Ada Oilman. The stagername of Mrs. Leander Richardson. Ada Gray. The stage-name of Mrs. Charles A. Watkins. Ada Hall. The stage-name of Mrs. T. S. Dare. Ada Harland. The stage-name of Mrs. Brander Mathews. Ada Melville. The stage-name of Mrs. J. H. Hazleton. Ada Newcomb. The stage-name of Mrs. Paul Hamlin. Ada Rehan. The stage-name of Ada Crehan. Ada Stanhope. The stage-name of Mrs. A. Bothner. Ada Vernon. The stage-name of Mrs. E. A. Taylor. Ada 'Wilkes. The stage-name of Mrs. J. F. McLeod, nie McCoffery. Ad absurdum. (Lat.) To an ab- surdity. Adagio. (Ital.) A very slow degree of movement, demanding much taste and expression. (Mus.) Adagio assai or molto. (Ital.) Very slow and expressive. (Mus.) Adagio cantabile e sostenuto. (Ital.) Very slow and sustained. (Mus.) Adam. (Pseud.) Arthur Hugh Clough, an English writer. Adamastor. The spirit of the Stormy Cape (Good Hope), described by Ca- moens in the "Lusiad" as a hideous phantom. Adam Bede. This famous portrait- ure in George Eliot's novel of the same name represented the author's father, Robert Evans. Adam Bell. A famous outlaw who roamed the forests of northern England. Such was his skill with the long bow that his name has become a synonym for an expert archer. Adam Cupid, — /. «., Archer Cupid ; so called from Adam Bell, the celebrated archer. See supra. Adam's Ale, or Adam's Wine. War ter as a beverage ; from the supposition that Adam had nothing but water to drink. Adam's Apple. The name colloqui- ally given to the swelling in the fore- part of the male throat, because of the old saying that a piece of the forbidden fruit stuck there and left the mark on all of Adam's descendants. Adam's Needle. In Gen. iii. 7 we are told that Adam and Eve sewed fig- leaves together and made themselves aprons. If they did this, the bayonet- like leaves of the Yucca would have made admirable needles j whence the nickname of this plant. Adam's Peak. (Port., Pico de Adam.) A fanciful name given by the Portuguese to a mountain in Ceylon. The Arabs say that Adam stood thereon on one foot bewailing his expulsion from Para- dise, till Jehovah forgave him. Adam's Profession. Gardening, agri- culture. Adam was appointed by God to dress the Garden of Eden and to keep it ; and after the fall he was sent out of the garden " to till the ground." There is no ancient gentleman, but gardeners, ditchers, and grave-makers ; they hold up Adam's profession. — Hamlet^ v. i. Adams and Clay Republicans. In 1825 the Federalist party was of no influence ; the Democratic-Republican was the only real party. In it" there were two factions, — the supporters of President John Quincy Adams and his lieutenant, Henry Clay, known as above, and the followers of Andrew Jackson, known as Jackson Republicans, or Jack- son Men. The Adams and Clay Re- publicans ultimately became Whigs. Ad aperturam libri. (Lat.) "At the opening of the book." As the book opens ; without study or preparation. Ad arbitrium. (Lat.) At pleasure. Ad astra. (Lat.) "To the stars." To heaven, or an exalted state. Ad astra per aspera. (Lat.) To the stars through difficulties. A. D. C. Aide-de-camp. Ad calendas Grreecas. (Lat.) " At the Greek calends," — that is, never; the Greeks having no calends. Ad captandum vulgus. (Lat.) To catch the rabble : to please the multi- tude. Addendum. (Lat.) An addition, or appendix. Addle. (Pseud.) Adelaide J. Cooley. Addle Glenmore. (Pseud.) Mrs. Alice McClure Griffin, an Americaa poet. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. IS Adding insult to injury. A fly bit the bare pate of a bald man, who, en- deavoring to crush it, gave himself a heavy blow. Then said the fly, jeer- ingly, "You wanted to revenge the sting of a tiny insect with death : what wiU you do to yourself, who have added in- sult to injury ? " Quid fades tibi, Injuriae qui addideris contumeliam ? Ph^drus, The Bald Man and the Ply, Addison of the North. Henry Mac- kenzie (1745-1831), author of "The Man of Feeling" and " The Man of the World." Addled Parliament. Th e Parliament which sat from April 5, 1614, to June 7, 1 61 5, was so named because, although it remonstrated with the king because of his levying " benevolences," it passed no enactments. Adelaide. (Pseud.) Miss Elizabeth Bogart, an American poet. Adelaide Moore. The stage-name of Mrs. Valentine. Adelaide Neilson. The stage-name of Mrs. Lee. Adelaide Randel. The stage-name of Mrs. Atwood. Adelaide Thornton. The stage-name of Mrs. Paul Nicholson. Adele Belgarde. The stage-name of Adele Levy. Adele Bray. The stage-name of Mrs. F. M. Kendrick. Adele Giuri. The stage-name of Madame Pizzarno. Adele Measor. The stage-name of Mrs. J. C. Buckstone. Adelina Patti The stage-name (and also the maiden name) of Madame Nicolini, formerly the Marchioness de Caux. Adeline. (Pseud.) Mrs. E. F. A. Sergeant. Adeline Hynes. The stage-name of Mrs. Henry DeLorme. Adeline Stanhope. The stage-name of Mrs. Nelson Wheatcroft. Adelphagia. In classic myth the goddess of Gluttony. She possessed a shrine in Sicily. Ademar, in Tasso's "Jerusalem De- livered," is intended to portray the Archbishop of Poggio, an ecclesiastical warrior who, with William, Archbishop of Orange, besought Pope Urban on his knees that he might be sent on the Cru- sade. He took four hundred armed men from Poggio, who sneaked off during a drought, and left the Crusade. Ademar was not aUve at the time, having been slain at the attack on Antioch by Clo- rinda; but in the final attack on Jerusa- lem his spirit came with three squadrons of angels to aid the besiegers. A Deo et rege. (Lat.) From God and the king. Adeste Fideles was composed by John Reading, who also wrote " Dulce Domum," the famous song of Win- chester College. It is miscalled the " Portuguese Hymn " from being heard at the Portuguese Chapel by the Duke of Leeds, who supposed it to be a part of the Portuguese service. Ad eundem. (Lat.) To the same (rank or class). A deuz. (Fr.) > For two voices or A duo. (Ital.) \ instruments. (Mus.) A deuz mains. (Fr.) With both hands ; two-handed. Ad finem. (Lat.) At or toward the end. Ad gustum. (Lat.) To one's taste. Adhominem. (Lat.) "To the man;" that is, to the interests or passions of the man. Adhuc sub judice lis est. (Lat.) The matter in question is still unde- cided. Adiaphorlsts, i. e., " indifferentists." A name given to those of the adherents of Melanchthon who held that certain of the tenets of Luther were matters of no moment to salvation. Adieu jusqu'au revoir. (Fr.) Good- by till we meet again. Adieu pour toujours. (Fr.) Fare- well forever. Adina. (Pseud.) Rev. Joseph H. In- grahara, author of " The Prince of the House of David." Ad infinitum. (Lat.) To infinity ; without end. Ad inquirendum. (Lat.) For in- quiry. Ad interim. (Lat.) In the mean- while. Ad internecionem. (Lat.) "To de- struction ; " to extermination. Adirondack. (Pseud.) L. E. Chit- tenden, an American litterateur. Adirondack Murray. W. H. H. Murray, American author and clergy- man, born in Guilford, Conn., 1840, au- thor of " Camp Life in the Adiron- dacks," " Adirondack Tales," etc. i6 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. A discretion. (Fr.) At discretion ; without restriction. Adj. Adjective. Adjt. Adjutant. Adjt.-Gen. Adjutant-General. Ad Ub. Ad libitum. (Lat) At one's pleasure or taste ; at will or discretion, implying, as in music, that the time is at the pleasure of the per- former, or that he is at liberty to in- troduce whatever embellishments his taste directs. Another musical mean- ing of this term is where one or more accompanying instruments may be in- troduced at pleasure. ' Ad litem. (Lat.) For the action (at law). Ad literam. (Lat.) " To the letter." Letter for letter. Ad longum. (Lat.) At length, Adm. Admiral ; admiralty. Adm. Co. Admiralty Court. Ad medium filum. (Lat.) To the middle line. Admetus. In classical mythology a beauteous youth, beloved of Venus and Proserpine, who being killed by a wild boar while hunting, was changed into an anemone by Venus. Administration Resorts. A name given to Frenchman's Bay and Bar Har- bor, Me., and the vicinity, from the fact that several members of President Cleve- land's cabinet passed the summer there in the years 1885-1888. Admirable Crichton. James Crich- ton (1551-1573). a Scottish scholar who took the degree of M. A. at the early age of fourteen. Admirable Doctor. Roger Bacon (1214-1292) was so named. Admiral of the Red. A slang sobri- (juet for a tippler, whose nose or face is often of a fiery tint. Admire. Americans retain the old English use of this word in the sense of " wonder at." Shakspeare speaks of " most admired disorder," which sounds like nonsense to modern English ears, but which an American would under- stand to mean "in a wonderful or ex- traordinary state of disorder." They also use the word in the sense of "to desire very much." Thus, in New Eng- land it is not uncommon to hear such phrases as "I should admire to go to Paris," etc. It is still used in some parts of England in the sense of "to wonder at." Not long ago an old woman in Oxfordshire told a clergyman that " if he saw her husband he would quite ad- mire him, he looked so ill." Ad modum,. (Lat.) After the man- ner of. Admonitionists. In 1571 a number of Puritans sent a written " admoni- tion " to Parliament, in which they de- nounced everything in the doctrine and usage of the Church of England which did not chime with the Geneva tenets. Admr. Administrator. Admx. Administratrix. Ad nauseam. (Lat.) "To disgust." To an extent to make one sick. Adonai's. A poetical name applied by Shelley to Keats in the famous line : Oh, weep for Adonai's I he is dead. Adonists. Hebrews who believe it a sin to speak the name of Jehovah. In- stead, they say " Adonai," from the He- brew adon, lord. Adoptian Controversy, The. An echo of the Arian dispute, originating in Spain near the close of the eighth cen- tury, — the land in which the doctrines of Arius longest survived. Elipandus, the archbishop of Toledo, advanced the opinion that " Christ, in respect of his divine nature, was doubtless by nature and generation the Son of God;" but that as to his human nature he must be considered as only declared and adopted through the divine grace, as with all other holy men. See Arian Controversy. Ad quod damnum. (Lat.) To what injury. Adrammelech. The deity of the peo- ple of Sepharvaim, — supposed to per- sonify the sun. To him living infants were burned in sacrifice. Adrastus. In classical mythology a king of Argos and the founder of the Nemaean Games. Ad referendum. (Lat.) For further consideration, — much the same mean- ing as the Scotch law term, avizan- dum. Ad rem. (Lat.) To the point or pur- pose. Adrian. (Pseud.) James L. Cole (i 799-1823), an American poet. Adrienne. (Pseud.) Miss Susan C. Hooper, a contributor to the "Magno- lia Weekly," of Richmond, Va., in war- times. Ad summam. (Lat.) On the whole; to sum up the matter ; in conclusion. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 17 Ad summum. (Lat.) To the high- est amount or point. Adullamites. An attempt, in the year 1866, by the Government of Earl Russell and Mr. Gladstone to carry a measure which would have brought about a sweeping reduction of the elec- tive franchise, gave occasion to a large number of the more moderate Liberals to secede from the Whig leaders and vote with the Conservatives. The desig- nation of " Adullamites " was fastened on the new party in consequence of Mr. Bright having in the course of debate likened them to the political outlaws who took refuge with David in the cave of Adullam (i Samuel xxii. i, 2), — a comparison taken up by Lord Elcho, who humorously replied that the band congregated in the cave was hourly in- creasing, and would succeed in deliver- ing the House from the tyranny of Saul (Mr. Gladstone) and his armor-bearer (Mr. Bright). Ad tmguem. (Lat.) " To the nail." With perfect accuracy; nicely. A phrase borrowed' from sculptors, who, when modelling, give the finishing touch with the nail. Ad unum omnes. (Lat.) All to a man. Ad utrumque paratus. (Lat.) Pre- pared for either alternative. Ad T. Ad valorem (Lat.) See infra. Adv. Adverb. Ad valorem. (Lat.) " According to the value." Thus, an ad valorem duty of twenty per cent, means a duty of twenty per cent, upon the value of the goods. Advent, or Time of Advent. (Lat. " the approach," or " coming.") A term applied by the Christian Church to cer- tain weeks before Christmas. In the Greek Church the time of Advent com- prises forty days ; but in the Romish Church and those Protestant Churches in which Advent is observed, only four weeks. The origin of this festival as a Church ordinance is clear. The first notice of Advent as an appointment of the Church is found in the Synod of Lerida (a. d. 524), at which marriages were interdicted from the beginning of Advent until Christmas. The four Sun- days of Advent as observed in the Romish Church, the Church of Eng- land and its offshoots, and in the Prot- estant Episcopal Church in the United States, were probably introduced into the calendar by Gregory the Great. Adversary, The. Another name for Satan. See i Pet. v. 8. Adversity Hume. A nickname be- stowed on Joseph Hume (1777-1855) in the time of " Prosperity Robinson," and as a foil to him, because of Hume's gloomy predictions of trouble and dis- aster in store for the English nation. See Prosperity Robinson. Ad vitam aut culpam. (Lat.) "For life or fault." For life or till fault. Said of the tenure of an office only terminable by death or delinquency. Ad vivum. (Lat.) To the life. Advt. Advertisement. iSacus. In classical mythology the son of Jupiter and .lEgina, famed for his mercy and probity, and who after death was appointed one of the three judges in Hades. .Sgeon. In classical mythology a monster having a hundred arms and fifty legs, who, together with his brothers Cottus and Gyges, vanquished the Ti- tans by hurling upon them three hun- dred rocks at once. Aeger. In Scandinavian mythology the god of the ocean. Rana is his wife ; they had nine daughters, clad in white robes or veils, who represented the white-capped billows. .Sigeus. In classical mythology a king of Athens, after whom the .lEgean Sea was named. .ZBgina. In classical mythology a daughter of the river-god Asopus, and a favorite of Jupiter. ^ginetan Sculptures. Sculptures excavated by a company of Germans, Danes, and English (181 1), in the little island of ^Egina. They were purchased by Ludwig, Crown Prince of Bavaria, and now ornament the Glyptothek at Munich. iEgis. (i) The wonderful shield worn by Jupiter. (2) The short cloak or mantle worn by Minerva, covered with scales and fringed with serpents. .aigresclt medendo. (Lat.) " He becomes sick by the doctoring." The remedy is worse than the disease. A. B. I. O. U. The initials of a motto devised by Frederick, Emperor of Ger- many, — AustricB est imperatura orbi universo, or, in English, "Austria's empire is over all universal." It was satirically paraphrased so as to read : i8 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. " Austria's empire is obviously up- set ; " and Frederick the Third in the fifteenth century made another motto reading: Austria erit in orbe ultima, — "Austria will one day be lowest in the scale of empires." .ZBIia Iiaelia Crispis. The subject of a famous inscription in Bologna, dating from mediaeval days, which has long puzzled the learned. It runs thus : " ^lia Laelia Crispis, neither man, nor woman, nor hermaphrodite; neither girl, nor boy, nor old woman ; neither harlot nor virgin, but all of these ; destroyed neither by hunger, nor sword, nor prison, but by all of them ; lies neither in heaven, nor in the water, nor in the ground, but everywhere ; Lucius Aga- tho Priscus, neither her husband, nor her lover, nor her kinsman ; neither sad, glad, nor weeping, but all of these at once ; knows and knows not what he has ijuilt, which is neither a funeral pile, nor a pyramid, nor a tomb, that is, a tomb without a corpse, a corpse without a tomb, for corpse and tomb are one and the same." Some have doubted whether the riddle has any meaning ; but many very ingenious ex- planations have been put forth. Some hold that it signifies "rain-water," oth- ers the "reasoning faculty," others "the philosopher's stone," others " love," others "a shadow," others "hemp," oth- ers " an embryo." Professor Schwartz thinks it means " the Christian Church," and quotes in support of his opinion Gal. iii. 28. Yet other writers have denied its antiquity, and regard it as emanating from the fancy of some mod- ern author; but this last theory is not well established. .Smilia Julia. (Pseud.) Miss Emily Clarke. ^Bmonia. An ancient name for Thes- saly, noted for its magic. iEmonian Art. Magic; the "black art." So named from /Emonia, as Thessaly was anciently called, noted for its sorcerers. .Simonian, The. Another name for Jason (q. v.), who received this title be- cause his father was king of Thessaly. See supra. .Sneas. In classical mythology a Trojan prince, son of Anchises and Venus, renowned for his loving care of his father. He is the hero of the " .(Eneid." 2iquam servare mentem. (Lat.) To preserve an equable mind. Siqao animo. (Lat.) With an equa- ble mind. iBre perennins. (Lat.) More en- during than brass. .Sirians. Followers of ^rius, a presbyter of the fourth century, who maintained that bishops and presbyters were alike in order and office ; that Lenten and other fasts should not be observed; and that prayer should not be made on behalf of the dead. .Sschylus of France. Prosper Jolyot de Cr^billon, 1674-1762. .Ssculapius. In classical mythology the son of Apollo, and the deity who presided over the art of healing. .Sisop. (Pseud.) Mrs. Lillie Dever- eux Blake used this pen-name in the "New York Evening Telegram.'' .Sisop of England. John Gay (fl. 1688-1732). .Ssop of France. Jean de la Fon- taine (fl. 1621-1695). .Ssop of Germany. Gotthold Ephra- im Lessing(fl. 1729-1781). .Sisop of India. Bidpai, or Pilpai, who fl. about three centuries n. c. .ffit. jEtatis. Of age ; aged. .Sitatis suae. (Lat.) Of his age, or Of her age. .Stliiopem lavare. (Lat.) " To wash an African." To wash a negro white, — labor in vain. .Sitians. Followers of yEtius, an Arian heretic who flourished about 351. A. F. or A. Fir. Firkin of ale, A. F. B. S. American and Foreign Bible Society, Affaire d'amour. (Fr.') A love affair. Affaire d'honneur. (Fr.) " An affair of honor ; " a duel. Affaire du coeur. (Fr.) An affair of the heart. Affetuosamente. (Ital.) With ten- derness and pathos. (Mus.) Affetuoso. (Ital.) With tenderness and pathos. (Mus.) Afflatus. (Lat.) Inspiration. A fin. (Fr.) To the end. A fortiori. (Lat.) " With stronger or greater reason." Arguments drawn from consequences or facts are so called. Afr. African. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 19 Afric. A diminutive appellation of Africa. So geographers in Afric maps With savage pictures fill their gaps, And o'er unhabitable downs Place elephants for want of towns. Swift, Poetry^ a Rhapsody, Africa, Head of. See Head of Africa. After-cast. A throw of dice after the game is ended ; anything done too late. Ever he playeth an after^ast Of all that he shall say or do. — Gower. After-clap. An after-clap is a catas- trophe or threat after an affair is sup- posed to be over. It is very common in thunderstorms to hear a " clap " after the rain subsides and the clouds break. What plaguy mischief and mishaps Do dog him still with after-claps. Hudibras, pt. i. 3. After us the Deluge. This was a saying of Madame de Pompadour. It is generally attributed to Metternich. Aft-meal. An extra meal ; a meal taken after and in addition to the ordi- nary meals. A. G. Adjutant-General. ' Ag. Argentum (silver). Agag. Under this name Sir Edmond- bury Godfrey, the justice who received the famous deposition of Titus Gates, is satirized in " Absalom and Achito- phel," Dryden's great satire. See I Sam'. XV. Godfrey was murdered and his body cast into a ditch near Primrose Hill, London. Agamemnon. In classical mythology a brother of Menelaus, king of Mycenae, and commander of the Grecians in the Trojan war. Aganippe. In classical mythology a fountain at the foot of Mount Helicon, in Bceotia, consecrated to Apollo and the Muses, and believed to possess the power of inspiring those who drank of its waters. Agar-To-wn. See English Conne- MARA. Agate. (Pseud.) Whitelaw Reid, American correspondent and editor " New York Tribune" (b. 1837). Agatha Singleton. The stage-name of Mrs. Graham Earle. Age. See Goldex Age; Silver Age ; Iron Age, etc. Agelasta (Joyless). The stone on which Ceres rested when worn out by fatigue in searching for her daughter. Agenda. (Lat.) Things to be done. Age quod agis. (Lat.) " Do what you are doing." Finish what you have in hand ; attend to what you are about. Agitato con agitazione. (Ital.) With agitation; anxiously. [Mus.] Agla. A cabalistic title for the Deity, composed of the initials of the Hebrew words Attih, Gibbor, Leholdm, Adonii, and signifying, "Thou art strong for- ever, O Lord ! " Agiaus. (Pseud.) Henry Timrod, a Southern poet, contributor to " Southern Literary Messenger" (fl. 1829-1867). Agl. Dept. Department of Agricul- ture. Agnes. The heroine of " David Cop- perfield," by Charles Dickens. A sort of female Verdant Green, who is so un- sophisticated that she does not even know what love means. Also the name of a character in Molifere's " L'Ecole des Femmes." Agnes Booth. The stage-name of Mrs. John ShofEel. Agnes Ethel. The stage-name of Mrs. Tracy. Agnes Herndon. The stage-name of Mrs. Joseph A. Jessel. Agnes Hewitt. The stage-name of Mrs. Lytton Sothern. Agnes Leonard. The stage-name of Mrs. F. C. Bangs. Agnes Robertson. The stage-name of the first wife of Dion Boucicault. Agnes 'Wallace. The stage-name of Mrs. Samuel B. Villa. Agnoitae (from the Greek ayvoia, ig- norance), (i) A sect founded by Theo- phronius of Cappadocia about 370, who doubted God's omniscience. (2) Fol- lowers of Themistius of Alexandria, about 530, who held peculiar tenets respecting Christ's body, and doubted his divinity. Agnostic. This is derived from a Greek word yvaa-TSs'whh a privative, and means " not made known." Originally the sect of the agnostics arose among the Christians of the third and fourth centuries. Its belief was that God does not know all things, and cannot be known. Nowadays an agnostic does not call himself a Christian; he pre- tends to no knowledge of God, and claims that He cannot be known, and that nothing can be known, save by experience. He says his mind is recep- tive, open to conviction; but his pas- 20 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. siveness is always defensive, and often ofifensive. A gorge ddployfe. (Fr.) At the top of one's voice ; to an immoderate degree. Agr. Agriculture. A grands frais. (Fr.) At great ex- pense ; very expensively. Agricola. (Pseud.) (i) Rev. Percival Stockdale, who in 1779 wrote several communications in the " Public Adver- tiser " over the above signature. (2) Wil- liam Elliott, American author. (3) James Anderson, author of numerous essays in the "Bee." (4) Philip Norborne Nich- olas (i 773-1 849) in the "Richmond En- quirer." (5) John Young, a Canadian agricultural writer (1773-1837) in the " Halifax Recorder," 1818. A. G. S. S. American Geographical and Statistical Society. Agt. Agent. Aguecheek. (Pseud.) Charles Bul- lard Fairbanks,who contributed sketches of travel to the " Saturday Evening Ga- zette," of Boston, circa 1859. A. H. Anno Hegirm, in the year of the Hegira. Abasuerus. The patronymic of sev- eral monarchs of Persia, similar to the Pharaoh of the Egyptian kings, and equivalent in meaning to the French Coeur de Lion. Ahmed, Prince. Noted for the tent given him by the fairy Paribanou, which would cover a whole army, but might be carried in one's pocket ; and for the apple of Samarcand, which would cure all diseases. See infra. Ahmed's Apple. A cure for every disorder. This apple the prince pur- chased at Samarcand. A. H. M. S. American Home Mis- sionary Society. Aholibamah. A granddaughter of Cain, in Lord Byron's drama of " Heaven and Earth," loved by the ser- aph Samiasa. She is a proud, ambi- tious, queen-like beauty, a female type of Cain. When the Flood comes, her angel-lover carries her under his wings to some other planet. Ahriman, in the Magian system the spirit of darkness or evil. See Ormuzd. Aide-de-camp. (Fr.) Assistant to a general. Aidenn. An Anglicized form of the Arabic word for Eden, often used as an equivalent for the celestial para- dise. , . , . , Tell this soul with sorrow laden, if, withm the distant Aidenn, It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore. PoE, The Raven. Aide-toi et le ciel f aidera. (Fr.) Help thyself, and Heaven will help thee. Aiken Dunn. (Pseud.) Thomas C. Latto in the " Brooklyn Times." Ain. (Pseud.) William Stevens. Ain is the Hebrew word for " nobody." Air Ecoasais. (Fr.) A Scotch air. (Mus.) Air Martyrs. See Pillar Saints. Aitiaiche. (Pseud.) Annie T. How- ells, an American writer. Ajaz. In classical mythology a son of Telamon, king of Salamis, and next to Achilles the bravest, the most renowned, and the most beautiful of all the Greeks who fought at Troy. Another Ajax, son of Oileus, is called the Lesser Ajax. Akuan. In Persian mytliology the giant slain by Rustan. Al. Aluminium. Al, All', Alia. (Ital.) To the, or, in the style of. (Mus.) Ala. Alabama. Alabama. The name is derived from a Creek word meaning " Here we rest." A I'abandon. (Fr.) Unprotected or uncared for. A la belle etoile. (Fr.) Under the stars ; in the open air. A la bonne heure. (Fr.) That 's right ; excellent ; very well ; as you please. A I'abri. (Fr.) Under shelter; un- der cover. A la campagne. (Fr.) In the coun- try. A la Chinoise. (Fr.) After the Chi- nese fashion. Aladdin's Lamp. The source of wealth and good fortune. After Alad- din came to his wealth and was married, he suffered his lamp to hang up and get rusty. Aladdin's Window. The phrase " To finish Aladdin's window " means to attempt to complete something begun by a great genius, but left imperfect. The London "Times" applied the illus- tration to Earl Russell's attempt to patch up the vacancy made in the min- istry by the death of Lord Palmerston. The genius of the lamp built a palace with twenty-four windows, all but one FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 21 being set in frames of precious stones ; the last was left for the sultan to finish ; but after exhausting his treasures, he was obliged to abandon tlie task as hopeless. A la a^rob^e. (Fr.) By stealth. Aladiae. The sagacious but cruel old king of Jerusalem in Tasso's epic, " Jerusdem Delivered." This is a ficti- tious character, inasmuch as the Holy- Land was at the time under the domin- ion of the caliph of Egypt. Aladine is slain by Raymond. A la Fran9aise. (Fr.) After the French fashion. Alako. Son of Baro-Devel, the su- preme god of the gypsies. A la lettre. (Fr.) Word for word ; literally ; to a tittle. A lAm^ricaine. (Fr.) After the American fashion. A la mode. (Fr.) According to the custom ; in fashion. Alamo Massacre. During the Texan war of independence 140 Texans were besieged in a fort called the Alamo, near San Antonio, by two thousand Mexicans. Santa Anna finally stormed the place, and six Texans who survived the conflict were subsequently murdered after surrendering under a promise of protection. " Remember the Alamo ! " was ever after a thriUing Texan war- cry. Alan Pairford. (Pseud.) John Kent, editor of the " Canadian Literary Mag- azine " about 1834 et seq. A I'Anglaise. (Fr.) After the En- glish fashion. A I'antique. (Fr.) According to the old fashion or way. A la Farisienne. (Fr.) After the Parisian fashion. A la port^e de tout le monde. (Fr.) Within reach of every one. Alaric Cottin. A satiric name con- ferred by Voltaire on Frederick the Great of Prussia, who was famed alike for his military conquests and for his dabbling in literature. The name has reference to Alaric the Visigoth, whose valiant deeds Frederick was supposed to have emulated, and to the Abbd Cot- tin, an obscure scribbler of the seven- teenth century. See Trissotin. Alastor. (Greek, "not to forget.") The evil genius of a house. Cicero says: "He meditated killing himself that he might become the Alastor of Augustus, whom he hated." Shelley has a poem entitled "Alastor; or, the Spirit of Solitude." Alb. Albany. Alba. (Pseud.) Alexin? B. White, an American writer. Albani, Madame. The professional name of Mrs. Ernest Gye, whose maiden name was Marie Emma Lajeunesse. The name "Albani" is derived from Albany, N. Y., the city where she made her dibut as a singer. Albanian Gates. A defile in the Caucasus, formerly closed on the north by a massive iron gate near the city of Derbend. Albano. (Pseud.) Count Carl Au- gust Adlersparre, German poet and novelist. Albany, Albin, or Albainn. An appellation often used by the mediaeval chroniclers and romancers for the High- lands of Scotland. It may indeed be safely assumed that Albion, or Albany, was the original name of Britain among its Celtic inhabitants, — on account, it is supposed, of the gleaming whiteness of the south-coast cliffs, from Latin albus, white. Albany Beef. The flesh of the Hud- son River sturgeon is so nicknamed. It is a staple commodity of food among the population of the river towns. See Block Island Turkey. Albany Congress. A body which met at Albany in 1754 with the object of drawing up a plan of union for the Thirteen Colonies. Albany Controversy. In 1698 Hen- drick Van Rensselaer bought from the Schaghticoke Indians a tract of six square miles on the Hoosac River, and secured a patent therefor. This pur- chase interfered greatly with the growth of the city of Albany, N. Y., and Van Rensselaer refusing to sell, the dispute became a state affair. In 1699 the con- troversy was amicably settled, and he passed his patent over to the city. Albany Regency. A term given to the cliques, both Whig and Democratic, which, centred at Albany, ruled the politics of New York for many years, — the term " Albany Regency " applying to each, but more particularly to the Democratic factions from 1820-1854. Albert. (Pseud.) Rev. John Arm- strong, a Scottish poet (1771-1797). 22 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Albert J. Booth. (Pseud.) Cecil Burleigh, contributor to various period- icals. Albert 'Welser. The stage-name of William P. Graw. Albertazzo. The hero of " Orlando Furioso," who married Alda, daughter of Otho, duke of Saxony. His sons were Hugh or Ugo and Fulke or Fulco. From this family springs the royal family of England. Albiazar, in Tasso's epic, "Jerusalem Delivered," was one of the leaders of the Arab host which joined the Egyp- tian armament against the Crusaders. " A chief in rapine, not in knighthood bred." Albion. See Albany, supra. Albion. The signature of George James Stephenson, M. A. (d. 1888), an English religious author and correspon- dent of the New York " Christian Ad- vocate.'' One of his most useful works is a volume of nearly seven hundred pages, entitled " The Methodist Hymn- Book, Illustrated with Biography, His- tory, Incident, and Anecdote." He also wrote " Memorials of the Wesley Fam- ily," "The Life and Work of Pastor C. H. Spurgeon to his Forty-third Birthday," " Hymns and Hymn- Writers of every Age and Nation," " The Meth- odist Hymn-Book and its Associations," "The History of City Road Chapel, London," " The Origin of Alphabetical Characters," and many others. Albion, New. See New Albion. Alcestis, in classic mythology a daughter of Pelias and wife to Admetus, to save whose life she died. She was brought back to the upper world by Hercules. Alcibiades. (Pseud.) (i) James An- derson, editor of the " Bee " (1790), and author of numerous essays therein over the above signature. (2) Alfred Ten- nyson in sundry communications to "Punch," circa 1846. Alcibiades' Tables represented a god or goddess outwardly, and a Sile- nus, or deformed piper, within. Eras- mus has a curious dissertation on these tables, emblematic of falsehood and dis- simulation. Whoso wants virtue is compared to these False tables wrought by Alcibiades ; Which noted well of all were found t've bin Most fair without, but most deformed within. Wm. Browne, Britannia's Pastorals. Alcides, les {g. v.). Another name for Hercu- Alcinous. In classic mythology a king of Drepane, or of Phasacia, who succored the Argonauts on their return from Colchis, and Ulysses when he was wrecked. Alciphron'. (Pseud.) Rosina Doyle [Wheeler], Lady Lytton. Alco&ibas Nasier. The anagrara- matic pseudonym of Francois Rabelais, the French satirist (i495-iSS3)- Alcoran. Another name for the Ko- ran, the sacred scriptures of the Mo- hammedans, written by Mohammed. Alcyone. In classic mythology a daughter of /Eolus. When she heard of the death of her husband, Ceryx, by shipwreck, she cast herself into the sea, and was changed by the gods into a kingfisher. Aid. Alderman. Alderman. A cant term in England for a half-crown. An alderman, as a magistrate, may be termed half a king (or crown). A turkey is called an al- derman, both from its presence in alder- manic feasts and also because of its red and purple colors, which malce it a sort of poultry alderman. An "alderman in chains," by a similar effort of wit, is a turkey hung with sausages. Alderman Rooney. (Pseud.) D. O. C. Townley, an American litUraieur. Aldiboronte Phoscophornio. A nickname given by Sir Walter Scott to his schoolmate, printer, partner, and confidential friend, James Ballantyne, because of his habitually grave and somewhat pompous manner. Aldingar, Sir. The steward to Queen Eleanor, wife of Henry II. He im- peached her fidelity, and submitted to a combat to substantiate his charge ; but an angel in the shape of a child estab- lished the queen's innocence. Alecto. In classic myth one of the Furies {q.v.). Her head was entwined with snakes. Ale-draper. A tapster. Ale-drapery is the selling of ale, etc. No other occupation have I but to be an ale- draper. — H. Chettle. Aleka. Wife of Pangeo. Idols of the Oroungou tribes in Africa, the special protectors of kings and gov- ernments. Alere flammam. (Lat.) "To feed the flame." To nourish the love of learnmg. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 23 Ale-Silver. A yearly tribute paid to the corporation of London as a license for selling ale. Ale-Stake. The pole set up before ale-houses by way of sign. A bush was very often fixed to its top. A garland had he set upon his head As great as It werin for an ale-stake. Chaucer. Alethea. (Pseud.) Thomas H. Baird in the Pittsburg "Commercial Journal" about 1 85 1. Ale-Wife. The landlady of an ale- house or ale-stand. Alex. Alexander. Alexander of Persia. Sandjar, one of the Seljuke sultans (fl. 1117-1158), renowned for his conquests. Alexander of the North. The so- briquet of Charles XII. of Sweden (fl. 1682-1718), and which was conferred on account of his prowess in military affairs. Alexander the Coppersmith. A nickname applied to Hamilton by those who were dissatisfied with the copper cents coined in 1793 at his suggestion while Secretary of the Treasury. Alexander the Corrector. A title self-conferred on Alexander Cruden (fl. 1 701-1770), author of the famous " Con- cordance," and who always carried with him a moistened sponge with which he erased every scurrilous scrawl which met his gaze. He petitioned Parlia- ment to appoint him " Corrector of the People." Alexandrian School. An academy of literature founded by Ptolemy, son of Lagos, and especially famous for its grammarians and mathematicians. Of its grammarians the most noted are Aristarch, Harpocration, and Eratos- thenes ; and of its mathematicians, Ptol- emy and Euclid. Alexandrine Age. The epoch 323-640 A. D., during which Alexan- dria in Egypt was the metropolis of learning. A I'extremit^. (Fr.) At the end; at the point of death ; at the last gasp ; without resources. Alf Alfred. Alfa Pease. The stage-name of Mrs. Charles E. Crouse. Alfader (Father of all). In Scandi- navian mythology the parent of the Asen, and the oldest and most revered of the Norse deities. Alfheim (home of the genii). In Norse mythology a celestial city inhab- ited by the elves and fairies. Alfred. (Pseud.) (i) Dr. Gj^rardin, author of some of the essays in Wirt's " Old Bachelor," 1812. (2) %6nville A. Sackett, a well-known Americ^ poet in the periodical press of New York and vicinity. (3) Samuel Adams wrote a communication to the " Boston Gazette," Oct. 2, 1769, over this signature. Alfred Ashton. (Pseud.) William Henry Forman. Alfred Ayres. (Pseud.) Dr. Thomas Embly Osmun, author of " The Ortho- epist," New York, 1880. Alfred Burton. (Pseud.) John Mit- ford, R.N. Alfred Coudreux. (Pseud.) Honord de Balzac in his sketches in " La Cari- cature." Alfred Crowquill. (Pseud.) Alfred Henry Forrester, an English caricatu- rist, 1806-1872. Alfred Dubois. (Pseud.) James Stu- art Bowes, a London playwright. Alfred's Scholars. A number of learned men are grouped under this name, who flourished in the reign of Alfred the Great and were patronized by him. ' The chief were Grimbald, a Frenchman ; Asser, a Welshman ; Pleg- mund, Ethelstan, and Werwulf, three Mercian priests ; and Werfrith, bishop of Worcester. Al fresco. (Ital.) In the open air. Algernon Sidney. (Pseud.) Gideon Granger, an American lawyer and writer, 1 767-1822. Alguazil. (Span.) A constable. Alias. (Lat.) Otherwise. Ali Baba. (Pseud.) Alberigh Mac- kaye, an Anglo-Indian author, 1849- 1881. Alibi. (Lat.) Elsewhere, not pres- ent. Alice Atherton. The stage-name of Mrs. Willie Edouin, formerly Mary Alice Hogan. Alice Dunning. The stage-name of Mrs. William Lingard. Alice Eliot. (Pseud.) Sarah Orne Jewett, in " Country Byways," 1881. Alice Harrison. The stage-name of Alice Metz. Alice Irving Abbott. (Pseud.) Miss H. H. Burdick. 24 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Alice Ejng. (Pseud.) Mrs. Alice King Hamilton, an American miscella- neous writer. Alice Marriott. The stage-name of Mrs. R. Edgar. Alice May. The stage-name of Mrs. Lewis Raymond. Alice Oates. The stage-name of Mrs. Tracy Titus. Alice Flacide. The stage-name of Mrs. Charles E. Emmett. Alice Sherwood. The stage-name of Mrs. Charles A. Haslam. Alice Thorne. The stage-name of Mrs. James Craythorne. Alice Vane. The stage-name of Mrs. John Templeton. Alicon. In Mohammedan mythology the seventh or highest heaven. Alida. (Pseud.) Mrs. Catherine Stratton Ladd, in her contributions to various periodicals. Alieni temporis flores. (Lat.) Flow- ers of another or past time. Alifanfaron. Don Quixote attacked a flock of sheep, which he declared to be the army of the giant Alifanfaron. Ajax in a fit of madness fell on a flock of sheep, which he mistook for Grecians. Alilat. The name by which the Arabs adore Nature, which they repre- sent by a crescent moon. A rimproviste. (Fr.) Suddenly; unawares. Alio sub sole. (Lat.) Under an- other sun ; in another climate. Aliquid inane. (Lat.) An indescrib- able kind of silliness ; silly trifling. Alis volat propriis. (Lat.) She flies with her own wings. The motto of the State of Oregon. A ritalienne. (Fr.) In the Italian mode. Aliud et idem. (Lat.) One and the same thing ; the same thing under dif- ferent aspects. Aliunde. (Lat.) From some other quarter or person. Al Kader. A particular night in the month Ramadan, when, the Arabs say, angels descend to earth, and Gabriel reveals to man the decrees of God. Alkali Desert. Wide stretches of land in Colorado and Nevada, the sur- face of the soil being covered with a deposit of alkali. Alia capella. (Ital.) In churchly style. (Mus.) Allah. The Mohammedan name for the true God. Alia militaire. In a military style. (Mus.) Allan Field. The stage-name as- sumed by Lester Wallack (d. 1888) dur- ing his early career in England. Allan Grant. (Pseud.) William Wil- son, for many years a writer for the American press. Alia Folacca. (Ital.) In the style of a Polish dance. (Mus.) Alia Husse. (Ital.) In the style of Russian music. (Mus.) Alia Scozzese. (Ital.) In the Scotch style. (Mus.) Alia Siciliana. (Ital.) In the style of the Sicilian shepherds' dance. (Mus.) Air attava. (Ital.) In the octave. An expression often met with in orches- tral scores, to indicate that one part is to play an octave above or below an- other. (Mus.) Alia zoppa. (Ital.) In a constrained and limping style. (Mus.) Allegremente. (Ital.) With quick- ness. (Mus.) Allegretto. (Ital.) Somewhat cheer- ful, but not so quick as allegro. (Mus.) Allegretto scherzando. (Ital.) Mod- erately playful and vivacious, (Mus.) Allegrezza. (Ital.) Joy. Con alle- grezza means joyfully, animatedly. (Mus.) Allegro. (Ital.) Quick, lively. A musical term implying a rapid and viva- cious movement, but which is often modified by the addition af other words, as: — / Allegro agitato. Qilick; with anx- iety and agitation. Allegro assai. Very quick. Allegro comodo. With a conve- nient degree of quickness. Allegro con brio. Quick, with bril- liancy. Allegro con moto. Quick, with more than the usual degree of move- ment. Allegro con spirito. Quick, with spirit. Allegro furioso. Quick, with fury. Allegro molto or di molto. Very quick. Allegro vivace. With vivacity. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 25 Allegro vivo. Quick, with unusual briskness. Allemande. (Fr.) A dance peculiar to Germany and Switzerland. Allen Grahame. (Pseud). George Arnold, comic poet and humorist. Allevato nella bambagio. (Ital.) Brought up too tenderly, or as an infant. Allez-vous en. (Fr.) " Go you away." Away with you. All-Hallow. A church feast on the first day of November, in honor of all saints ; also called All Saints' Day {q. v.). Air improvista. (Ital.) Extempora- neously; without premeditation. (Mus.) Air Inglese. In the English style. (Mus.) All is lost save Honor. It was from the imperial camp near Pavia that Francis the First, before leaving for Pizzighettone, wrote to his mother the memorable letter which, thanks to tra- dition, has become altered to the form of this sublime laconism : " Madame, tout est perdu fors I'honneur." The true expression is, " Madame, pour vous faire savoir comme se porte le reste de mon infortune, de toutes choses ne m'est demeur^ que I'honneur et la vie qui est sauv^e." — Martin, Histoire de France. AH' Italiana. In the Italian style. (Mus.) All Quiet along the Potomac. This phrase became proverbial during the fall of r86i and the beginning of 1862. The weather at that time seemed favor- able to a campaign, and McClellan's army, of about two hundred thousand men, was in excellent condition ; and yet no advance was undertaken. McClel- lan's policy at that period is sometimes referred to as a policy of "masterly inactivity." All Saints' Day. The day following "Halloween," in old English All-Hal- lows, All-Hallowmas, or simply Hallow- mas, originally a festival of the Roman Catholic Church, introduced because of the impossibility of keeping a separate day for every saint. The festival of All Saints was first regularly instituted by Gregory IV. in 835, and appointed to be celebrated on November i. It was ad- mitted into England about 870. The choice of the day was doubtless deter- mined by the fact that November i, or rather the eve or night preceding it, was one of the four great festivals (Febru- ary I, May I, August i, and November i) of the heathen nations of the North ; for it was the policy of the Church to supplant heathen by Christian observ- ances. " In the South of Germany the old and venerable custom of adorning the graves in the burying-grounds on the first and second day of November with garlands and lamps is still kept up. It is an affecting festival, which the survi- vors prepare for their deceased relations and friends. On those days the whole population of the town assemble in the churchyard, and gaze with melancholy recollection, or joyful confidence in the future, on the adorned death-feast, and pray, while the priest, using the requi- site forms, draws from the holy well the sacred flood with which he is to sprinkle the graves in order to consecrate them. Death, then garlanded with flowers, be- comes a friendly teacher ; the lamps and tapers are images of the everlasting light ; and the passing from the joys of summer and autumn to the quiet Advent time involves a very peculiar prepara- tion. This festival is celebrated nowhere so beautifully as at Munich. On the morning of All Saints' Day the families greet each other over the resting-places of those they loved, arranging, adorning, and praying in faithful hope, or weeping in sad remembrance. There are but few signs of mourning to be seen. Light and life reign everywhere ; the loveliest flowers and plants bloom on the graves ; cypresses and weeping-willows wave and rustle in the breeze ; and if anything reminds us of the chilliness of death or the gloom that we dread, it is the life- less forms of the hired male and fe- male grave-watchers, who stand near the mounds to tend the lamps and flowers, mechanically repeating their rosary, contemplating sullenly and indifferently the imposing spectacle around them, and longing for the evening, when the reward which has been promised them is to be paid. In the evening these re- pugnant figures leave the garden, but they take away with them the flowers and lights, and the feast is at an end. The variegated lamps are hung up again in the rooms, and the flowers and plants are taken to the gardeners' hothouses, to the milliner's shop-counter, or to the boudoir of some lovely maiden." All Souls' Day customs on the Continent are not merely confined to visiting and adorning the graves of friends and rela- tives. In Belgium poor children erect 26 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. rude altars before their cottage doors, duly decked with figures of the Madonna and candles, and stand patiently there all the evening begging the passers-by to give them money " to buy cakes for the poor souls in purgatory." Cakes and All Souls' Day are also inseparably connected in childish minds throughout the Tyrol, where the little ones are given sweet biscuits in the shapes of horses or hares, called "soul-pieces;" while in Bavaria they receive long cakes, pointed at each end, called Seelenspiize. All Saints' Summer. November i, Halloween, — equivalent to the Ameri- can "Indian Summer" {q. v.). All - the - Talents Administration. The cabinet of Lord Grenville, 1806, was so nicknamed because of the real or fancied ability of its members. It contained Lord Henry Petty, Lord Ers- kine, Charles James Fox, and Sir Charles Grey. Fox's death, Sept. 13, 1806, led to numerous changes. All we ask is to be let alone. This phrase occurred in the message of Jef- ferson Davis to the Confederate Con- gress in March, 1861. He referred to Northern preparations to oppose seces- sion. Ally Sloper. (Pseud.) Charles H. Ross, an English humorist and author, (b. 1836.) Alma Calder. (Pseud.) Mrs. A. C. Johnston, author of " Miriam's Heri- tage " (1878). Almack's. A suite of assembly-rooms in King Street, London. They were built in 1765 by Almack, a tavern- keeper, and were hence called Almack's Rooms ; they were afterward known as Willis's Rooms, from the name of their subsequent proprietor. The name of Almack's is chiefly associated with the balls that were held there under the management of a committee of ladies of high rank, and has become synony- mous with aristocratic exclusiveness. Almain. A mediaeval English name for Germany. I have seen Almain's proud champions prance. Old Ballad. It is supposed that it was derived from Alemattm, the tribal designation of many ancient confederated peoples settled in the valley of the Main. Alma Mater. (Lat.) "A gentle or benign mother," — applied by students to the university at which they are or have been educated. Alma Murray. The stage-name of Mrs. A. W. Pinero. Alma Stuart Stanley. The stage- name of Mrs. Charles De Garmo. Almaviva. (Pseud.) (i) Clement Scott, an English dramatic critic. (2) Harry St. Maur, a contributor to the Chicago " News-Letter." Almighty Dollar. In this phrase, coined by Washington Irving, we have a personification of the supposed ol> ject of American worship. It is in- tended as a satire on the mad race for wealth that has at different times and in divers places characterized the Amer- ican people. The almighty dollar, that great object of uni- versal devotion throughout our land, seems to have no genuine devotees in these peculiar vil- lages. — The Creole Village. Almond-tree. Gray hairs. Ecclesi- astes xii. thus describes old age : — " In the day when the keepers of the house 'the hands] shall tremble, and the strong men 'the legs] shall bow themselves, and the grinders 'the teeth] cease because they are few, and those :hat look out of the windows [the eyes] be darlc- ened, . . .land the almond tree shall flourish [gray hairs on a bald pate], and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail, . . . or ever the silver cord [the spinal marrow] be loosed, or the golden bowl [intellect] be broken, Or the pitcher be broken at the fountain [the pulse of the heart stopped]." Al Moshtari. The Arabian name of the planet Jupiter. A. L. O. B. "A Lady of England." (Pseud.) Miss Charlotte Tucker, Eng- lish writer of Sunday-school fiction (b. 1830). A I'ordinaire. (Fr.) In the ordi- nary manner. Alpha and Omega. The names of the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. A, Q. These words occur in the Revelation of Saint John as a title of the Christ. They were also used by the early Christians as symbols of faith, and were engraved on tombs, or- naments, coins, etc. Alpheos. In classic myth a river-god who became enamoured of the nymph Arethusa. She fled from him, and mid- way in his pursuit he was changed into a river, and she into a fountain. Alphonse. The name given by the Parisians to those despicable fellows who subsist on the earnings of aban- doned women. Alpin. (Pseud.) William Wilson, for many years a writer for the press. Al pii. (Ital.) At most. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 27 Alp of Literature. The Bible has been so named. Alaatia. A former name of White- friars {q. v.), a district of the city of London, where, in the seventeenth cen- tury, criminals were permitted to find sanctuary. This immunity was abol- ished in 1696 or 1697. The locality is described in Scott's " Fortunes of Ni- gel." Shadwell's comedy, "The Squire of Alsatia," has for its scene this place. As regards the origin of this name, an- tiquarians hold that the frontier prov- ince of France, on the left bank of the Rhine, long a cause of contention, often the seat of war, and familiarly known to many British soldiers, suggested the application of the term "Alsatia" to the precinct of Whitefriars. Al seg. Ai segno. A musical sign signifying that the performer must re- turn to a similar sign in the course of the movement, and play from that place to the -worAJine. Al-Sirat. In the Mohammedan sys- tem the bridge over Hades, no wider than the edge of a sword, over which all who essay to enter heaven must pass. Alt. Altitude. Alter ego. (Lat.) "Another, or sec- ond I." A name conferred on Spanish viceroys when exercising royal power. Alter idem. (Lat.) "Another the same ; " another precisely similar. Alter ipse amicus. (Lat.) A friend is another self. Alternativo. (Ital.) Alternating; pro- ceeding alternately from one movement to another. (Mus.) Alternis vicibus. (Lat.) Alternately; in turn. Alterum tantum. (Lat.) As much more. Althaea's Brand. The Fates told Althaea that her son Meleager would live just as long as a log of wood then on the fire remained unconsumed. Al- thsea contrived to keep the log uncon- sumed for many years ; but when her son killed her two brothers, she threw it angrily into the fire, where it was quickly consumed, and Meleager ex- pired at the same time. The fatal brand AlthjEa bumed. Shakspeare, 2 Henry VI., act i, sc. i. Alton Riot. The disturbance known to American history by this name oc- curred in Alton, 111., on the night of Nov. 7, 1837, and grew out of an attempt to destroy the printing-office of the " Ob- server," an Abolitionist sheet. The ed- itor. Rev. E. P. Lovejoy, was shot and killed, but the leaders of the mob were acquitted. A. M. Anno tnundi. In the year of the world. A.M. Ante meridiem. Before noon; morning. A M. Artium Magister. Master of Arts. Amadis of Gaul. The hero of a romance in prose, of the same title, originally written in Portuguese in four books, translated into Spanish by Mon- talvo, who added a fifth. Subsequent romancers added the exploits and ad- ventures of other knights, so as to swell the romance to fourteen books. The French version is much larger still, — one containing twenty-four books, and another running through seven volumes. The original author was Vasco de Lo- beira, of Oporto, who died in 1403. Amadis of Greece. A supplemental part of the romance called "Amadis of Gaul," added by Feliciano de Silva. A main arm^e. (Fr.) By force of arms. Amalfian Code. An eleventh-century compilation of maritime laws collated by the merchants of Amalfi. Amalgamationists. During the anti- slavery struggle in the United States the pro-slavery men asserted that the Abolitionists and the Republicans were in favor of miscegenation between the whites and blacks, — a charge utterly baseless. . Amaltheea, Amalthsea's Horn. In classic mythology Amalthaea was the name of the goat on whose milk the in- fant Jove was fed, and one of whose horns he was said to have broken off. This horn he endowed with the power of becoming filled with whatever its pos- sessor might desire ; hence it was called the cornucopia, or horn of plenty. See Ammonian Horn. Amanda. The impersonation of love in Thomson's "Spring," the original of which was Miss Young, afterwards mar- ried to Admiral Campbell. Amanda. The pen-name of Miss Amanda E. Dennis. See Poet of Wi- COMISCO. Amanga. The Indian love-god. Amantium irae. (Lat.) The quar- rels of lovers. 28 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Amaryllis. A pastoral sweetheart. The name is borrowed from the pas- torals of Theocritus and Virgil. Am. Ass. Adv. Scl., or Am. Assn. Sci. American Association for the Ad- vancement of Science. Amateur Casual. (Pseud.) James Greenwood in the " Pall Mall Gazette," London. He made a name in reporto- rial literature by passing a night in the " casual ward " of a London workhouse, among tramps and outcasts, and then detailing his experiences in print, signed as above. A masrimis ad minima. (Lat.) From the greatest to the least. Amazon. A horsewoman ; a fighting or masculine woman. The word means "without breasts." According to Gre- cian fable, there was a nation of women in Africa of a very warlike character. There were no men in the nation ; and if a boy was born, it was either killed or sent to his father, who lived in some neighboring state. The girls had their right breasts singed off, that they might the better draw the bow. Amb. Ambassador. Ambrose. (Pseud.) Rev. James Am- brose Wight, Bay City, Mich., in his let- ters to " The Evangelist." Ambrosia. In classic myth the food of the gods. See Nectar. Ame de boue. (Fr.) "A soul of mud." A debased creature. Amelia. A model of conjugal affec- tion in Fielding's novel of the same name. It is said that the character is intended for a portraiture of his own wife. Amelia Somerville. The stage-name of Mrs. Frederick Runnels. Amen Corner. Before the Reforma- tion the clergy walked annually in pro- cession to St. Paul's Cathedral on Cor- pus Christi Day. They mustered at the upper end of Cheapside, and there com- menced to chant the Paternoster, which they continued through the whole length of the street, thence called Paternoster Row, pronouncing the Amen at the spot now called Amen Corner. Then com- mencing the Ave Maria, they turned down Ave Maria Lane. After crossing Ludgate Hill, they chanted the Credo in Creed Lane. Old Stow mentions Creed Lane, and adds that Amen Lane " is lately added thereto," from which it may be inferred that the processional chant- ing ended at that spot. Amen Lane no longer exists. Amende. (Fr.) Compensation. Amende honorable. (Fr.) A full apology for insult or injury. Amendment-Mongers. A name ap- plied to the Anti-Federalists. A mensa et tboro. (Lat.) "From table and bed." From bed and board, — a judicial separation of husband and wife short of divorce. Amer. American. Amer. Acad. American Academy. American Addison, The. Joseph Dennie (1768-1812). American Baden-Baden. Sharon Springs, a fashionable pleasure and health resort of New York, about sixty miles west by north of Albany. There are four springs, — chalybeate, magne- sia, white sulphur, and blue sulphur. Twenty miles in a southeasterly direc- tion is situated Howe's Cave, after the Mammoth Cave of Kentucky one of the most remarkable caverns known. American Blackstone. Chancellor James Kent, LL.D., was so named. American Cato. Samuel Adams was so named. American Christmas. See Thanks- giving. American Cicero. See Cicero of America. American Fabius. George Wash- ington, whose military policy was sim- ilar to that of Fabius, the Roman gen- eral, who wearied Hannibal by marches and countermarches, and avoided a gen- eral action. See French Fabius. American Gibraltar. See Gibral- tar OF America. American Girl Abroad. (Pseud.) Miss Trafton, an American littirateur. American Party. More generally- known as Know-Nothings, which ap- peared in 1854. It was based on a widely spread secret society, and advo- cated twenty-one years' residence as a qualification for citizenship, and native- born citizens as office-holders. It swept the country like a tornado, carrying nearly every State. In 1888 another party arose bearing this name, and nominated General Curtis for the Presi- dency. American Prodigy. A sobriquet bestowed on Sauvelle Lemoine, gov- ernor of Louisiana, 1699-1701, on ac- count of his mental attainments. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 29 American Rhine. The Hudson Riv- er, "unrivalled among American riv- ers for picturesque and magnificent scenery." Though destitute of the nu- merous architectural remains of by- gone ages that crowd with interest- ing reminiscences the banks of its Old World namesake, the Hudson is equally enriched by Nature, and is not without its share of legendary lore. American Sappho. Sarah Went- worth Appleton, American poet (1759- 1846), was so named by Robert Treat Paine, Jr. American System. In the debates which re.sulted in the tariff law of 1824 Henry Clay called his plan of protec- tive duties and internal improvements the "American System." The term is usually restricted, however, to denote the policy of protection to home indus- tries by means of duties on imports. American Titian. See Titian of America. Americans' Paradise. The city of Paris. American travellers congregate there, and it has been jocularly said that the good American hopes to go to Paris when he dies. Americanus. (Pseud.) Robert Baird, D.D., in his European correspondence in the New York " Commercial Adver- tiser." Americus. (Pseud.) Dr. Francis Lieber, German-American historian and political writer (1800-1872). Amicus. (Pseud.) Charles Wildbore in "The Ladies' Diary." Amicus curiae. (Lat.) A friend of the court. Amicus Curiae. One of the pen- names attributed to Junius {q.v.). Amicus humani generis. (Lat.) A friend of the human race. Ami du peuple. (Fr.) Friend of the people. Amiel. An anagrammatic rendering of the name Eliam, "friend of God," and conferred on Sir Edward Seymour by Dryden in his satire, " Absalom and Achitophel." Amiel, or Ammiel, is called Eliam in 2 Sam. xi. 3. Aminadab. A Quaker. The Scrip- ture name has a double m, but in old comedies, where the character repre- sents a Quaker, the name has gener- ally only one. " Obadiah " is used also to signify a Quaker, and "Rachel" a Quakeress. I Amistad Case, The. "In June, 1839, the schooner ' V Amistad ' sailed from Havana for Principe with a number of slaves that had been kidnapped in Africa. The slaves overpowered the whites, and killed all but two. These white men steered the vessel northward instead of to Africa as directed, and soon the vessel was seized and taken into New London, Conn., by Lieuten- ant Gedney, of the Uiiited States brig 'Washington.' The Spanish minister requested the delivery of the slaves, to be taken to Cuba for trial. President Van Buren was desirous of granting this request as a matter of comity, but the Anti-Slavery Society procured coun- sel, and the District Court of the United States decided that even by the Span- ish laws the slave trade was illegal, and the negroes were free men. The Cir- cuit Court affirmed this decision, and so, in March, 1841, did the Supreme Court, where John Quincy Adams devoted him- self to the cause of the negroes without remuneration. The negroes were sent back to Africa in an American vessel." — Brown and Strauss. A. M. M. Amalgama. Amalgama- tion. Ammon. An Ethiopian or Libyan god who has been identified with the Greek Zeus. Ammonian Horn. The cornucopia. Ammon, king of Libya, gave to his mis- tress, Amalthjea, mother of Bacchus, a tract of land resembling a ram's horn in shape, and hence called the "Ammo- nian horn" from the giver, the " Amal- thaean horn" from the receiver, and the " Hesperian horn " from its locality. Amalthasa also personifies fertility. Amnesty, General. In May, 1865, a proclamation of pardon to the great mass of Southerners recently in arms against the United States was issued by President Johnson. Later, the pol- icy of general amnesty was advocated by the best minds in and out of Con- gress, and finally prevailed in the vari- ous Reconstruction Acts. Among the Gods. This expression had its origin in the fact that the ceil- ing of Drury Lane Theatre was formerly painted in imitation of a blue sky and fleeting clouds, among which great num- bers of Cupids were disporting them- selves. As the ceiling extended over the gallery, its occupants were said to be "among the gods." 30 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Amoret. A lady brought up by Ve- nus in the Court of Love, in Spenser's "Faerie Queene." "She is the type of female loveliness, — young, handsome, gay, witty, and good ; soft as a rose, sweet as a violet, chaste as a lily, gen- tle as a dove, loving everybody, and by all beloved." She becomes the loving, tender wife of Sir Scudamore. Timias finds her in the arms of Corflambo (sen- sual passion), combats the monster un- successfully, but wounds the lady. Amor nummi. (Lat.) Love of money. AmoroBO, Amorevole, or Con amore. (Ital.) ASectionately, tenderly. (Mus.) Amorous, The. Philippe L of France (fl. 1061-1108). So named because he put away Berthe, his wife, in order to marry Bertrade, who was already wed- ded to Foulgues, Comte d'Anjou. Amor patriae (Lat.) Love of na- tive country. Amour-propre. (Fr.) " Self-love.'' Vanity. Amphibious Regiment. The 21st Regiment — afterward the 14th — in the Revolutionary War, — one of the best and bravest in the Continental army, composed almost entirely of fishermen ; whence its nickname. Amphilogist. (Pseud.) Robert C. Sands in the New York " Commercial Advertiser." Amphiou. In classic mythology a son of Jupiter and Antiope, who built a wall around Thebes by the music of his lyre. It is said that when he played, the stones moved of their own accord, and fitted themselves together to form the rampart. Ampbitrite. Wife of Neptune {q. v.), goddess of the sea, and mother of Tri- ton {g. v.). Amptarysian Prophetes3. Another name for the Cunicean sibyl. See Sibyl. _ Amri. Heneage Finch, Earl of Not- tingham and Lord Chancellor, is sat- irized under this name in Dryden's "Absalom and Achitophel." Amrita. " Immortal." In Hindu my- thology the elixir of immortality, made by churning the milk-sea. Sir William Jones speaks of an apple so called be- cause it bestows immortality on those who partake of it. Amsanctna. A fabulous Italian lake, said to communicate with the infernal regions. Amt. Amount. A multo fortiori. (Lat.) On much stronger grounds. Amyclsean Brothers. A title of Cas- tor and Pollux, who first saw the light at Amyclae. Amyclaean Silence. "The inhab- itants of Amyclse were so often alarmed by false rumors of the approach of the Spartans that they made a decree that no one should ever again mention the matter. When the Spartans did actu- ally come against the town, no one durst speak of it, and the place was captured." — Brewer. Amy Ames. The stage-name of Mrs. Augustus Hennessy. Amy Iiothrop. (Pseud.) Miss Anna B. Warner, an American writer (b. 1825), sister of Elizabeth Warner. Amy Roselle. The stage-name of Mrs. Arthur Dacre. Amy Steinberg. The stage-name of Mrs. John Douglas. An. Anno. In the year. An. or Ans. Answer. Anabaptists. "Twice baptized." A nickname of the Baptists, who are so called because, in the first instance, they had been baptized in infancy, and were again baptized, on a confession of faith, in adult age. Of course, now- a-days there is no " infant " baptism among Baptists. An. A.C. Anno ante Christum. In the year before Christ. Anacharsis, or Anacharsis among the Scythians. A wise man among fools ; " good out of Nazareth." The opposite proverb is " Saul among the prophets," i. e., a fool among wise men. Anacharsis was a Scythian by birth, and the Scythians were proverbial for their uncultivated state and great igno- rance. Anacharsis Clootz. A self-conferred title of Baron Jean-Baptiste Clootz (fl. 1755-1794)1 an enthusiast who adopted and preached the doctrines of the French Revolution. He also dubbed him- self " The Orator of the Human Race." Anacreon Moore. Thomas Moore, the poet (fl. 1779-1852), so named be- cause his poems resembled those of Anacreon, the Greek singer of wine and love. Anacreon of France. Pontus de Thiard (fl. 1521-1605), one of the "French Pleiads." FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 31 Anacreon of Painters. Francesco Albano (fl. 1 578-1660), a noted painter of female loveliness. Anacreon of Persia. Mohammed Hafiz (fl. in the fourteenth century). Anacreon of Sicily. Giovanni Meli (fl. 1740-1815). Anacreon of the Guillotine. Ber- trand Barfere de Vieuzac, the president of the National Convention (fl. 1755- 1841), thus nicknamed on account of the florid, jesting tone he adopted to- ward the victims of the popular fury. Anacreon of the Temple. A sobri- quet conferred on Guillaume Amfrye (fl. 1 638-1 720), Ahh6 de Chaulieu. He was also called the " Tom Moore of France." Anacreon of the Twelfth Century. A sobriquet of Walter Mapes (fl. 1150- 1 196), a famous poet. He was also nick- named " The Jovial Toper," because he wrote many drinking songs. Anagrams. The construction of an- agrams is at once the most easy and the most entertaining form of word- jugglery, and for these reasons per- haps has been most widely indulged in, rising at times to the dignity of a popu- lar craze. The passion for anagramma- tizing proper names reached its height in the sixteenth and seventeenth centu- ries, when it was a fashionable amuse- ment of the witty and learned. At court it became a mania ; the little persons flattered the great ones by inventing complimentary anagrams for them. In the reign of Louis XIII. we find men- tion of Thomas Billon, who enjoyed a pension of 1,200 livres as anagrammatist to the king. The term " anagram " in its proper sense means the letters of one or several words written backward, be- ing derived from two Greek words, — dvi, "backward," and ypdfifia, "letter;" but generally it denotes simply a trans- position of the letters of a word or sen- tence so that a new word or sentence is formed, of which the following are simple examples Astronomers Democrat! cal Gallantries . Lawyers . . Misanthrope . Monarch . . Old England . Punishment . Presbyterian . Penitentiary . Radical reform ( Moonstarers. ( No more stars. Comical trade. All great sins. Sly ware. Spare him not. March on. Golden land. Nine thumps. Best in prayer. Nay, I repent it. Rare mad frolic. Revolution . Telegraph . . The calceolaria Geranium . . Heliotrope . The nightingale The turtle-dove Congregationalist . Crocodile . Impatient . Masquerade Matrimony Melodrama Midshipman Parishioner Parliament Sweetheart To love ruin. Great help. Eat coal, Charlie. Ear in mug. Hit or elope. High gale in tent. Eve, let truth do. Got scant religion. Cool'd rice. Tim in a pet. Queer as mad. Into my arm. Made moral. Mind his map. 1 hire parson. Partial men. There we sat. Some of the foregoing transpositions are very apt. For a perfect anagram no new letter should be interpolated and no letter dropped ; and some applica- bility to the person or subject involved, either complimentary or satirical, an al- lusion to an event, or a hit at some personal trait, is always desirable. The letters / and % and 1/ and V, are inter- changeable, as was formerly the case in writing and printing. Here is a batch of more or less clever personal ana- grams : — Marie Antoinette : Tear it, men ; I atone. Selina, Countess of Huntingdon : See, sound faith clings to no nun. James Watt : Walt, steam. Lord Palmerston : So droll, pert man. William Ewart Gladstone : A man to wield great wills. Lfon Gambetta : Able man to get. Alfred Tennyson, Poet Laureate : Neat sonnet or deep tearful lay. Anagrams are of very ancient origin. "The Cabalists were professed anagram- matists ; they pretended to discover oc- cult qualities in proper names, — an Ori- ental practice adopted by the Greeks. Thus, the Hebrew characters for the name " Noah " form bv transposition the Hebrew word " grace,'" and in like man- ner the name " Messiah " becomes " He shall rejoice." Among the Romans two kinds of anagrams were in use, — one formed as in Roma : amor ; Corfius ; forcus; and the other by merely di- viding the word selected into several parts, the god Terminus becoming ter minus, and sustineamus being sus tinea mus." Two classic anagrams have come down to us from Lycophron, who lived B. C. 280, — one on Ptolemy Philadelphus, and the other on his queen, Arsinoe : XlroXejiioios — &irh fiiXiTos : Of honey. 'Xpaivbti — "Hpas tov : Juno's violet. Another ancient anagram is formed of the question put by Pilate to the 32 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Saviour, out of which was evolved its own answer. Pilate asked, Quid est Ve- ritas f—'^WhaX is truth?" The ana- grammatic reply is, Vir gut adest J " The man who stands before you ! " Before leaving the subject of personal anagrams, we may not omit several on Napoleon I. and some of his greatest antagonists. Probably the former was the subject of more lampoons of this sort than any other man of ancient or modern times. Here are a few of them, — and it should be premised that they were mostly of English origin. When he ended the French Revolution with the consulate, the words Revolution Fran- qaise were transposed, forming, Veto ! un Corse lafinira. But when the arch- conqueror was forced to yield his throne to Louis XVIII., the letters were ar- ranged to read. La France veut son roi. On the return from Elba the fol- lowing imperfect but appropriate ana- gram was circulated : " Napoleon Bona- parte ! — 1^0, 5})p%ar >]St at Eilba ! " as also, " Napoleon Bonaparte ! — Bona rapta leno pon&: Rascal, yield up your stolen possessions ! '/ On Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wel- lington, the Frenchman's great foe, this was made : " Let well-foiled Gaul se- cure thy renown." The naval hero, Ho- ratio Nelson, has two, — "Lo ! nation's hero ; " and Honor est a Nilo : " There is honor from the Nile," referring to Nelson's celebrated victory over the French fleet off Alexandria. An anagram on the occasion of the death of Princess Charlotte, daughter of George IV., is also worthy of record : " Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales : P. C, her august race is lost ! O fatal news ! " In the " Curiosities of Litera- ture," compiled by the elder Disraeli, there are several most amusing ana- grams, and the author had a thorough appreciation of the points of a good one. It is to be hoped that this trait was transmitted to his descendant, the Earl of Beaconsfield, so that the ingenuity which, after the stinging defeat of 1880, converted his title into the phrase, " Self-fooled ; can he bear it ? " was duly appreciated. The virtue attaching to an anagram in the sight of the superstitious is well ex- emplified in the case of Charles James Stuart, the Pretender. The loyal Scotch squandered blood and treasure in his behalf because of their faith in the pro- phetic significance of two anagrams on his name, — the first being "Charies James Stuart : He asserts a true claim;" the second, "James Stuart : A just mas- ter." But no more appropriate or beau- tiful anagram was ever devised th^n that op Flprence. Nightingale : " Flit' on, chefi'r'ing'ahfel ! " — worthy, as has been said, of being chiselled on her tomb, in letters of stone, as her epitaph. Auak of Publishers. John Murray (i778-i843)was so called by Lord Byron. Anal. Analysis. Anarchy Poles. A derisive name for liberty-poles. Anastasius Griin. (Pseud.) Anton Alexander von Auersperg, the German poet (b. i8odi). Anat. Anatomy. Anc. Ancient; anciently. Anoseus. In classic mythology a son of Neptune, who, having set down a flagon of wine untasted, that he might pursue a wild boar, was slain by the beast ; whence arose the proverb, "There 's many a slip between the cup and the lip." Anchor. (Pseud.) J. Watts De Peys- ter, American antiquarian author (1821- 1873). Aucienne noblesse. (Fr.) "The old nobility," — that is, before the French Revolution. Ancien regime. (Fr.) An antiquated system of government. This phrase, in the French Revolution, meant the mo- narchical form of government, or the system of government, with all its evils, which existed prior to that great change. Ancient Mariner of the Wabash. A name applied to Richard -W. Thomp- son, of Indiana, Secretary of the Navy in the Hayes cabinet (b. 1809). Ancile. The Palladium of Rome. It was the sacred buckler which Numa said fell from heaven. And. Andrew. Andalusia, Prying-pan of. See Fry- ing-pan OF Andalusia. Andante. (Ital.) A musical term im- plying a movement somewhat slow and sedate, but in a gentle and soothing style. This term is often modified, as to time and style, by the addition of other words, as : — Andante affetuoso. Slow, but pa- thetically. Andante con moto. Slow, but with emotion. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 33 Andante grazioso. Slowly and grace- fully. Andante maestoso. Slowly and ma- jestically. Andante ma non troppo e con tris- tezza. Not too slow, but with pathos. Andante non troppo. Slowly, but not too much so. Andante pastorale. Slowly, with pas- toral simplicity. Andantino. (Ital.) Somewhat slower than Andante. (Mus.) Andantino sostenute e simplici- mento, il canto an poco piii forte. (Ital.) In a sustained and simple style, with the melody somewhat louder than the other notes. (Mus.) Andare stretto. (Ital.) " To go in a narrow line." To go about anything in a miserly manner. Andrea Ferrara. Another name for a sword or rapier, after a famous maker of these weapons. Andrew Fhilopater. (Pseud.) Robert Parsons, an English Jesuit (1546-1610). Andromache. In classic mythology the most bewitching female character in Homer's Iliad. She was the daugh- ter of Eetion and the loving wife of Hector, to whom she bore Astyanax. Andromeda. In classic mythology a daughter of Cepheus, king of Ethiopia, and of Cassiopeia. Her mother having boasted that her beauty equalled that of the Nereids, Andromeda was deliv- ered to a sea-monster, but was dis- covered by Perseus, who rescued and married her. Anfriao. (Pseud.) Manuel Maria de Navarrete,aMexican author (1768-1809). Angel. In theatrical slang "an an- tel " is the nickname for an unseen nancial backer. Ajigel. This was the name of an ancient English coin, originally of the value of 6s. %d. ; but for a long period its value was los. The coin was so called from its obverse bearing the fig- ure of the Archangel Michael over- coming the dragon. An old verse in which its name appears is a very con- venient " ready reckoner." It runs thus: "Compute but the pence Of one day's expense ; So many pounds, angels, groats, and pence Are spent in one whole year's circumference." So that if a penny a day be spent, the amount at the end of the year will be equal to 'one pound, one angel, one groat. and one penny; or £1 los. ^d. Two- pence a day is equal to two pounds, two angels, two groats, and two pennies, or ;£3 lod.; and so on. Angel-Beast. A favorite round-game of cards, which enables gentlemen to let the ladies win small stakes. Five cards are dealt to each player, and three heaps formed, — one for the king, one for play, and the third for Triolet. The name of the game was La BUe (beast), and an angel was the stake. Angel Gabriel Riots. Disturbances in Brooklyn, N. Y., caused by the street preaching of a lunatic who called him- self the angel Gabriel. They were put down by the Fourteenth Regiment, com- manded by Gen. Jesse C. Smith. Angelical Stone. The speculum of Dr. Dee. He asserted that it was given him by the angels Raphael and Gabriel. It passed into the possession of the Earl of Peterborough, thence to Lady Betty Germaine, by whom it was given to the Duke of Argyle, whose son presented it to Horace Walpole. It was sold in 1842 at the dispersion of the curiosities of Strawberry Hill. Angelic Doctor. A sobriquet con- ferred on Thomas Aquinas, the learned Schoolman, because he debated the ques- tion, " How many angels can dance on the point of a needle ?" Angelic Hymn. Another name for the canticle otherwise known as the Gloria in excelsis, — so called because the opening lines were sung by the celestial host that visited the shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem. Angelici. Certain heretics of the sec- ond century who advocated the worship of angels. Angelites. A branch of the Sabel- lian heretics ; so called from Angelius, in Alexandria, where they used to meet. Angel of the Schools. Thomas Aquinas, the most famous metaphysi- cian of the Middle Ages. Angels' Visits. Norris of Bemerton (1657-1711) wrote of those joys which " Soonest take their flight Are the most exquisite and strong, — Like angels' visits, short and bright." Robert Blair, in 1743, wrote in his poem called the " Grave " : — " In visits Like those of angels, short and far between." Campbell, in 1 799, appropriating the sim- ile, but without improving it, wrote : — " Like angels' visits, few and far between." 34 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Anglic6. (Lat.) In English. Anglo-American. (Pseud.) SirBren- ton Halliburton, who contributed some articles on the War of 1812 to the Hal- ifax "Recorder." Anglomania. Generally applied to a French or German imitation of the manners, customs, etc., of the English. It prevailed in France some time be- fore the First Revolution, and was often extremely ridiculous. Angry, The. Christian II., king of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, was so named because of his fiery temper (b. 1 513, d. I5S9). Ang.-Sax. Anglo-Saxon. Anguillam Cauda tenes. (Lat.) "You hold an eel by the tail." You have to deal with an active and slippery antag- onist. Anguia in herba. (Lat.) " A snake in the grass." A lurking danger. Anguvradel. In Scandinavian myth- ology the sword of Frithiof, engraved with runes which blazed in war-time, but only gleamed with a pale light in time of peace. Aniles fabul». (Lat.) Old wives' stories. Animal implume bipes. (Lat.) A two-legged animal without feathers, — Plato's definition of man. Animals, Symbolism of. The ant, frugality and prevision ; ape, unclean- ness ; ass, stupidity ; bantam cock, pluckiness, priggishness ; bat, blindness ; bear, ill-temper, uncouthness : bee, in- dustry ; beetle, blindness ; bull, straight- forwardness ; bulldog, pertinacity ; but- terfly, sportiveness, living in pleasure ; cat, slyness, deceit; calf, lumpishness; cicada, gift of poetry; cock, vigilance, overbearing insolence ; crow, longevity ; crocodile, hypocrisy ; cuckoo, cuckol- dom; dog, fidehty, dirty habits; dove, innocence, harmlessness ; duck, canard ; eagle, majesty, inspiration ; elephant, sagacity, ponderosity; fly, feebleness, insignificance ; fox, cunning, artifice ; ■ frog and toad, inspiration ; goat, lasciv- iousness; goose, conceit, folly; gull, gullibility ; grasshopper, old age ; hare, timidity; hawk, penetration; nen, ma- ternal care ; horse, speed, grace ; jack- daw, vain assumption, empty conceit ; jay, senseless clatter; kitten, playful- ness; lamb, innocence, sacrifice; lark, cheerfulness ; lion, noble courage ; lynx, suspicious vigilance ; magpie, garrulity ; mole.obtuseness; monkey, trrcks; mule, obstinacy; nightingale, forlornness ; os- trich, stupidity; ox, patience, strength; owl, wisdom; parrot, mocking verbosity; peacock, pride ; pigeon, cowardice ; pig, obstinacy, dirtiness ; puppjr, empty- headed conceit ; rabbit, timidity ; raven, ill luck; robin redbreast, confiding trust ; serpent, wisdom ; sheep, silliness, timidity ; sparrow, litigiousness ; spider, wiliness ; stag, cuckoTdom ; swallow, a sunshine friend; swan, grace; swine, filthiness, greed; tiger, ferocity; tor- toise, chastity; turkey cock, ofiicial insolence ; turtle-dove, conjugal fidelity ; vulture, rapine ; wolf, cruelty. Animia opibusque paratL (Lat.) Ever ready with our lives and fortunes. Animo et fide. (Lat.) With courage and faith. Animo facto. (Lat.) Really and truly. Animo non astutia. (Lat.) By cour- age, not by craft. Animus furandi, (Lat.) Felonious intent. Anita Alameda. The stage-name of Annie E. Gleason. Ann. Annates. Annals. Annabel, in Dryden's satire of " Ab- salom and Achitophel," is designed for the Duchess of Monmouth. Her mai- den name and title were Anne Scott, Countess of Buccleuch, — the richest heiress in Europe. The duke was faith- less to her, and after his death the widow, still handsome, married again. Anna Holyoke. (Pseud.) Mrs. A. H. C. Howard in "The Household," published at Brattleboro, Vt. Anna Katherine Green. (Pseud.) Mrs. Rohlfs, an American writer of fiction (b. 1846). Anna Matilda. (Pseud.) Mrs. Hes- ter Lynch (Salusbury) Piozzi, an English novelist (i 740-1 821). Anne Frances Sandall. (Pseud.) Mrs. Mary Robinson, an English poet and actress (1758-1800). Anne Hathaway. (Pseud.) Mrs. W. A. Ingham, in the Cleveland " Her- ald." Annie Boudinot. The stage-name of Mrs. Joseph Sendelbach. Annie Boyd. The stage-name of Mrs. Harry Morris. Annie Carroll. The stage-name of Mrs. Edward Snow. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 35 Aunie Edmonstone. The stage-name of Mrs. Frederick Warde. Annie Helen Blancke. The stage- name of Mrs. James Neill. Annie Mack. The stage-name of Mrs. Berlein. Annie Melvin. The stage-name of Mrs. Samuel Lucas. Annie Myrtle, nie M. Chester. (Pseud.) Miss An- Annie Pixley. The stage-name of Mrs. Robert Fulford. Annie Russell. The stage-name of Mrs. G. W. Presbrey. Annie Shindle. The stage-name of Mrs. L. W. Tupper. Annie Suits. The stage-name of Mrs. Henry Maddock. Annie Sutherland. The stage-name of Mrs. Richard M. Carroll, Jr. Annie Ward Tiffany. The stage- name of Mrs. Charles H. Green. Annie West. (Pseud.) Mrs. Annie [Adams] Fields. Anniversary Day, or May Walk. An annual festival of the Sunday- schools of Brooklyn and New York, consisting of singmg, feasting, and • a street parade. Ann Jane. (Pseud.) Mrs. Ann Jane Morgan. ' Anno setatis suae. (Lat.) In the year of his or her age. Anno Domini (Lat.) In the year of our Lord. Anno lucis. (Lat.) In the year of light. Anno mundi. (Lat.) In the year of the world. Annot Lyle. (Pseud.) Mrs. A. L. Saxon, in the Philadelphia " Courier." Anno urbis conditse. (Lat.) In the year of founding the city, namely, Rome, B.C. 753. Annnit coeptis novus ordo sse- culorum. (Lat.) "The new order of the ages smiles on our undertakings," — the motto on the U. S. mail-cars. Annunciation Day. The 25th of March (also called Lady Day), on which the angel announced to Maty that she was to become the mother of the Mes- siah. Annus mlrabilis. (Lat.) "A won- derful year." A year of wonders. See Year of Wonders. Anobium Fertinaz. (Pseud.) Wil- liam Hand Browne, in " The Nation," New York, 1883. Anomceans. A fourth-century sect who held that the nature of the Son is wholly unlike that of the Father. The word means literally " Unlikists." Anon. Anonymous. Anonyma. A lady of the demi- monde. See Incognita. Another County heard from. Dur- ing the excitement incident to the Pres- idential campaign of 1876 this phrase gained currency. The returns were very slowly received from some of the doubt- ful States, especially in Florida, and each addition to the uncompleted vote was hailed as above. Ans. Answer. Ansarian. The Moslems of Medina were called Ansarians (Auxiliaries) by Mahomet, because they received him and took his part when he was driven from house and home by the Koreish- ites. Anselmus. (Pseud.) Samuel Wil- loughby Duffield, American clergyman (1843-1887), in " The Evangelist." Ansted Hope. (Pseud.) Miss Bur- dett in the " Family Herald," London. Ant. or Antiq. Antiquities. Antaeus. In classic mythology the son of Neptune and of Terra. He was a giant of fabulous powers, whose strength remained unimpaired so long as he maintained contact with his mother (Earth). Hercules discovered the se- cret or his strength, raised him from the ground, and crushed him in mid-air. Ante barbam doces senes. (Lat.) You teach old persons before you have a beard. Ante bellum. (Lat.) Before the war. Ante luoem. (Lat.) Before light. Ante meridiem. (Lat.) Before noon. Anteros. In classic mythology the deity or power who opposes Eros, or. Love, and represented as perpetually warring against him. Anth. Anthony. Anthony Absolute, Sir. A warm- hearted, testy, overbearing country squire in Sheridan's play of the " Rivals." Anthony Grey. (Pseud.) Henry Carl Schiller, an English writer (b. 1815). 36 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Anthony Harmer. (Pseud.) Rev. Henry Wharton, an English antiquary (1664-1695). Anthony Pig. A pet pig ; the small- est of a litter. Saint Anthony was origi- nally a swineherd, and became the pa- tron saint of that class. Anthony Poplar. The pen-name used by the editors of the " Dublin Uni- versity Magazine." Anthony's Fire, St. Another name for erysipelas, — so called because of the tradition that those who invoked the aid of Saint Anthony during the pestilen- tial erysipelas which prevailed in 1089 invariably recovered. Anthony's Nose, (i) A popular name for the extremity of a hill called the Klips (i. e., rock, or cliii), on the right bank of the Mohawk, in Montgomery County, N. Y. It resembles a nose, and is three or four hundred feet long. (2) A bold promontory on the east bank of the Hudson River, projecting from the south side of Breakneck Hill, at the northerly entrance to the Highlands, fifty-seven miles from New York city. Anthroposophus. The nickname of Dr. Vaughan, rector of St. Bride's, in Bedfordshire, — so called from his " An- throposophia Teomagica," to show the condition of man after death. Anti-Belial. One of the pen-names attributed to Junius {q. v.). Antichrist, or the Man of Sin, ex- pected by some to precede the second coming of Christ. Saint John so calls every one who denies the incarnation of the Son of God. Anti-Erastian Party. Those who wish the church to have the power of punishing ecclesiastical offenders. Anti-Federalist Party. This party arose in the United States during the discussion of the ratification of the Con- stitution. Its principles were based on opposition to the centralization of power in the general Government. It was also known as the Republican party ; and this name Mr. Jefferson, its greatest leader, was anxious to retain. But its members became known as Democrats, and the other titles were dropped. Its first success was the election of Thomas Jefferson in 1801. Mr. Jefferson trans- ferred at once the chief offices to mem- bers of the party; internal revenues were abolished ; and the Alien and Se- dition laws were repealed. He was elected a second time in 1805; and on the expiration of his term, the sympathy of the Democrats with France and their enmity toward England, whose conduct on the seas had rendered her obnoxious, caused the election of James Madison to the presidency in 1809, who was again chosen in 1813. The successful issue of the War of 1812 continued the power of the party, and James Monroe became President in 181 7, followed by a second term in 1821. In the election of 1824 there were four candidates for President, namely, John Q. Adams, An- drew Jackson, Henry Clay, and W. H. Crawford, all of whom claimed to be Democrats. None having a majority, the election was thrown into the House of Representatives, when Mr. Adams was chosen President, John C. Calhoun being Vice-President by the votes of the electoral college. In 1828 Andrew Jackson was elected President after a struggle with the advocates of Adams, no principle being at stake ; and he was again chosen in 1832. The acts of Gen- eral Jackson caused strong opposition, and it was during his administration that the Whig party was formed. And as the lines were drawn and men ranged themselves on either side, the Demo- crats took the name of the Democratic party, and claimed to be the successors of the old Jeffersonian party. Anti-Federal Junto. " When it was proposed in the Pennsylvania Legisla- ture to issue a call for a convention to ratify the United States Constitution, nineteen of the members withdrew, leaving the House without a quorum,. Enough of these were, however, dragged to the House to allow business to be transacted. In September, 1787, sixteen, of these same members signed an ad- dress against the Constitution ; this ad- dress contained so many misstatements that it soon became an object of ridicule. To the signers and their followers the name of Anti-Federal Junto was given." — Brown and Strauss. Anti-Fox. One of the pen-names attributed to Junius {q. v.). Antigone. In classic mythology the daughter of CEdipus by his mother, Jo- casta. She was famed for her filial affection. Antigone, The Modern. See Mod- ern Antigone. Antilles, Queen of the. See Queen of the Antilles. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 37 Anti-Masonic Party. In 1826 W. Morgan, who was preparing a revelation of the secrets of freemasonry, suddenly disappeared. It was rumored that he had been foully dealt with by members of the order, and intense excitement was the result, followed by the establish- ment of a political party based on oppo- sition to the order. It cast in New York, in 1828, 30,000 votes ; in 1829, 70,000; and about 128,000 in 1832. In 1832 it nominated William Wirt for President, but carried only one State, — Vermont. The excitement graduajly died out, and the party disappeared. See Good-enough Morgan. Anti-Monopoly Party. " The Anti- Monopoly Organization of the United States met at Chicago, May 14, 1884, and nominated Benjamin F. Butler, of Massachusetts, for the Presidency. It adopted a platform demanding eco- nomical government and the enactment and enforcement of equitable laws, in- cluding an Interstate Commerce Law (one has since been enacted), establish- ing Labor Bureaus, providing Industrial Arbitration, a direct vote for Senators, a graduated income tax, payment of the national debt as it matures, and 'fos- tering care ' for agriculture ; while it denounced the tariff and the grant of land to corporations. Its nominee was also selected by the Greenback Labor party, the joint ticket being known as the People's party. It polled 130,000 votes." — Brown and Strauss. Anti-Nebraska Men. A name ap- plied to the Northern Whigs that op- posed the Kansas-Nebraska Bill in 1854. These were joined by Democrats of similar views, and together they con- trolled the House in the Thirty-fourth Congress. The Republican party sprang from them. Antinomians. A sect who, it is alleged, denied an obligation under the Gospel to obey the moral law of the Old Testament. Antiope. In classic mythology the favorite of Jupiter, by whom she be- came the mother 01 Amphion and Zethus. Antiquarius. (Pseud.) John Love- day, D.C.L., in his contributions to the " Gentleman's Magazine." Anti-Rent Movement. The ex- planation and history of the anti-rent movement in New York State, given concisely, is as follows : Large portions of Columbia, Rensselaer, Greene, Dela- ware, and Albany counties in the State belonged to manors, the original grants of which were made to "patroons" by the Dutch Company, and renewed by James II., the principal being Rensse- laerswyck and Livingston manor. The tenants had deeds for their farms, but paid annual rental in kind instead of a principal sum. This arrangement caused growing dissatisfaction among the ten- ants after 1790. When Stephen Van Rensselaer, who had allowed much of the rent to remain in arrears, died in 1839, the tenants, who longed to become real landowners, made common cause against his successor, refused to pay rent, disguised themselves as " Injuns," and began a reign of terror which for ten years practically suspended the operations of the law and the payment of rent throughout the district. An attempt to serve process by militia aid, known as the " Helderberg War," was unsuccessful. In 1847 and 1849 the anti- renters " adopted " a part of each party State ticket, and thus showed a voting strength of about five thousand. This was not to be disregarded in a closely divided State, and in iSjo the Legis- lature directed the Attorney-General to bring suit against Harmon Livingston to try title. The suit was decided in Livingston's favor in November, 1850; but both parties were then ready to compromise, the owners by selling the farms at fair rates, and the tenants by paying for them. Most of Rensse- laerswyck was sold ; and of the Living- ston manor, which at one time contained 162,000 acres of choice farming land, very little now remains in the possession of the family. Another anti-rent move- ment arose in Ireland in 1884 and suc- ceeding years. Anti-Rent Riots, Anti-Renters. See supra. Anti-Slavery Men. The terms " Anti-Slavery " and " Abolitionist " are frequently confounded. In reality there was a wide difference ; for many of the anti-slavery party repeatedly disclaimed being in favor of abolition. See Abo- litionists. Antistbenes. Founder of the Cynic School in Athens. He wore a ragged cloak, and carried a wallet and staff like a beggar. Socrates wittily said he could " see rank pride peering through the holes of Antisthenes' rags." 38 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Anti-Stuart. One of the pen-names attributed to Junius (g. v.). Antonio Aguaverde. (Pseud.) Al- fred Trumble, a contributor to the New York " Boys' and Girls' Weekly." Anton Strelezki. The professional name of Arthur Burbank, a native of Detroit, Mich., a well-known pianist and composer. Antrustions. The vassals of the Frankish kings, who held land in trust. These lands were subsequently here- ditary. Anubis. In Egyptian mythology a divinity, the son of Osiris {q. v.), who accompanied the spirits of the dead to the nether world. He is usually wor- shipped in the shape of a dog,/ or as a human being with a dog's head. Aor. Aorist. A. O. S. S. Americana Orientalis Societatis Socius. Member of the Amer- ican Oriental Society. A outrance. (Fr.) Combat to the death. Ap. Apostle; Appius. Ap. Apud, in the writings of; as quoted by. A pas de g^ant. (Fr.) With a giant's stride ; rapidly. Ape. The signature of Carlo Pelle- grini, the celebrated English carica- turist. He adopted his well-known signature because he " apes " the pecu- liarities of his subjects when quizzing them with his pencil. Aper9u. (Fr.) A brief sketch of any subject. A perte de vue. (Fr.) Beyond one's view. A. P. G. or Ast. P. G. Professor of Astronomy in Gresham College. Aphrodite. In classic mythology the Greek name of Venus {g. v.). Aphrodite's Girdle. The ancients believed that whoever wore the magic girdle of Aphrodite became the object of love. A piacere, A piacemento. (Ital.) At the pleasure of the performer. (Mus.) A pied. (Fr.) On foot. Apis. The chief deity of the ancient Egyptians, worshipped in the guise of a bull. A plomb. (Fr.) "To the lead." Perpendicularly. Apo. Apogee. Apocalypse. One of the names ap- plied to the last book (Revelation) in the Christian Bible. It means "dis- covery," "disclosure."' Apocalyptic Number. The mystic number 666. See Rev. xiii. i8. See Number of the Beast. Apocr. Apocrypha. Certain books in the Christian Bible whose divine inspi- ration is considered doubtful. A point. (Fr.) "To a point." At the right moment ; exactly right Apollinariaus. An ancient sect founded in the middle of the fourth century by ApoUinaris, bishop of Lao- dicea. They denied that Christ had a human soul, and asserted that the Logos supplied the place of the reasonable soul. The Athanasian Creed con- demned this heresy. Apollo. In classic mythology son of Jupiter and of Latona, and brotlier of Diana. He was the god of song, music, prophecy, and archery. Apollo of Portugal. The poet Luis Camoens (fl. IJ27-1579), author of the " Lusiad." ApoUyon: The Greek form of the Hebrew Abaddon, an evil spirit, de- scribed in Rev. ix. 11 as "the angel of the bottomless pit." A posse ad esse. (Lat.) From pos- sibility to reality. Apostate, The. Julian, Emperor of Rome (fl. 331-363), was so named be- cause he abjured the Christian faith and returned to paganism. A posteriori. (Lat.) From the effect to the cause. Apostle of Ethiopia. Saint Frumen- tius. See Apostle of the Abys- SINIANS. Apostle of Free Trade. Richard Cobden (fl. 1 804-1 865). Apostle of Germany.. Saint Boni- face (fl. 680-755). Apostle of Hungary. Saint Anasta- tius (fl. 954-1044). Apostle of Infidelity. Voltaire (fl. 1694-1778)- Apostle of Molasses and Moon- shine. A nickname conferred on Mat- thew Arnold, the English man of letters (d. 1888). Apostle of Ireland. Saint Patrick. Apostle of Silence. Thomas Car- lyle has been so nicknamed, satirically. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 39 Apostle of Spain. Saint James the Greater, who died 44. Apostle of Sweetness and Iiight. So Matthew Arnold, the English poet and critic, was named (d. 1888). See ■ supra. Apostle of Temperance. Father Mathew (fl. 1790-1856). Apostle of the Abyssinians. Saint Frumentius, who flourished in the fourth century of our era. Apostle of the Alps. Felix Ne£f (fl. 1 798-1 829). Apostle of the Ardennes. Saint Hubert (fl. 656-730). Apostle of the Armenians. Gregory of Armenia (fl. 256-331). Apostle of the English, (i) Saint Augustine, who died 607. (2) Saint George has been so named. Apostle of the French. Saint Denis, who lived in the third century. Apostle of the Frisians. Saint Wili- brod (fl. 657-738). Apostle of the Gauls, (i) Saint Ire- naeus (fl. 130-200). (2) Saint Martin (fl. 316-397). Apostleof the Gentiles. Saint Paul. Apostle of the Highlanders. Saint Columba (fl. 521-597). Apostle of the Indians, (i) Bar- tolome de las Casas (fl. 1474-1 500). (2) Rev. John Eliot (fl. 1603-1690). Apostle of the Indies. Francis Xavier(fl. 1506-1552). Apostle of the Netherlands. Saint Armam, bishop of Maestricht (fl. 589- 679). Apostle of the North, (i) Saint Ans- r(fl. 801-864). (2) Bernard Gilpin 1 517-1583). Apostle of the Peak. William Bag- shaw (fl. 1628-1702), an English Non- conformist divine, the scene of whose labors was around the Peak of Derby- shire. Apostle of the Picta. Saint Ninian. Apostle of the Scottish Reformers. John Knox (fl. 1505-1572). Apostle of the Slavs. Saint Cyril, who died 868. Apostle of the Sword. Mohammed (fl. 570-632) was so named because he enforced his creed by means of the sword. Apostle of tTnitarianism. William EUery Channing (fl. 1 780-1842). Apostle of Wales. Saint David (fl. 480-544). Apostle of Yorkshire. See Pisosiix. OF THE Peak. Apostle Spoons. Spoons presented to an infant at its christening, — so named because the figure of one of the Apostles was engraved on the handle. Some- times twelve spoons were thus pre- sented ; at others only four, when the four Evangelists were depicted. Apostle to the Blind. Abbd Valen- tine Hawy (fl. 1 745-1822), who invented the art of printing with raised letters. Apostolic Fathers. The five great Christian teachers who were contem- porary with the Apostles, — Clement, Barnabas, Hermas, Ignatius, and Poly- carp. Appeal of Battle. By the ancient law of England a man might fight with his 'accuser, thereby to make proof of his guilt or innocence according as he became victor or vanquished. The law was not repealed till 1819. Appiades. In classic terminology a grouping of five deities, whose temple graced the vicinity of the fountain of Appius, in Rome. They were : Vesta, Venus, Concord, Pallas, and Peace. They were represented by five eques- trian statues. Apple of Discord. The story of the Apple of Discord forms the theme of one of the most charming legends of classic mythology. It is related that at the marriage of Peleus and Thetis, the Goddess of Discord, not being invited to the entertainment, showed her displea- sure by throwing among the gods, at the celebration of the nuptials, a golden apple, on which were written the words, " To be given to the fairest." All the goddesses claimed it as their own; but only- Juno, Venus, and Minerva were allowed to dispute the right to the apple. The gods appointed Paris to adjudge the prize of beauty. The god- desses appeared before him without any ornament, but each tried to influence his judgment. Juno promised him a kingdom ; Minerva, military glory ; and Venus, the fairest woman in the world for his wife. Paris at length adjudged the prize to Venus. This decision drew upon him and his family the resentment of the two other goddesses. Paris then equipped a fleet, with the pretended motive of rescuing Hesione, whom Her- cules had carried away and obliged to 40 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. marry Telamon. He recollected that he was to have Helen, the fairest woman of the age, whom Venus had promised him. On these grounds he visited Sparta, the residence of Helen, who had married Menelaus, and was received kindly ; but he abused the hospitality of Menelaus, and while the king was absent in Crete, carried off Helen to Troy, where Priam received her in his palace. Upon this all Greece took up arms. Agamemnon was chosen general of the combined forces, and a regular war was begun. Paris armed himself, with bis brothers, to oppose the enemy, but is said to have fought with little courage, and at the sight of Menelaus he retired from the front of the army. In a combat with Menelaus he would have perished, had not Venus protected him from the resentment of his adversary. He nevertheless wounded in another battle Machaon, Euriphilus, and Diomedes, and according to some killed the great Achilles. Others of the poets relate that he fell by one of the arrows of Philoctetes, which had for- merly belonged to Hercules, and was tended in his last moments by his wife, the nymph CEnone. Apple of Perpetual Youth. In Scandinavian mythology-tlie apple of Idun, wife of Bragi. By tasting this apple the gods preserve their perpetual youth. Apple of the Eye. Probably a cor- ruption of "pupil." Apple-pie Bed. A name for a bed so made that a person cannot lie in it at full length, the sheets being folded like an apple turnover. But a more probable derivation is from the French hplis, folded in plaits. Apple-pie Order. Perfect order; probably a corruption of caf> d. pied, — said of a knight when completely armed from head to foot. Another not im- probable derivation is from the French A plis, folded in plaits. Apples of Istkahar are " all sweet- ness on one side, and all bitterness on the other." Apples of Paradise, according to tradition, had a bite on one side, to commemorate the gripe given by Eve. Apples of Pyban, says Sir John Mandeville, fed the pygmies with their odor only. Apples of Sodom (called by Witman " oranges ") are the yellow fruit of the osher or ashey tree. Tacitus (History, v 7) and Josephus both refer to these apples. Thevenot says, "The fruit is lovely [externally], but within is full of ashes." The fruit of the osher or ashey tree, called "apples or oranges of Sodom," resembles a smooth apple or orange, hangs in clusters of three or four on a branch, and is of a yellow color when ripe. Upon being struck or pressed, it explodes with a puff, and is reduced to the rind and a few fibres, being chiefly filled with air. — Gallery of Geography, Like to the apples on the Dead Sea shore, All ashes to uie taste. BvRON, Childe Harold. Appogiatura. (Ital.) A note of em- bellishment, written in a smaller charac- ter than other notes. (Mus). Apr. April. April Pool's Day. The custom of sending one upon a bootless errand on the first day of April is perhaps a trav- esty of the sending hither and thither of the Saviour from Annas to Caiaphas, and from Pilate to Herod; because during the Middle Ages this scene in Christ's life was made the subject of a Miracle Play at Easter, which occurs near the ist of April. It is possible, however, that it may be a relic of some old heathen festival. The custom, what- ever be its origin, of playing off little tricks on this day, whereby ridicule may be fixed upon unguarded individuals, appears to be universal throughout Eu- rope, In France one thus imposed upon is called un poisson cfAvril (an April fish). In England and the United States such a person is called an April fool; in Scotland a "gowk." The fa- vorite jest is to send one upon an errand for something grossly nonsensical, or to make appointments which are not to be kept, or to call to a passer-by that his latchet is unloosed, or that there is a spot of mud upon his face. It is curious that the Hindus practise precisely simi- lar tricks on the 31st of March, when they .hold what is called the Hull Festi- val. There is a tradition among the Jews that the custom of making fools on the first of April arose from the fact that Noah sent out the dove on the first of the month corresponding to our April, before the water had abated. To perpetuate the memory of the great deliverance of Noah and his family, it was customary on this anniversary to punish persons who had forgotten the remarkable circumstance connected with the date, by sending them on some bootless errand similar to that on which FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 41 the patriarch sent the luckless bird from the windows of the ark. A priori. (Lat.) From the cause to the effect. A propos. (Fr.) "To the point." Pertinently ; seasonably. A propos de bottes. (Fr.) "Sea- sonably of boots ; with respect to boots." Not to the purpose; without reason; d propos of nothing. Aq. {aqua). Water. A. Q. M. Assistant Quartermaster. A. Q. M. G. Assistant Quartermas- ter-General. Aquariat. (Pseud.) Nicholas Jeffery Andrew in the New York " Courant." A quatre mains. (Fr.) For four hands ; a pianoforte duet. (Mus.) Aquavitae. (Lat.) » Water of life." Brandy or other spirits. Aquilo. In classic mythology a per- sonification of the north wind; the same as Boreas {q. v.). Aquinian Sage. Juvenal was so named. He lived at Aquinium, a Vol- scian town. A. R. Anna Regina. Queen Anne. A. R. Anno regni. Year of the reign. Ar. Argentum, Silver. A. R. A. Associate of the Royal Academy. Ara. Arabic. Arabic! A sect, originating in Ara- bia about 207, maintaining that the soul dies with the body and will rise again with it. Arabs, or Street Arabs. Children of the street in our great cities ; so named because, like the Arabs, they lead a nomadic life with no settled home. Araby. A poetical diminutive for Arabia. Farewell, farewell to thee, Araby's daughter. Moore, The Fire Worshiffers. Arachne. A Lydian maiden who was so vain of her skill in weaving that she challenged Minerva to a competition. She was successful in the contest, but being slighted by the goddess, she hung herself in despair, and was turned into a spider. Aracbne's Labors. Spinning and weaving. See supra. Araf, Al (lit. "the partition"). Ac- cording to the Koran, a middle kingdom or region, situate between Gehenna and Paradise, and reserved for those neither good nor evil in a moral sense, such as babes, lunatics, or idiots. The inmates of this realm will be allowed to hold intercourse with both the lost and the blessed : to the former their abode will appear a heaven; while to the latter it will seem a hell. Aranearum telas tezere. (Lat.) "To weave spiders' webs." To indulge in sophistry or quibbling. Arbiter elegantiae. C. Petronius was appointed dictator-in-chief of the imperial pleasures at the court of Nero, and nothing was considered comme il faut till it had received the sanction of this Roman Beau Brummel. Behold the new Petronius of the day, The arbiter of pleasure and of play. Byron, English Bards and Scotch Reviewers. Arbiter elegantiarum. (Lat.) A judge in matters of taste. Arbor Day. Throughout the United States this has come to be more or less observed, not as a public holiday, but as an occasion for the planting of trees and for beautifying the streets and open squares of cities. It is a mov- able festival, according to climate, but usually falls in April or May. In 1889 thirty-four States and two Territories observed it. For the purpose of en- couraging arboriculture in sparsely tim- bered regions, many of the States offer bounties for a certain number of shade- trees planted, whether by the roadside or in plantation. In some of the tree- less regions of the great West, Arbor Day has come to occupy a leading place among the red-letter days of the year. Arcades ambo. Both fools alike ; both " sweet innocents ; " both alike ec- centric. There is nothing in the char- acter of Corydon and Thyrsis (Virgil's Eclogues, vii. 4) to justify this dispar- aging application of the phrase. All Virgil says is, they were both "in the flower of their youth, and both Arca- dians, both equal in setting a theme for song or capping it epigrammatically ; " but as Arcadia was the least intellectual part of Greece, an " Arcadian " came to signify a dunce, and hence Arcades ambo received its present acceptation. Arcady. Another form of Arcadia, — the middle and highest part of the Peloponnesus, derived from Areas, the son of Callisto. Arcana coelestia, (Lat.) Heavenly secrets. 42 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Arcana imperil. (Lat.) The secrets or mysteries of government. Arcanum. A secret. Arc-en-ciel. (Fr.) "The arch in the sky." The rainbow. Arch, (i) Archibald. (2) Architect ; architecture. Archcarnifez. Thomas Norton, the persecutor (i 532-1 584). Archd. Archdeacon. Arches, The. Sailor men have nick- names for nearly every port or haven in the navigable globe. They always speak of archipelagoes as " the arches." The story goes that an officer of the deck on board a United States man-of- war saw a knot of sailors listening in- tently one night to the yarns spun by a grizzled old tar about his adventures in " going through the arches." A young sailor after a while said, with a puzzled and sheepish air, " The arches of what ? " To which the old salt responded, with a look of withering contempt, " The arches of Pelago, of course, you lubber ! " Archeus. (Pseud.) John Sterling, in " Hymns of a Hermit," in " Black- wood's Magazine." Archilochian Bitterness. Ill-natured satire ; so named from Archilochus, the Grecian satirist (fl. 714-676 b. c). Archimage. The name given by Thomson to the demon Indolence. Arch-Monarch of the World. Na- poleon III. of France. Arctic Sahara. In 1883 Baron Nor- denskjold explored the interior of Green- land, and found it to be a gigantic ice-field, destitute of vegetation and de- void of life. He named it the " Arctic Sahara." Arcturus. (Pseud.) Mrs. Catherine Stratton Ladd (b. 1809), in her contribu- tions to various periodicals. Ardentia verba. (Lat.) Glowing words. Ares. In classic mythology the god of war; the same as Mars (y. v.). Arethusa. In classic mythology one of the Nereids, and an attendant on Diana. Arg. Argumento. (Lat.) By an argu- ment drawn from such a law. Argan. A miserly hypochondriac. He reduced himself to this dilemma : If his apothecary would not charge less, he could not afford to be sick; but if he swallowed fewer drugs, he would suffer in health. Argent comptant. (Fr.) Ready money. Argo. In classic mythology the name of the fifty-oared ship in which Jason and his heroes made their voyage to Colchis in search of the Golden Fleece. See Argonauts. Argonauts, (i) Legendary Greek he- roes of antiquity who undertook a voy- age to unknown seas in a vessel called the Argo, under the command of Jason. After four months of peril and adven- ture they returned to lolchus, and Jason dedicated the Argo to Neptune at the Isthmus of Corinth. The common in- terpretation of the legend is, that Jason's expedition was simply a voyage of dis- .covery. The reputed search for the Golden Fleece {q. v.) is probably a later appendage to the tale. (2) The name Argonauts has become proverbial, and is often applied to those early pioneers who emigrated to California about the year 1849, during the gold fever. Argo NaviB (the Ship Argo). A con- stellation of the southern hemisphere containing sixty-four stars, two of which (Canopus and Miaplacidus) are of the first magnitude. This constellation commemorates the mythological story of Jason's expedition to Colchis to recover the Golden Fleece. Argosy. A merchant's freight, — so called from the ship Argo, which went to Colchis to fetch away the GoldenFleece. Argot. (Fr.) Slang or flash language. Argumentum ab inoonvenienti. (Lat.) An argument to prove that a proposition will not meet the intended purpose, and is therefore fruitless. Argumentum ad absurdum. (Lat.) An argument to prove the absurdity of a thing. Argumentum ad crumenam. (Lat.) An argument directed to the purse or pocket. Argumentum ad fidem. (Lat.) An appeal to faith. Argumentum ad hominem. (Lat.) " An argument to the man." An argu- ment deriving its force from its direct personal application. Argumentum ad ignorantiam. (Lat.) "An argument to ignorance." An ar- gument founded on the ignorance of facts shown by an opponent. Argumentum ad invidiam. (Lat.) " An argument to envy." An appeal to low passions. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 43 Argumentum ad judicium. (Lat.) An appeal to the common-sense of mankind. Argumentum ad populum. (Lat.) An appeal to the people. Argumentum ad verecundiam. (Lat.) An appeal to modesty. Argumentum baculinum. (Lat.) Club law. Argus. In classic mythology a crea- ture endowed with a hundred eyes, and of enormous strength. Juno sent him to guard lo (?. w.); but Mercury killed him, and transferred his eyes to the tail of the peacock. Argus. (Pseud.) Irwin Willes, a sporting writer on the staff of the Lon- don " Morning Post " (d. 1871). Argtis-eyed. Jealously watchful. Ac- cording to Grecian fable, Argus had a hundred eyes, and Juno set him to watch lo, of whom she was jealous. Argus the lixile. (Pseud.) An- other signature of Irwin WiUes; see supra. Ari. Arizona. Aria buffa. (Ital.) A comic song. (Mus.) Aria d' abilita. (Ital.) A song of difficult execution. (Mus.) Aria di cantabile. (Ital.) An air to be sung in a graceful and flowing style. (Mus.) Arian Controversy, The, raged from the fourth to the seventeenth century with more or less virulence. The Arians denied the divinity of Christ. Tliey were condemned by the Council of Nice (325 A. D.) ; but their doctrine long prevailed, and so late as 1614 Leggatt, an Arian, was burned at Smithfield. See Adopt- lAN Controversy. Ariel. (Pseud.) Rev. Stephen Fiske, 1828-1864, in his contributions to the New York " Leader." Arion. In classical mythology an ancient Greek bard and musician. Arioso. (Ital.) In the manner of an air; vocal, melodious. (Mus.) Aristaeus. In classic mythology an ancient Greek divinity, the protector of vines and olive gardens and of hunters and herdsmen. Aristeas. In classical mythology a fabulous creature, known as " the Wan- dering Jew of Ancient Greece," who figures in widely separated ages and places and in very difierent characters. Herodotus says he was a magician whose spirit could leave his body and return at will. Aristophanes of Caricature. Henri Daumier (b. 1810), the French carica- turist, was so named by critics. Aristotelian Unities. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, laid it down as a rule that every tragedy, properly con- structed, should contain but one catas- trophe ; should be limited to only one scene ; and be circumscribed to the ac- tion of one single day. These are called the Aristotelian unities. Aristotle of China. Tschuhe, who died A. D. 1200, called the "Prince of Science." Aristotle of the Nineteenth Cen- tury. George Cuvier, the great natu- ralist (1769-1832). Arith. Arithmetic. Arizona. This is an Indian word, meaning "blessed sun." Ark. Arkansas. So much uncertainty exists as to the proper pronunciation of the name of Arkansas (Indian, kan- sas, " smoky water," and the French prefix arc, "a bow") that it may not be out of place to give a brief account of the origin of the name and define the correct usage. The proper pronun- ciation is " Ar'kahnsah'," accented on the first and last syllables. This was the old Indian pronunciation, which the early French traders expressed in let- ters as "Arkansas." The French a is always broad, and the final s is silent ; so "Arkansas" to the French was pro- nounced "Ar'kahnsah'." Congress, in the Act organizing the Territory, spelled the name "Arkansaw," and for some years the name continued to be so spelled. Finally, as every one knew the pronunciation, the original spelling was brought again into use. Then, however, came a generation who knew not the his- tory or the pronunciation of the word, who called it "Arkan'zass," with the accent on the second syllable ; and this mispronunciation throve, and was ac- cepted by many. In 1880 the State His- torical and the Eclectic Societies jointly investigated the name and its pronun- ciation, and on their report, the sub- stance of which is given above, the Legislature of the State decided that the legal pronunciation was "Ar'kahn- sah'." 44 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Arkansas Toothpick. A bowie-knife of a peculiar kind, the blade of which shuts up into the handle. Straightway leaped the valiant Slingsby Into armor of Seville, With a strong Arkansas toothpick Screwed in every joint of steel. Bon Gaultier, American Ballads. Arm. Armenian. Armed Neutrality. The compact iormed by Russia, Sweden, and Den- mark against England in 1780, and which fell to pieces in 1781. It was renewed in 1800. The British Cabinet remonstrated, war ensued, and Nelson and Parker destroyed the Danish fleet before Copenhagen, April 2, 1801. Armed Soldier of Democracy. Na- poleon I. was so named. Armes blanches. (Fr.) Steel weap- ons ; cold steel. Armiger. One bearing arms ; an es- quire. Arm-in-arm Convention. A name given to a convention of Republicans that supported President Johnson's pol- icy on reconstruction. It met in Phila- delphia in August, 1866. Its name arose from the fact that the members from Massachusetts and from South Caro- lina entered the convention together at the head of the delegates. Armor. Armoric. Arnoldists. The partisans of Arnold of Brescia, who raised his voice against the abuses and vices of the papacy in the twelfth century. He was burned alive by Pope Adrian IV. Arod. Designed for Sir William Wal- ler, in the satire of " Absalom and Achi- tophel," by Dryden and Tate. Aroostook War. See Northeast Boundary. Arouet. (Pseud.) Joseph Brown Ladd, American poet (i 764-1 786), who wrote a volume of poetry to "Amanda " signed "Arouet." Around. This word is used in Amer- ica in the sense of " near." An Ameri- can " Police Gazette " quotes a witness as saying, " I was standing around when the fight took place ; " and Bartlett, in his " Dictionary of Americanisms," says, "A friend assures me that he has heard a clergyman in his sermon say of one of the disciples that " he stood around the cross." Arpeggio. (Ital.) Those passages which are formed of the notes of regu- lar chords played in rapid succession, after the manner of a harp. (Mus.) A. R. R. Anno regni regis. In the year of the reign of the king. Arr. Arrive ; arrival. Arria. (Pseud.) Mrs. Eliza Lofton (Phillips) Pugh (b. 1841), in various daily papers of New York City. Arri&re-garde. (Fr.) The rear-guard. Arriere-pensee. (Fr.) Mental reser- vation ; a thought kept to one's self. Arrov7 Festival. Instituted by Zoro- aster to commemorate the flight of the arrow shot from the top of the Peak of Demavend, in Persia, with such mirac- ulous prowess as to reach the banks of the Oxus, causing the whole intervening country to be ceded to Persia. Arrow of Acestes. In a trial of skill, according to the Roman fable, Acestes the Sicilian discharged his arrow with such force that it took fire. Like Acestes' shaft of old, The swift thought kindles as it flies. Longfellow. A. R. S. A. Associate of the Royal Scottish Academy. Ars est celare artem. (Lat.) "Art is to conceal art." The perfection of art is to conceal art. Ars longa, vita brevis. (Lat.) Art is long, life is short. A. R. S. S. Antiguariorum Regice Societatis Socius. Fellow of the Royal Society of Antiquaries. Art. Article. Art and Part. A Scotch law phrase, — an accessory before and after the fact. A man is said to be art and part of a crime when he contrives the manner of the deed and concurs with and encour- ages those who commit the crime, al- though he does not put his own hand to the actual execution of it. Artemis. The same as Diana {q. v.). Artemisia. Lady Mary Wortley Mon- tagu was satirized under this name by Pope. Artemus Ward. (Pseud.) Charles F. Browne, American humorist and lec- turer (1834-1867). Arthur Bitter. (Pseud.) Samuel Haberstitch, German author. Arthur Dudley. (Pseud.) Charlotte Campbell, Countess of Bury (i 775-1861). FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 45 Arthur Sketchley. (Pseud.) George Rose, English humorous writer (1830- 1883). Arthur Venner. (Pseud.) William McCrillis Griswold, in the magazines of the United States. ArtU. Artillery. Artotyrites. Certain heretics from among the Montanists, — so called be- cause they offered bread and cheese to the priesdiood. ^rt preservative of all Arts. Print- ing is so named. The phrase is from the inscription upon the fagade of the house at Haarlem formerly occupied by Laurent Koster, or Coster, who is credited, among others, with the inven- tion of printing. Mention is first made of this inscription about 1628 : — MEMORI^ SACRUM TYPOGRAPHIA ARS ARTIUM OMNIUM CONSERVATRIX. HIC PRIMUM INVENTA CIRCA ANNUM MCCCCXL. Arts d'agrement. (Fr.) Accomplish- ments (in ladies' schools) ; music and dancing. . Arturi, Mademoiselle. The profes- sional name of Miss Ada Arthur. Aruna. The phaeton of Indian my- thology. Arvakur. One of the horses of the sun, in Scandinavian mythology. A. S. Anglo-Saxon. A. S., or Assist. Sec. Assistant Sec- retary. As. Arsenicum. A. S. A. American Statistical Asso- ciation. Asa-Loki. The same as Loki (!■ ■"■)■ Asa-Thor. In Scandinavian mythol- ogy the first-born of mortals. Asa Trenchard. (Pseud.) Henry Watterson, American journalist (b. 1832). Ascalapbus. In classical mythology a son of Acheron who was transformed into an owl by Ceres for mischief- making. Ascension Day. The fortieth day after Easter Sunday. See Holy Thurs- day and Maundy Thursday. Ascraean Sage. Hesiod (eighth cen- tury B. c.) is so named by Vir|;il in his Sixth Eclogue. He was born in Ascra, in Boeotia. Asgard. In Scandinavian mythology the Norse celestial abode of the gods, situated in the centre of the universe, and reached only by the bridge Bifrost (the rainbow). Ashtaroth. The Biblical name of Astarte (y. v.). Ash Wednesday. This is the first day of Lent in the modern Christian calendar. In ancient times Lent be- gan on the Sunday now called the first Sunday in Lent. Pope Felix II. in 487 added the four days preceding the old Lent Sunday, in order to raise the num- ber of fasting days to forty. Gregory the Great, about 590, introduced the sprinkling of ashes, on the first of the four additional days ; hence the names of Dies Cinerum, or Ash Wednesday. At the Reformation this practice was abolished, " as being a mere shadow of vain show." It is said that the ashes were obtained from the burning of the Christmas greens which had adorned the churches since Christmastide, and which in turn formed a relic of an old Pagan custom. Asinum tondes. (Lat.) "You are shearing an ass." There is a great cry, but little wool. Asir. In Scandinavian mythology the twelve gods and twelve goddesses, — Odin, Thor, Baldur, Niord, Frey, Tyr, Bragi, Heimdall, Vidar, Vali, UUur, and Forseti. Ask and Embla. The Adam and Eve made by Odin, — one from ash- wood, and the other from elm. Aslo. One of the horses of the sun, in Scandinavian mythology. Asmodeus. In Hebrew mythology the evil spirit of Vanity, called in the Talmud " King of the devils." In mod- ern literature he is often pithily referred to as the destroying angel of marital happiness. Asmodeus of Domestic Peace. As- modeus falls in love virith Sara, daugh- ter of Raguel, and causes the succes- sive death of seven husbands, each on his bridal night. After her marriage to Tobit he was driven into Egypt Dy a charm made by Tobias of the heart and liver of a fish burned on perfumed ashes, and being pursued, was taken prisoner and bound. Asopus. In classical mythology a son of Oceanus who was changed mto a river for revolting against Jupiter. 46 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Aspasia. A courtesan. She was the most notorious of the Greek Hetera, to whom Pericles attached himself; after the death of the latter she lived with Lysicles, a cattle-merchant. Asp for the Breast of the Poor. The sewing-needle has been so named. Asphaltic Lake. The Dead Sea, where asphalt abounds both on the sur- face of the water and on the banks. Asphalt is bitumen, from the Greek aiKpaKros. Asraiil. The angel who will sound the resurrection trumpet, according to the Koran. Ass., or Assn. Association. Assai. (Ital.) Very; extremely, A word appended to some other musical term, as Adagio assai, very slow; Alle- gro assai, very quick. (Mus.) Assassination Plot. The name by which a conspiracy to assassinate Wil- liam III. is known in English history. The Earl of Aylesbury and others planned to take his life near Richmond as he returned from hunting; but the plot was discovered Feb. 15, 1696, the day before that fixed for its consum- mation. Assaye Regiment. The Seventy- fourth English foot, — so named because they first distinguished themselves in the battle of Assaye, India, in 1803. Assiento Treaties. Contracts en- tered into by Spain with Portugal, France, and England, to supply her South American colonies with negro slaves. England joined in 1713, after the peace of Utrecht. Assinego. (Port.) A young ass ; a simpleton. Associated Youth. A name given in 1 798 to associations of young Feder- alists, who drew up addresses in favor of the Federalist party and its princi- ples, and in other ways supported and aided it. They were largely instrumental in spreading the custom of wearing black cockades. A. S. S. XT. American Sunday-School Union. Assumpsit. It is assumed, or taken for granted. Assumption Day. AugustlJ, — so named in honor of the Blessed Vir- gin, who, according to the Greek and Roman Churches, was received into heaven without dying, in the seventy- fifth year of her age. Assunta Howard. (Pseud.) Miss Edith A. Salter. Astarte. The Punic form of the name of the Syrian deity known in the Bible under the name of Ashtaroth. Astor Place Riots. Incited by Ed- win Forrest's friends to hinder Mac- ready's acting at the Astor Place Opera House in New York, May 10, 1849. Astra castra, numen lumen. (Lat.) The stars my camp, the Deity my light. Astrsea. In classical mythology the goddess of justice, daughter of Jupiter and of Themis. During the Golden Age this goddess dwelt on earth ; but when sin began to prevail, she reluctantly left it, and was metamorphosed into the con- stellation Virgo. Astraea. (Pseud.) Mrs. Aphra Behn, English authoress (1640-1689). Astral Spirits. The spirits of the stars. According to the mythology of the Persians, Greeks, Jews, etc., each star had its special spirit, which may be termed its soul, or vital principle. Paracelsus maintained that every man had his attendant star, which received him at death, and took charge of him till the great resurrection. Astrol. Astrology. Astron. Astronomy. Astrophel. " Star-lover." A name by which Sir Philip Sidney refers to himself. " Phil. Sid." he took as being at once a contraction of his name and of the haXm philos sidus; and the Latin sidus being exchanged for the Greek Strrpov, he obtained " astronphilos," — hence "Astrophel." The "star" he adored was Penelope Devereux, whom he named " Stella," and to whom he was affianced. Astyanaz. In classical mythology the only son of Hector and Andromache. To prevent the fulfilment of an oracle that he should restore the kingdom of Troy, the Greeks hurled hira from the walls of the city. Asylum of the Oppressed of every Nation. This phrase is used in the Dem- ocratic National Platform of 1856, refer- ring to the United States. A. T. Arch-treasurer. Atalanta. In classical mythology a princess of Sayros, or of Arcadia, famed for her beauty. She agreed to marry that one of her suitors who should out- run her, those whom she outstripped to suffer death. In this manner many FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 47 perished ; but Hippomenes, by dropping at intervals three golden apples, which Atalanta stopped to pick up, arrived first at the goal, and claimed her hand. Ate. In classical mythology a daugh- ter of Jupiter and goddess of discord. A tempo, or A tern. (Ital.) In time. Used to indicate that after an ad libitum passage, or a variation in the regular time of a piece, the performer must return to the regular time. (Mus.) A tempo giusto. (Ital.) In strict and equal time. (Mus.) A tergo. (Lat.) " From behind." At one's back. Athena. The ancient name of Athens (Gr. 'A^caOi by which it is often referred to in modern literature. Minerva (in Greek, Athene) was regarded as the tutelary goddess of the city. Age shakes Athena's tower, but spares gray Marathon. Byron, Childe Harold, canto ii. Athei^e. In classical mythology one of the chief female deities of the Greeks, corresponding to Minerva among the Romans. Athenian Aberdeen. George Ham- ilton Gordon, Earl of Aberdeen (b. 1784), was thus named by Byron. He made a tour through Greecej which was com- memorated in the following line : — " The travelled thane, Athenian Aberdeen." Athenian Bee. Plato the philosopher was so named because of the honeyed sweetness of his words. Athena. See Modern Athens; Northern Athens. Athens of America. Boston, Mass. ; celebrated as a centre of polite litera- ture. Athens of Ireland, (i) The city of Cork, the domicile or the birthplace of many erudite and eminent Irishmen. (2) The city of Belfast has also been so named. Athena of the East The city of Sheraz, capital of the province of Fars, in Persia. It has numerous colleges, and anciently was the home of poetry and the arts. It gave birth to more distinguished Persian poets than any other Persian city. If Mohammed had tasted the pleasures of Sheraz, he would have begged of Allah to make him immortal there. — Persian Saying. Athens of the "West, (i) A medise- val name of Cordova, in Spain ; under its Mohammedan rulers it attained great eminence in the domain of letters. (2) Jacksonville, 111. It has numerous colleges, schools, and academies. Atherton Gag. This was a resolu- tion seeking to have all petitions and papers relating to slavery " laid on the table without being printed, debated, or referred," introduced by C. G. Atherton, of New Hampshire, and passed by the United States House of Representatives Dec. II, 1838. It was repealed in 1845. Athor, in Egyptian mythology, an- swers to the Venus of classic myth. Atlantean Shoulders. Shoulders broad and strong, like those of Atlas, which support the world. Sage he [Beelzebub] stood, With Atlantean shoulders, fit to bear The weight of mightiest monarchies. Milton, Paradise Lost. Atlantis. Nine thousand years before Plato lived and wrote, there existed, he tells us in his Timaeus, in the ocean that separates the Old World from the New, an island larger than Asia Minor and Northern Africa combined, densely peopled by a powerful race. He locates it in what is now a watery waste, midway between the westward projec- tion of the desert coast of Africa and the corresponding indentation by the Gulf of Mexico of the " paradise of America." On its western shores were other and smaller islands, by way of which access might be had to a vast continent beyond. Its civilization was as advanced as that of ancient Egypt. Its people were descended from Nep- tune and mortal women, and by force of arms their warriors penetrated into Africa as far eastward as Egypt, and into Europe as far as the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea (the western coast of Italy). Their conquests were checked by the Greeks after the Atlantean sea- kings had attempted to subjugate Eu- rope, Africa, and Asia, and the deed was accounted one of the glories of Athens. At length, however, the people became so desperately wicked that the island with all its inhabitants was swept away by a deluge. In a day and a night At- lantis disappeared beneath the waves. Another account, slightly varied, says that after the defeat of the islanders a terrific earthquake, attended by inunda- tions of the sea, caused the island to sink, and for a long time thereafter the ocean was impass^le by reason of the muddy shoals. Such is the substance of a legend, first communicated to So- lon by an Egyptian priest, and perhaps 48 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. founded on fact, that has existed from a very early date. On old Venetian maps Atlantis was placed to the westward of the Canaries and the Azores. To the ancients the unknown was always gigan- tic or terrible ; so they represented At- lantis as being larger than either Europe or Africa, though the great extent as- signed to the island may have only sig- nified one very large in proportion to the smaller isles of the Mediterranean, — the only islands with which the ancients were familiar. Diodorus Siculus tells us that " over against Africa lies a very great island in the vast ocean, many days' sail from Libya westward. The soil there is very fruitful, a great part whereof is mountainous, but much like- wise champaign, which is the most sweet and pleasant part, for it is watered by several navigable streams, and beau- tiful with many gardens of pleasure, planted by divers sorts of trees and an abundance of orchards. The towns are adorned with stately buildings and ban- queting-houses, pleasantly situated in their gardens and orchards." The in- habitants of Venezuela and of Guiana re- tained traditions of a convulsion " which swallowed up a vast country in the region now covered by the Atlantic ocean." The Toltecs, the ancient in- habitants of Central America, have a tradition of the "cataclysm of the An- tilles ; " among the Indians of North America there is a similar legend. The tribes located farther southward have a circumstantial narrative to the efEect that the waves of the ocean were seen rolling in like mountains from the east, and that of the millions of people who fled toward the hills for refuge, only one man (seven in other accounts) was saved, from whom descended the pres- ent Indian races. A religious festival was instituted to commemorate the dread event, aftd to beseech the Almighty not to revisit the earth with such terrors. In this catastrophe it is claimed that an area greater in extent than France was engulfed, embracing the peninsulas of Yucatan, Honduras, Guatemala, and the Lesser Antilles, together with the mag- nificent cities of Palenque and Uxmal, with most of their inhabitants ; and it is supposed that "the continent has since risen sufiiciently to restore many of these ancient sites." The Greeks, the Egyptians, the Gauls, and the Romans possessed traditions on this subject, and all the accounts substantially agree with each other. These traditions were collected by Timagenes, the Roman historian, who flourished in the century preceding the birth of Christ. He re- presents Gaul as having been invaded from a distant island to the westward, by which many understand Atlantis to be meant. Another writer, Marcellus, mentions that the inhabitants of seven islands lying in the Atlantic Ocean near the coast of Europe (probably the Cana- ries) kept alive the memory of a much greater island, named Atlantis, which terrorized over the smaller ones. At the date of the existence of Atlantis, according to Humboldt, what is now the Strait of Gibraltar was probably bridged by a solid isthmus at least as wide as that of Suez, thus dosing the Mediter- ranean and making of it an inland sea. The same convulsion of Nature which engulfed the island also established communication between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Charles Fr^ ddric Martins, the French botanist, says that " hydrography, geology, and botany agree in teaching us that the Azores, the Canaries, and Madeira are the re- mains of a great continent which for- merly united Europe to North America." The ancient writers found this a most captivating subject upon which to ex- pand their conjectures, as is proved by the many comments upon Plato's narra- tive which have descended to us mod- erns. Nor have there been wanting scientists in our own day to view with favorable eyes the possibility of the existence, at a time now remote, of a mid- Atlantic island. Although Hum- boldt, Unger, and Goeppert, the Ahh6 Brasseur, Winchell, Foster, Wild, Heer, and others equally eminent found noth- ing startling or improbable in the idea, the story is now considered to be myth- ical. Atlas. In classical mythology one of the Titans, son of lapetus and Cly- mene, who for punishment was con- demned by Jupiter to bear on his head and hands the world he had attempted to destroy. Atonement, Day of. The Jewish day of national expiation for sin, kept on the tenth day of the month Tisri, corresponding to our October, five days before the Feast of Tabernacles. Its origin and commemorative signification are generally thought to date from and refer to the remembrance of the day FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 49 when Moses came down from the mount with the second tables of the law, and proclaimed to the people the divine forgiveness of their sin in worshipping the golden calf. A tort et h droit. (Fr.) Right or wrong. A tort et k travers. (Fr.) At ran- dom ; without discretion. Atossa. A nickname conferred on Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, by Pope, because she was the friend of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, whom he likewise christened Sappho. A toutes jambes. (Fr.) As fast as one's legs can carry. A tout propos. (Fr.) At every turn ; ever and anon. AtropoB. In classical mythology one of the three Fates, — she who cut the thread of life. A. T. S. American Tract Society. AtB. At suit of. At spes non fracta. (Lat.) But hope is not broken. Attaooa, Attacca subito. (Ital.) Im- plies that the following movement is to be immediately begun or attacked. (Mus.) Attic Bee. Sophocles, the Athenian poet ; so named from the sweetness and melody of his compositions. Attic Bird. Another name for the nightingale. Attic Hercules. Theseus, who went about, hke Hercules, his great contem- porary, destroying robbers and achiev- ing wondrous exploits. Attic Homer. Sophocles was so named by the ancients. Attic Muse. Xenophon, the histo- rian, was so named. He was a native of Athens, and his style was a model oi elegance. Attic Salt. Elegant and delicate wit. Salt, among the Greeks and Ro- mans, signified wit or sparkling thought cleverly expressed. Scipio omnes sale sitperaiat (Sdpio surpassed all in wit). The Athenians were noted for their wit; hence Attic salt means wit deli- cately expressed, as by those of Athens, the capital of Attica. Atticus. See the prefixes Christian, English, Irish, etc. Atticus. (Pseud.) (i) William Mac- call, English author (b. 1812). (2) One of the pseudonyms commonly attributed to Junius (j'. v.). Attila of the Piano. Thalberg was so named. Attiugians. Heretics of the eighth century, who solemnized baptism with the words, " I am the living water." Attorney-General to the Lantern. A title adopted by Camille Desmoulins (fl. 1 762-1 794), one of the earliest pro- moters of the French Revolution and of the excesses which culminated in the hanging of inoffensive persons to the lamp-ropes which crossed the streets of Paris. Atty. Attorney. Atty.-Gen. Attorney-General. A. U. A. American Unitarian Asso- ciation. Au bout de son Latin. (Fr.) " At the end of his Latin." Having ex- hausted his knowledge. Aub. Theol. Sem. Auburn Theo- logical Seminary. A. XJ. C. Anno urbis condita, or Ab urbe condita. In the year from the building of the city (Rome). Au contraire. (Fr.) On the con- trary. Au courant. A French phrase which means " well acquainted with." In Eng- lish composition it is used in such sentences as, " He kept himself au cou- rant of all that was passing around him." Auctor pretiosa facit. (Lat.) The giver makes the gift more precious. Audaces fortuna juvat. (Lat.) For- tune favors the bold. Au d^sespoir. (Fr.) In a state of despondency. Audhumla ("the nourishing power"). In Scandinavian mythology the cow created by Surt to nourish Ymir. " She supplied him with four rivers of milk, and was herself sustained by licking the rocks." Audi alteram partem. (Lat.) "Hear the other side." Hear both sides, and then judge. Au fait. (Fr.) Acquainted with ; having a thorough knowledge of. Au fond. (Fr.) To the bottom, or main point. Aug. August. Augean Stables. A phrase borrowed from antiquity, and signifying an accu- mulation of corruption almost beyond the power of man to remove. Augeas, king of Elis, kept a herd of three thou- so FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. sand oxen in his stables, which had not been cleansed in thirty years. Hercules performed the task of renovating these in one day by turning into them the riv- ers Alpheus and Peneius. See Twelve Labors of Hercules. In classical mythology king of Elis, and one of the Argonauts. The cleansing of the filthy stables of this king formed the fifth of the twelve la- bors of Hercules (y. w.). See Augean Stables. Augur. (Pseud.) (i) Another of the pseudonyms attributed to Junius {q. v.). , (2) Henry Mort Feist, a sporting writer and racing "prophet" in the London " Life." Augusta Dargon. The stage-name of Mrs. Dr. Piercy. Augusta J. Evans. (Pseud.) Mrs. Augusta J. Evans Wilson, author of " Beulah." Augusta Haymond. The stage-name of Mrs. Edward E. Kidder. Augustan Age. The best, most prolific period. The term "Augus- tan " is from Augustus, emperor of Rome in the palmy days of Latin literature. Augustan Age of England. The Elizabethan period. That of Anne is called the " Silver Age." Augustan Age of France. That of Louis XIV. (1610-1740). Augustan Age of Germany. The nineteenth century. Augustan Age of Portugal. The reign of Don Alphonso Henrique. In this reign Brazil was occupied; the Af- rican coast explored ; the sea-route to India was traversed; and Camoens flourished. Augustinians. Divines who main- tained, on the authority of Saint Augus- tine, that grace is effectual absolutely, quite independent of the person who receives it. Augustus. A surname conferred on (i) Philip II. of France {R. 1 165-1223), because he was born in the month of August; (2) Sigismund II. of Poland (fl. 1 520-1 572). Augustus Dunshunner. (Pseud.) William E. Aytoun, British critic and poet (1813-1865). Au jour le jour. (Fr.) Day by day; day in, day out. Auld Ane, or Old Clootie, or Auld Hangie. Colloquial names among the Scotch for the devil. See Auld Hornie. Auld Brig and New Brig, of Robert Burns, refer to the bridges over the river Ayr in Scotland. Auld Hornie. The heathen deities were degraded by the Christian Church into fallen angels; and Pan, with his horns, crooked nose, goat's beard, pointed ears, and goat's feet, was trans- formed to his Satanic majesty, and called Old (Scotch, "Auld") Hornie. Auld Reekie. The city of Edin- burgh ; so named on account either of (i) its filthy and ill-smelling thorough- fares, or (2) the canopy of cloud or smoke that seems to overhang the city when viewed from a distance. Au natural. (Fr.) To the life; in its natural state ; simply cooked. Aunt, Aunty, Uncle. The peculiar American use of these personal terms is really of Old England origin, though now obsolete in the mother-country. In 1793 some one gave a list of local expressions as belonging to Cornwall, and in regard to " aunt " writes : " It is common in Cornwall to call an elderly person ' aunt ' or ' uncle ' prefixed to their names. The same custom is said to prevail in the island of Nantucket, in North America." " Aunt " and " uncle " as familiar terms, it may be remembered, are as common among colored people as in Cornwall. Aunt Abby. (Pseud.) Abby Skin- ner, an American author. Aunt Adna. (Pseud.) Mrs. J. M. Dana, American author of juvenile tales. Aunt Carrie. (Pseud.) Mrs. Caro- line L. Smith, an American writer. Aunt Carry. (Pseud.) Mrs. C. E. S. Norton, author of sundry poems for chil- dren, 1847. Aunt Charity. (Pseud.) Mrs. Sarah C. [Smith] Yeiser, a well-known South- ern writer. See Azel^e. Aunt EfBe. (Pseud.) Mrs. Harkshaw. Aunt Fanny. (Pseud.) Mrs. F. D. B. Gage, a charming writer for children. Aunt Friendly. (Pseud.) Mrs. Sarah S. Tuthill Baker. Aunt Hattie. (Pseud.) Mrs. H.W.W. Baker. Aunt Kitty. (Pseud.) Maria J. Mac- intosh, an American writer (b. 1803). FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. SI Aunt Lucy. (Pseud.) Mrs. L. E. B. Bather. Aunt Maggie. (Pseud.) Mrs. Ray- mond Blaythwait. Aunt Maguire. (Pseud.) Mrs. Fran- ces Miriam Berry, in " Godey's Lady's Book." Aunt Margaret. (Pseud.) Miss Mar- garet Buchan, in " St. Nicholas." Aunt Mary. (Pseud.) Miss Mary A. Lathbury, American author and artist. Aunt Sophronia. (Pseud.) Mrs. Julia McNair Wright, author of temperance literature for the young. Au pied de la lettre. (Fr.) Liter- ally. Au pis aller. (Fr.) At the worst. Aur. Aurum. (Lat.) Gold. Aura popularis. (Lat.) The gale of popular favor. Aurea mediocritas. (Lat.) The gold- en mean, or middle way. Au re3te. (Fr.) " To the remainder." In addition to this ; besides. Au revoir. (Fr.) Good-by ; farewell. Au rez-de-ohauasee. (Fr.) On the ground-floor. Auri sacra fames. (Lat.) The ac- cursed thirst for gold. Aurora. Early morning. According to Grecian mythology the goddess Au- rora, called by Homer "rosy-fingered," sets out before the sun, and is the pio- neer of his rising. Aurora's Tears. The morning dew. These tears are shed for the death of her son Memnon, who was slain by Achilles at the siege of Troy. Au3. Austria; Austrian. Ausonia. The ancient classic name for Italy, derived from Auson, son of Ulysses, and father of the Ausones. Romantic Spain, Gay-lilied fields of France, or, more refined, Tlie soft Ausonia's monumental reign. Campbell, Gertrude of Wyoming. Auster. A wind pernicious to flowers and health. In Italy one of the south winds was so called ; its modern name is the " Sirocco." Austin Stannus. (Pseud.) Clotilda Greaves, an American writer for the stage. Austrian Hyena. An epithet given to Julius Jakob von Haynau (fl. 1786- 1853), an Austrian general, execrated for his cruelty to the political prisoners who were unfortunately committed to his charge during the risings under Kos- suth and Gorgei. Austrian Iiip. The thick under-lip characteristic of the members of the house of Hapsburg, said to have been derived from Cymburgis, niece of a for- mer king of Poland. Austrian Succession. Charles VI. died Oct. 20, 1740. His daughter, Maria Theresa, succeeded him. The succession was, however, disputed by Charles Albert, Elector of Bavaria, and August III. of Poland and Saxony. Spain claimed a part of the Austrian dominions, and Frederick the Great de- manded the cession of Silesia, his inva- sions of which began what is known to history as the " War of the Austrian Suc- cession." Aut Ccesar aut nuUua. (Lat.) Either Cassar or nobody. ^ Authentic Doctor. Gregory of Rim- ini (d. I3S7). Author of "The Task." Cowper (fl. 1 731-1800) is so named from the title of his principal poem. Auth. Ver., or A.V. Authorized Ver- sion (of the Bible). Auto da F6. (Port., literally " an act of faith ; " from the Latin actus, act, and fides, faith.) A day set apart by the In- quisition for examining heretics, who, if not acquitted, were burned. The Inquis- itors burned their victims, being forbid- den to shed blood; the Roman Church holding Ecclesia non novit sanguinem (The Church is untainted with blood). Autolyous. In classic mythology one of the Argonauts. He was a very daring and successful robber, and possessed the power to metamorphose both his plunder and himself. Automedon. Another name for a coachman. He was charioteer to Achilles. Au troisieme. (Fr.) On the third floor. Aut vincere aut mori. (Lat.) Either to conquer or die. Aux armes. (Fr.) To arms. AuxUium ab alto. (Lat.) Help from on high. Av. Average ; avenue. Avant-coureur. (Fr.) A forerunner ; one sent before to announce the ap- proach of another. Avant-garde. (Fr.) The vanguard. Avant-propos. (Fr.) The prelimi- nary mattery the preface. 52 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Avatar. The incarnation of deity in Hindu mythology, or the appearance of a god in a visible form. It properly means " out of the boat," and the allu- sion is to the wide-spread tradition of Noah coming out of the ark. Avdp., or Avoir. Avoirdupois. Avec nautissement. (Fr.) With se- curity. Avec permisaion. (Fr.) With per- mission. Ave Maria. A Roman Catholic form of prayer to the Virgin Mary. The name is derived from the first two words in Latin, which signify " Hail, Mary ! " The word Ave is of two syllables, and is pro- nounced "A-ve." Avenger of Blood. The man who had the birthright, according to the Jew- ish polity, of taking vengeance on him who had killed one of his relatives. The Christless code, That must have life for a blow. Tennyson, Maud. A verbis ad verbera. (Lat.) From words to blows. Avernus. (Gr., "without birds.") A lake in Campania, so called from the belief that its sulphurous and mephitic vapors killed any bird that happened to inhale them. Poets call it the entrance to the infernal regions. Avertin, Saint. The patron saint of the insane. From this comes the French cant-word avertineux, lunatics. Avesta. The sacred scriptures of the Magians, composed by Zoroaster. A vinculo matrimonii. (Lat.) From the bonds of matrimony. Avolonte. (Fr.) "At will." At pleas- ure. A votre sante. (Fr.) To your health. Axe. An Americanism. The dismis- sal of Government employees is figura- tively spoken of as being guillotined, or beheaded. See Blue Envelope. Azenus. See Inhospitable Sea. A. Y. M. Ancient York Masons. Ayrshire Poet. Robert Burns, who was born near the town of Ayr. Azamat Batuk. (Pseud.) Napoleon L. Thieblin, a miscellaneous writer and correspondent (d. i888). See Rigolo. Azazel. The scapegoat. So called by the Jews because the high-priest cast lots on two goats. One lot was for the Lord, and the other lot for Azazel, or Satan ; and the goat on which the latter lot fell was the scape- goat. Azaziel. In Lord Byron's " Heaven and Earth,'' a seraph who fell in love with Anah, a granddaughter of Cain. When the Flood came, he carried her under his wing to some other planet. Azazil. In Paradise Lost, Azazil is the standard-bearer of the infernal host. According to the Koran, when God com- manded the angels to worship Adam, Azazil replied, " Why should the son of fire fall down before a son of clay?" and God cast him out of heaven. His name was then changed to Eblis, which means "despair." Azelee. (Pseud.) Mrs. Sarah C. [Smith] Yeiser in her contributions to the New Orleans " Crescent." Azor's Mirror. Zemira is the name of the lady, and Azor that of the bear, in Marmontel's tale of " Beauty and the Beast." Zemira entreats the kind mon- ster to let her see her father, if only for a few moments ; so, drawing aside a curtain, he shows him to her in a magic mirror. This mirror was a sort of teles- cope, which rendered objects otherwise too far ofi distinctly visible. Azrael. In Hebrew and Mohamme- dan mythology the angel who watches by the dying and separates the soul from the body. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. S3 B. Born; Boron. B. A. Bachelor of Arts. Ba. Barium. Baal. A name applied by the He- brews to the gods of the heathen na- tions by whom they were surrounded, but used with more particular reference to the chief male deity of the Phoeni- cians, the sun-god. Baalbeo of Ireland. Kilmallock, in Limerick, noted for its ruins. Bab, Lady. A waiting-maid on a lady so called, who assumes the airs with the name and address of her mistress. Her fellow-servants and other servants address her as " Lady Bab," or " Your ladyship." Babylon. See Modern Babylon and Mystical Babylon. Babble Brook. (Pseud.) John H. McNaughton, of Caledonia, N.Y., author of the famous poem " Belle Mahone." Babbler. (Pseud.) (i) Alfred Trum- ble, in his articles in the New York "Sunday News." (2) Hugh Kelley, in the "Weekly Chronicle," etc. Babes of the Wood. Bands of out- laws who infested the hills of County Wicklow, Ireland, at the end of the eighteenth century, and who were charged with acts of great iniquity. Babeuf s Conspiracy. " Gracchus " Babeuf was editor of the " Tribune du Peuple"in Paris. In 1796 he plotted against the Directory with a view to obtaining a division of property. _ He was condemned to death, and killed himself May 27, 1797. Babington's Conspiracy. A plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth and make Mary Queen of Scots queen in her stead. It was approved by a number of the Catholic gentry of the realm, among whom was Babington, who believed that Mary out of gratitude would marry him, should the scheme prove successful. But the plot was discovered, and four- teen of the conspirators were executed Sept. 20, 21, 1586. Baboon. Arbuthnot, in his " History of John Bull," satirized Louis XIV. of France under the name " Lewis Baboon," and Philip, Duke of Anjou, grandson of that monarch, under the name "Philip Baboon." Baby Charles. A nickname con- ferred by James I. on his son Charles, afterward Charles I. Bacchanalia. Festivals in honor of Bacchus, characterized by their licen- tiousness and debauchery. Plato says he has seen the whole population of Athens drunk at these festivals. Bacchant. A person given to habits of drinking, — so called from the " bac- chants," or men admitted to the feasts of Bacchus. Bacchante. A female winebibber, — so called from the "Bacchantes," or priestesses of Bacchus. Bacchus. In classic mythology the god of wine, son of Jupiter and Semele ; usually described as a beautiful but del- icate youth. Bachelor Bluff. (Pseud.) Oliver Bell Bunce, an American author. Bachelor President, James Bu- chanan was the only unmarried Presi- dent of the United. States, and was consequently called as above. President Cleveland was at the time of his inaugu- ration unmarried, but he married during his term of office, June 2, 1886. Backbone of the Continent. The Cordilleras, forming the Andes in South America, and the Rocky Mountains in North America. Back-stair Influence. Intriguing or manoeuvring. The palaces or mansions of the great were usually built with a staircase for those state visitors who came publicly, and with another for per- sons desiring to see the great man pri- vately. Hence it was often desirable to be in favor with the guardians of the back stairs, who could admit or exclude at pleasure. Backwoodsman. (Pseud.) Thomas D'Arcy McGee, Canadian author and statesman. Bacon of Theology. Bishop Butler (fl. 1 692-1 752), author of the " Analogy." Bacon's Rebellion. Nathaniel Bacon, "The Virginia Rebel," in 1676, raised a force to chastise the Indians, for which Governor Berkeley proclaimed him a rebel, and sent a force against him. He was captured, tried, acquitted, and restored to all his honors and rights. 54 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Bactrian Sage. Zoroaster, the founder of the Magian religion. He was a na- tive of Bactria, the modern Balkh. Bad, The. Charles II. of Navarre (fl. 1332-1387). Baddeley Cake. The annual cutting of the Baddeley Cake forms a curious custom at Drury Lane Theatre, London, on Twelfth Night, January 6. William Baddeley, the last actor to wear the uni- form of " His Majesty's servants," left ^100 in bank stock, the income from which was to purchase a Twelfth Cake, with wine and punch, which the ladies and gentlemen of the company were re- quested "to partake of every Twelfth Night in the great green-room." Baden-Baden, The American. See American Baden-Baden. Badge-men. Paupers or inhabitants of almshouses, because they frequently wore a badge or an emblem of some sort. See Blue-gowns. Badger. This word, applied to a trader, is common in old plays and books. In the " State Papers, Domestic Series," 1 547-1 580, is the following: "Dec. 17, 1565. Note of certain per- sons upon Humber side, who buy up great quantities of corn, two of whom are authorized badgers." By 5 Eliz. c. 12, badgers are to be licensed annually under penalty of £^. The word means " corn-dealer." Badger State. Wisconsin, — a repre- sentation of which animal appears on its coat-of-arms. Badinage. (Fr.) Light or playful talk. Badinguet. A nickname given to Napoleon III. It was the name of the man whom he shot in the Boulogne af- fair, and was conferred by his enemies in memory of that event. Bad Lands. " In the arid region of the western portion of the United States there are certain tracts of coun- try which have received the name of mauvaises terres, or bad lands. These are dreary wastes, naked hills with rounded or conical forms, composed of sand, sandy clays, and fine fragments of shaly rocks, with steep slopes, and, yielding to the pressure of the foot, they are climbed only by the greatest toil, and it is a labor of no inconsidera- ble magnitude to penetrate or cross such a district of country." — Powell, Exploration of the Colorado of the West. Bad Old Man. Gen. Jubal Early was thus nicknamed by the Confederate soldiery under his command. Bsetica, or Bsetio Vale. Granada and Andalusia, or Spain in general. So called from the river Bsetis, or Guadal- quivir. While o'er the Bsetic vale. Or through the towers of Memphis [Egypt], or the palms By sacred Ganges watered, I conduct The English merchant. Akenside, Hymn to the Naiads. BagateUe. (Fr.) A trifle. Baggage-car, or IiUggage-van. These are the synonymous terms in vogue re- spectively on American and English railroads. Similarly what we call " bag- gage" the English term "luggage." See Freight. Bagman. A commercial traveller, who carries a bag with specimens to show to those whose custom he solicits. In former times commercial travellers used to ride a horse with saddle-bags sometimes so large as almost to conceal the rider. Bairam. The name given to two movable Moslem feasts. The first, which begins on the first day of Lent and lasts three days, is a kind of Pas- chal feast. The second occurs seventy days later, and is not unlike the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. Baker Poet. Jean Reboul, French versifier, who published a volume of Poisies in 1836. Baker's Boy of Anduze. Jean Cava- lier (1679-1740), a brilliant and success- ful French Protestant leader in the religious wars of the seventeenth century. Baker's Dozen. Strictly, thirteen for twelve ; but often used colloquially to denote good measure, running over. The phrase arose out of the custom of English bakers, when a penalty was in- flicted for short weight, giving an extra loaf, so as to be on the safe side. The thirteenth loaf was named the " vantage loaf." ® Baker's Light Bobs. The Tenth Dragoon Guards in the English army are thus nicknamed after their former colonel. Baker Pasha. Bal. Balance. Bal abound. (Fr.) A subscription ball. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. SS Balak, in the second part of "Absa- lom and Achitophel," a satire by Dryden and Tate, is meant for Dr. Burnet, author of " Burnet's Own Time." Balance of Power. An ideal con- dition of affairs aimed at by the states- men of Europe, whereby no one nation attains such preponderance of strength as to endanger the existence of the others. Balance of Trade. The money- value difference between the exports and imports of a nation. Baland of Spain. A man of herculean strength, who called himself Fierabras. Bal ohamp6tro. (Fr.) A ball held in the open air, or out of doors. Bald, The. Charles I, of France, son of Louis le D^bonnaire (fl. 823-877). Bald Eagle of Westchester. James William Husted, a legislator of the State of New York (b. 1833), and a power in the politics of the Empire State. Baldur. In Scandinavian mythology the second son of Odin and Fngga, the god of the summer sun. His untimely death typifies the disappearance of the sun below the horizon during the winter months. Baldwin, in Tasso's " Jerusalem De- livered," is the restless and ambitious dulce of Bologna, leader of twelve hundred horse in the allied Christian army. He was Godfrey's brother. Baldy Smith. The army sobriquet of Gen. William Farrar Smith (b. 1824), who performed gallant service in the Army of the Cumberland. Balham Mystery, or Bravo Case. On April 18, 1876, IVIr. Charles D. T. Bravo, an English barrister, died under suspicious circumstances at Balham, in Surrey. Suicide was at first suspected, but later developments pointed to poi- soning. Verdict rendered, " Wilful mur- der by administration of tartar emetic; " but the guilty parties were never dis- covered. Balios. One of the horses given by Neptune to Peleus on his wedding-day. It afterward belonged to Achilles. Balitsama. The realm of Bali, the Indian Pluto. Ballet. (Fr.) A theatrical represen- tation of a story or fable by means of dancing and music. In England the ballet is the closing piece of an even- ing's performance. Balloon TyUer. James Tytler, a Scot- tish scholar, who emigrated to America in 1796; he gained his sobriquet be- cause he was the first in Scotland to ascend in a fire-balloon on the Mon- golfian principle. He died in Salem, Mass., 1805. Balmung. The sword of Siegfried, forged by Wieland, the Vulcan of the Scandinavians. Wieland, in a trial of merit, clove Amilias, a brother smith, through steel helmet and armor down to the waist; but the cut was so fine that Amilias was not even aware that he was wounded till he attempted to move, when he fell into two pieces. Bait., Balto. Baltimore. Baltic Question. A controversy of long standing between the Baltic Prov- inces and the Russian Government concerning the rights and privileges confirmed to their mhabitants by Alex- ander II., February, 1856. Bambocciades. Grotesque scenes in low life, such as country wakes, penny weddings, and so on. They are so called from the Italian word bamboccio (a crip- ple), the nickname given to Pieter van Laer, the first Dutch painter of such scenes, distinguished in Rome. Bamboozle. (Ital. bamboccio, an old dotard, or a babyish gull.) To cheat by cunning, or daze with tricks. It is a gypsy word, meaning to dress a man in bamboos to teach him swimming. Like the bladders used for the same purpose by little wanton boys, the apparatus is dangerous and deceitful. Bampton Lectures. These lectures are named in honor of their founder, the Rev. John Bampton, canon of Salisbury, who left estates originally worth £110 (= $600) per annum to the University of Oxford for the endowment of eight divinity lectures to be delivered at Great St. iVIary's yearly, and to be published at the expense of the estate within two months of their being preached. " The preacher is to lecture on one of the fol- lowing subjects : The Confirmation of the Christian Faith, and the Confutation of all Heretics and Schismatics; The Divine Authority of the Scriptures ; The Authority of the Primitive Fathers in Matters of Christian Faith and Practice ; The Divinity of Christ ; The Divinity of the Holy Ghost ; The Apostles' and Ni- cene Creeds. No person is qualified to preach these lectures who has not taken the degree of M.A. either at Oxford or 56 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Cambridge, and the same person shall never preach them twice." The first course was delivered in 1780. Banbury Cakes are of great antiquity. In "A Treatise of Melancholy, by T. Bright, Doctor of Physic, 1586," is the following paragraph : " Sodden wheate is a grosse and melancholicke nourish- mente, and bread, especiallie of the fine flower unleavened : of this sorte are bagge puddings, or panne puddings made with flower, frittars, pancakes, such as we calle Banberrie Cakes, and those greate ones confected with butere, egges, etc., used at weddings ; and how- soever it be prepared, rye and bread made thereof carrieth with itte plentie of melancholie." Bandanna. See Red Bandanna. Banded Peak. Another name for Mount Hesperus, a peak of the San Juan Mountains in Southern Colorado. It is composed mainly of volcanic rocks, trachyte, and shale, and at a distance its sides appear banded, or streaked. Bande Noire. A name conferred on the capitalists who bought up the church property during the French Revolution. The term means " Black Band." They pulled down many shrines and destroyed many sacred relics. Bangorian Controversy. This fa- mous theological dispute was occa- sioned by Dr. Benjamin Hoadly, bishop of Bangor, preaching a sermon be- fore George I., March 31, 1 71 7, upon the text, " My kingdom is not of this world " (John xviii. 36), in which he demonstrated the spiritual nature of Christ's kingdom. He drew upon him- self the general indignation of the clergy, who published hundreds of pam- phlets in refutation. Banian Days. Days when no meat is served to a ship's crew. The term is derived from the Banians, a class of Hindu merchants who carried on a most extensive trade with the interior of Asia, but being a caste of the Vaisya, abstained from the use of meat. Banker Poet Samuel Rogers, au- thor of " The Pleasures of Memory." See Bard of Memory. Bankers' Ceise, or Case of the Bankers. The petition of Hornblee and others to the Barons of the Ex- chequer, in 1691 (14 How. St. Tr. i), for the payment of certain annuities granted by Charles II. to repay money originally loaned to him on the security of the revenues. On appeal, the House of Lords decided that the grant was binding upon his successor, and con- tinued a charge upon the revenue. Bank Holidays. England and Ire- land : Easter Monday, Monday in Whit- sun week, first Monday in August, and December 26 (if a week-day). Scot- land : New Year's Day, Christmas Day (if either falls on Sunday, the following Monday to be a bank holiday). Good Friday, and first Monday in May and August. United States : Christmas and New Year's Day, February 22, May 30, July 4, and all other legal holidays of the States in which banks do busmess. See Saint Lubbock. Banks's Horse. A learned horse, called Marocco, belonging to one Banks, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. It is said that one of his exploits was the ascent of St. Paul's steeple, London. Bannatyne Club. A literary club which took its name from George Ban- natyne, to whose industry we owe the preservation of very much of the early Scotch poetry. It was instituted in 1823 by Sir Walter Scott, and had for its ob- ject the publication of rare works illus- trative of Scotch history, poetry, and general literature. The club was dis- solved in 1859. Banshee. In Irish folk-lore a spe- cies of female evil genius called "the wife of the fairies," who is believed to herald an approaching death by utter- ing unearthly shrieks and wailings. Baptiste. "Jean Baptiste" is a col- lective nickname for French Canadians, on account of its commonness among them as a Christian name. Bar. Barometer; Baruch. Barataria. Sancho Panza's island- city, over which he was appointed gov- ernor. His table was presided over by Dr. Pedro Rezio de Augero, who caused every dish set upon the board to be re- moved without being tasted, — some be- cause they heated the blood, and others because they chilled it ; some for one ill effect, and some for another ; so that Sancho was allowed to eat nothing. The word is from barato, cheap. The meat was put on the table and whisked away like Sancho's inauguration feast at Bara- taria. — Thackeray. Barbadoes Leg. A disease character- ized by hypertrophy of the skin and of the subcutaneous areolar tissue, which seems to be identical with the elephan- FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 57 tiasis of the Arabs. Notwithstanding its name, it may affect the arm, female breast, etc. It begins with acute fe- brile symptoms, and inflammation of the superficial lymphatic vessels. The part swells, and becomes uneasy from tension, the glands being especially large and hard. The skin varies in ap- pearance, being sometimes white and shining, and in other cases of a dark color, and studded with projecting veins. The swelling is sometimes very great and quite hard. In some parts of the body, skin which would naturally weigh less than a couple of ounces is thus converted into a tumor weighing from one hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds. The disease is endemic in the tropics ; and in the cases which we see in this country, it always appears that the disease commenced in a hot country. BaTban9ons. Troops of adventurers and free-lances in the twelfth century, who made war a trade, and lent them- selves for money to any one who would pay them. So called from Brabant, whence many of them came. See Varangians. Barbarossa. See Red Beard. Barbary Pirates. "The countries on the Mediterranean coast of Africa from Egypt to the Atlantic, namely, Morocco, A%eria, Tunis, and Tripoli (which are known collectively as the Barbary Pow- ers), had been in the habit of preying on the commerce of nations that re- fused to pay a tribute to them. Shortly after the Revolution these pirates di- rected their operations against Ameri- can commerce, to protect which, treaties were negotiated with the Barbary States, — in 1786-87 with Morocco, in 1795 with Algiers, in 1796 with Tripoli, and in 1799 with Tunis. By these treaties the United States purchased immunity for its com- merce by gross sums or yearly tributes. This shameful course was made neces- sary by our lack of an effective navy. But the Government was now forced to organize a small navy, which was found useful against Tripoli. That country, becoming dissatisfied with the tribute, declared war in 1801. In 1803 some half a dozen American vessels were de- spatched to the Mediterranean. In Oc- tober the frigate ' Philadelphia ' ran aground in the harbor of Tripoli and was captured. Decatur in the follow- ing February sailed into the harbor at night, boarded the 'Philadelphia' un- der the guns of the enemy, killed or forced overboard every one of her de- fenders, set fire to the vessel, and es- caped without losing a man and with only four wounded. A land expedition conducted by General Eaton, the Ameri- can consul at Tunis, terminated the war and forced Tripoli to make peace in June, 1805. In 1812 Algiers declared war against the United States. As soon as the war then commencing against England had been brought to an end, our Government turned its attention to Algiers. In the spring of 181 5 Commo- dore Decatur was sent with nine or ten vessels to chastise the pirates. In June he captured the largest of their frigates, and soon after took another vessel. He then dictated a treaty to the Dey of Al- giers, which was signed June 30, 1815, relinquishing all claims to tribute in the future. Tunis and Tripoli were next forced to pay an indemnity for permit- ting British men-of-war to seize Ameri- can vessels in their ports during the War of 1812. Thenceforth there was no more tribute paid to the Barbary States, and their depredations on American com- merce ceased. The troubles with these countries had forced the formation of a navy on the country, despite the wishes of the Republicans, and thus prepared the United States for the war with Eng- land. They also led to a slight increase in customs duties in 1804 and following yearsfor the purpose of forming the Med- iterranean Fund, as it was called, to pro- tect American commerce." — Brown AND Strauss. Barbecue. (Span., barbacda.) A term used in the Southern States and in the West Indies for dressing a hog whole, which, being split to the backbone and laid flat upon a large gridiron, is roasted over a charcoal fire. A writer in the "Westminster Review" supposes the word to be a corruption of the French word barbe d queue, i. e., from snout to tail. In former times, especially in the presidential campaign of 1840, immense open-air meetings were held for polit- ical discussion and speech-making, at which roasting an ox whole and other rude diversions were indulged in. Barber Poet. Jacques Jasmin (1798- 1864), the " last of the troubadours." He was a barber of Gascony. Barber, Tbe. A severe storm, accom- panied by intense cold, peculiar to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Sometimes with 58 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. a high wind the air becomes much colder than the open water. The latter, being relatively hot, begins to smoke, and the vapor freezes into peculiarly sharp spi- cules. The poudre snow-crystals of the Northwest are usually small, dry, and six-sided, and though penetrating as sand, they are soft, and when driven by a gale, nearly cut the skin of the face ; hence the name " barber " is applied to this phenomenon. The name is also ap- plied to a phase of cold along the coasts of Nova Scotia arid New England. When a vessel is caught by a gale of wind in a cold Arctic current, the spray freezes the moment it touches the deck or rig- ging. Every block is turned into a lump of ice, men become coated with it like an icicle, and sometimes such a weight of ice forms on the bow that the stern is lifted out of the water, and the ship be- comes unmanageable for want of steer- ing power. , Barber's Pole. Anciently barbers performed minor operations in surgery, and in particular when bleeding was customary, it was to the barber that the patients applied to be bled. " To assist this operation, it being necessary for the patient to grasp a staA, a stick or pole was always kept by the barber-surgeon, together with the fillet or bandaging he used for tying the patient's arm. When the pole was not in use, tlie tape was tied to it, so that they might be both to- gether when wanted, and in this state pole and tape were hung at the door as a sign. At length, instead of hanging out the identical pole used in the oper- ation, a pole was painted with stripes round it in imitation of the real pole and bandage, and thus came the sign." Lord Thurfow, in a speech in the House of Lords, July 1 7, 1 797, said that " by a statute still in force barbers and sur- geons were each to use a pole [as a sign]. The barbers were to have theirs blue and white, striped, with no other appendage; but the surgeons' — which was the same in other respects — was likewise to have a galley-pot and a red rag, to denote the particular nature of their vocation." The last barber-sur- geon in London was a man named Mid- dleditch, of Great Suffolk Street, in the Borough. He died there in 1821. Mr. Timbs, in his "Autobiography," says, " I have a vivid recollection of his den- tistry." Barcarolle. (Ital.) A song sung by the gondoliers of Venice. Bardesanists. Followers of Barde- sanes, of Mesopotamia, who denied the resurrection, incarnation, etc., of our Lord (about 175 A. D.). Bard of all Time. William Shak- speare. See Bard of Avon. Bard of Arthurian Romance. Al- fred Tennyson, the poet-laureate of England. Bard of Avon. William Shakspeare, who was born and buried at Stratford- on-Avon. Bard of Ayrshire. Robert Burns, who was a native of Ayrshire. Bard of Hope. Thomas Campbell (i 777-1 844), author of "The Pleasures of Hope." Bard of Memory. Samuel Rogers, author of "The Pleasures of Memory." See Banker Poet. Bard of Olney. Cowper, who re- sided at Olney, in Bucks, for many years. Bard of Prose. Boccaccio. Bard of Rydal Mount. William Wordsworth, whose home was Rydal Mount, in the English Lake Country. See Poet of the Excursion. Bard of the Imagination. Mark Akenside, author of " The Pleasures of the Imagination." Bard of Twickenham. Alexander Pope, who resided at Twickenham, on the banks of the Thames. Bards of Epworth. (Pseud.) Samuel Wesley, Sr., Samuel Wesley, Jr., Charles Wesley, and Maria Wesley. There was published in London in 1856 a work en- titled " Gems from the Wesley Cabinet," by the Bards of Epworth. Barebone's Parliament. The " Lit- tle Parliament," summoned by Oliver Cromwell, which met July 4, 1653, was so called from Praise-God Barebone, a leather-merchant, and one of its mem- bers. It consisted of about one hun- dred and forty men of good position and of well-approved life and ■ religion, but most of them of very destructive social principles. They proceeded to abolish the Court of Chancery, and were also about to abolish tithes, to the alarm of Cromwell himself and the more moderate men, when the Parlia- ment dissolved itself, December 12 of the same year. Barguest. A fairy hobgoblin, armed with teeth and claws, and much dreaded by the superstitious in the North of Eng- land. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 59 Barker. A vociferous touter employed at the entrance to a cheap theatre, a dime museum, or a mock auction, to apprise passers-by of the entertainment or pro- ceedings going on within. Barking up the Wrong Tree. See Tree. Bark of Peter The Roman Catho- lic Church has been so named, in allu- sion to the claim of its priesthood that the Apostle Peter was its founder. Bark-peelers. Woodsmen of Sulli- van County, N. Y., who strip hemlock bark for tanning. Bar'l. A slangy abbreviation for the word "barrel," used in politics to denote that which the "barrel" is supposed to contain ; namely, money. Any rich poli- tician who opens his coffers for the ben- efit of his party is said to " tap his bar'l." Barlamm and Josaphat. One of the most widely current religious romances of the Middle Ages, " relating to the conversion of the Indian prince Josa- phat by the hermit Barlamm, and there- by illustrating the power of Christianity to overcome temptation, and proving its superiority over all other creeds. The story has been discovered to be a Chris- tianized version of the legendary history of Buddha, agreeing with it in all essen- tials and many details." Barmecide, Barmecide's Feast. The word " Barmecide " is used to express the uncertainty of things on which we set our heart. As the beggar looked for- ward to a feast, but found only empty dishes, so many a joy is found to be mere illusion when we come to partake of it. The story of Barmecide's Feast is told as follows in the " Arabian Nights " : "A prince of the illustrious family of the name, which flourished at Bag- dad contemporaneously with the Caliph Haroun-Al-Raschid, ordered rich viands for a famished beggar named Shaca- bac, and, before they could be brought, called upon him to help himself to the different dishes, naming them one after another. The beggar humored the joke, pretending to eat, and praising the enter- tainment, and even protesting that he could eat no more. In the end, the ec- centric host, pleased with the patient complaisance of his guest, ordered a real and sumptuous entertainment for him, in place of that of which he had pre- viously partaken only in imagination." It is, to be sure, something like the feast which the Barmecide served up to Alnaschar [Shacabac] ; and we cannot expect to get fat upon such diet. — Sir W. Scott. The Barmecide's dinner to Shacabac was only one degree removed from these solemn ban- quets'. — Thackeray. Barnabas Day. June ii. Saint Bar- nabas was a fellow-laborer of Saint Paul. Barnabites. An order of monks so called because the church of Saint Bar- nabas in Milan was given to them to preach in. They are also called " Can- ons of Saint Paul," because the original society made a point of reading Saint Paul's Epistles. Barnacle. (Pseud.) A. C. Barnes, American litterateur. Barnacles, (i) Chronic office-holders. Dickens has held the Barnacle family up to everlasting ridicule. (2) This word is often used by old people to signify "spectacles." It may have been for- merly the common name for them. (3) The word " barnacles " is used by farriers as the name of an instrument by which they hold a horse by the nose. As spectacles are supported by the nose, there is some analogy. Barnburners, (i) Lawless individuals who secretly set fire to the barns of the great landed proprietors in the State of New York in the first half of the nine- teenth century. (2) A nickname formerly given to the more radical and progres- sive section of the Democratic party in the United States, who aimed at re- moving the abuses connected with banks and corporations, — in allusion to the story of an old Dutchman who relieved himself of rats by burning his barns, which they infested. Barney Maglone. (Pseud.) Robert A. Wilson, in the Boston " Republic." Barney Williams. The stage-name of Barney O'Flaherty. Barnwell. (Pseud.) Robert Barnwell Roosevelt in his " Game Fish of North America," 1862. Barons' War. See War of the Bar- ons. Barrel Mirabeau. (Fr., Mirabeau- Tonnenu.) A nickname given to Boni- face Riquetti, Viscount Mirabeau (1754- 1792), brother to the great tribune, on account of his girth and the amount of liquor he could consume. Barrel-of-Butter Island. A fanciful name given to a skerry or islet off the south coast of Pomona, one of the Ork- neys. The tenant pays the proprietor a 6o FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. barrel of butter annually for the privi- lege of killing the seals on it. Barrels Blues. The English Fourth Regiment of the Line is so nicknamed. Barrens. Wild land bearing neither timber nor grass. Barrier Treaty. That by which the Low Countries were ceded to the Em- peror Charles VI. It was signed by the English, Imperial, and Dutch gov- ernments, Nov. 5, 1715. Barry Cornwall. (Pseud.) Bryan Waller Procter, English poet (1787- 1874). Barry Gray. (Pseud.) Robert S. CoflSn, American printer and poet (1797- 1857)- Bart., or Bt. Baronet. Bartender, Barmaid. Whereas in England attendants at bars and re- freshment counters are women, termed "barmaids," in the United States the same place is invariably filled by a man, who is called a " bartender." Bartholomew Bouverie. According to a book about Eton, by the Rev. A. E. L'Estrange, it appears that in 1827 Mr. Gladstone (then presumably in the sixth form) edited the "Eton Miscellany," under the assumed name of " Bartholo- mew Bouverie." Bartholomew Pig. A coarse nick- name for a very fat person. One of the chief attractions at Bartholomew's Fair, London, was a prize pig roasted whole. Bartholomew, Saint, the Hibernian. See Hibernian Saint Bartholomew. Barton Gray. (Pseud.) George H. Sass in " The Independent," New York. Barzillai. In Dryden's " Absalom and Achitophel," the Duke of Ormond, the faithful friend of Charles II., is por- trayed under this name. The allusion is to 2 Sam. xvii. 27-29. Bas Bleu. (Fr.) A blue-stocking ; a literary lady. See Blue-stocking. Basha-w. An arrogant, domineering man ; so called from the Turkish vice- roys and provincial governors, each of whom bears the title of basch, pacha. Bashibazouk. (Pseud.) William Harding, a sporting writer on " The Clipper," New York. Basin States. A recent name for those States and Territories lying in the great depression or basin of the United States west of the Rocky Mountains. They are Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. Basis virtutum constantia, (Lat.) Constancy is the foundation of all virtues. Basochians. French lawyers. When the French Parliament ceased to be the council of the king, and confined itself to the administration of justice, a dis- tinction of name became imperative ; so the nobles, or court party, called them- selves " courtiers," and the lawyers took the name of "basochians," or king's men. Bastard of Orleans. Jean Dunois (fl. 1403-1468), a natural son of Louis, Duke of Orleans, brother of Charles VI. "He was one of the most brilliant sol- diers France ever produced." Batavia, formerly the name of Hol- land, is often used in modem times as a poetical designation of that country. It is derived from the Batavi, a Celtic tribe who dwelt there. Flat Batavia's willowy groves. Wordsworth. Bateau. A long light boat. Bates's Case. An English prosecu- tion (i6o6) of a merchant, in which the claim of James I. to impose duties as a personal prerogative was sustained, — a question afterward settled the other way under Cromwell. Also called the " Case of the Impositions." Bath-Kol. " Daughter of the Voice." A sort of divination common among the ancient Jews after the gift of prophecy had ceased. When an appeal was made to Bath-Kol, the first words uttered after the appeal were considered oracular. Bathsheba. In " Absalom and Achi- tophel " the Duchess of Portsmouth, a favorite court lady of Charles II. The allusion is to the wife of Uriah the Hittite, criminally beloved by David. The Duke of Monmouth says: — " My father, whom with reverence I name. Charmed into ease, is careless of his fame ; And, bribed with petty sums of foreign gold, Is grown in Bathsheba's embraces old." Batracbomyomachia. A storm in a puddle ; much ado about nothing. The word is the name of a mock-heroic poem in Greek, supposed to be by Pigres of Caria, meaning "The Battle of the Frogs and Mice." Battle of Spurs, (i) The name given to a fight between the French and English in 1 5 13 at Guinegate, in which the former were defeated. It was so named because the French, running away, used their spurs more FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 6l than their swords. (2) At the battle of Courtrai, Belgium, in 1302, Robert of Artois was vtmquished by the Flemings. This conflict received its name from the number of gilt spurs assembled. Battle of the Barriers. A desperate struggle under the walls of Paris, March 30, 1814, between the forces under Napoleon and the allies. The latter were victorious, and the capitula- tion of Paris and the abdication of Napoleon followed. Battle of the Books. A satirical pamphlet by Dean Swift, called "The Battle between the Ancient and Modern Books in St. James's Library," and alluding to a bitter controversy among the literary lights of his time as to the respective merits of ancient and modern literature. Battle of the Frogs and Mice. The theme of a mock-heroic poem designed to travesty the Iliad and the Odyssey. See Batrachomyomachia. Battle of the Gauges. A famous controversy in the early days of rail- roads in England (1833). Brunei, Ste- phenson, and Locke, all famous engi- neers, favored different widths of track, and much discussion ensued. Battle of the Giants. A fight at Marignano (now Malignano), North Italy, in which Francis I. of France defeated the Duke of Milan and the Swiss, Sept. 13, 14, 1515. Battle of the Herrings, fought Feb. 12, 1429, when the English were be- sieging Orleans, obtained its name from the attempt of the Due de Bourbon to intercept a convoy of salt fish on the road to the English camp. He was beaten. Battle of the Kegs. The title and theme of a mock-heroic poem by Francis Hopkinson (i 738-1 791), based upon a real incident. During the Revolutionary War the patriots set afloat a number of explosive machines shaped like kegs, in the hope of destroying the British fleet at Philadelphia. The danger being discovered, the troops of the latter^ as- sembled on the wharves and shipping, and fired at every floating object during the ebb-tide. Battle of the Moat. A famous en- gagement between Mohammed and Abu Sofian before Medina. Most of the fighting took place in a ditch or moat dug by Mohammed before the city to keep off the enemy. Battle of the Nations. The battle of Leipsic, Oct. 16, 18, 19, 1813, be- tween the French army and its nu- merous allies (160,000 strong) and the Russians, Prussians, and Austrians (240,000 strong). The French were defeated, owing, in part, to the flight of their Saxon allies in the heat of the fight. Battle of the Poets. The title and theme of a poem by the Duke of Buck- ingham (1725), in which he arrays all the rhymesters of the time against one another. Battle of the Standard, fought between the English and Scotch at Northallerton, Yorkshire, Aug. 22, 11 38, was so named because the English bore a high crucifix on a wagon as their ensign. The Scots were defeated. Battle of the Thirty. One of the most renowned conflicts in the days of chivalry. It took place March 27, 1351, half-way between the castles of Josselin and Ploermel, in France, between thirty English and thirty French knights, headed respectively by Bemborough and Beaumanoir, who had agreed to decide certain differences in this way. At first the English were successful, but, Bemborough being killed, the French were ultimately victorious. Battle of the Three Bmperora. Austerlitz, Dec. 2, 1805. So called be- cause the Emperor Napoleon, the Em- peror of Russia, and the Emperor of Austria were all present. Napoleon won the fight. Battles, Fifteen Decisive. Under this name Professor Creasy enumerates the following fifteen great conflicts as a^ecting the destiny of mankind : — A.D. 1704 1709 1777 I79Z 18x5 Bauds. In classic mythology an aged woman of Phrygia, who, with her husband Philemon, entertained Jupiter and Mercury after every one else had refused to receive them. The enraged fods sent upon the country a flood that estroyed the inhabitants save this couple and their house, which latter was changed into a beautiful temple, of which they were made priest and priestess. Having asked that they might die together, they were by Ju- piter metamorphosed into two trees in front of their temple. B.C. A. D. Maratbon • 490 Teutoburg . 9 Blenheim Syracuse - • 413 ChaioDS . . 451 Fultowa . Arbela . . 33" Tours . . 73? Saratoga Metaurus . 207 Hastings . lo66 Valmy . Orleans , . 1429 Waterloo Sp. Armada 1588 62 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Bavarian Succession. In 1 778-1 779 Austria attempted to enforce her claim to a portion of the Bavarian dominions, in which she was opposed by Prussia. This is what is known to history as the " War of the Bavarian Succession." Bayard of the Revolution. John Laurens, an American soldier (i7S6- 1782), who, on account of his daring, was thus named by his comrades in arms. Bayardo. The famous steed of Ri- naldo, which once belonged to Amadis of Gaul. Bayardo's Leap. A locality near Sleaford, England. Bayardo was the famous steed of Rinaldo. The legend has it that rider and horse were once passing near Sleaford when the foul spirit of the spot sprang behind Rinaldo. The horse, in terror, took three tre- mendo.us leaps, which unhorsed the fiend. These strides are marked by three great stones, about thirty yards apart. Bayou. A name derived from the early French settlers, and applied to those inland lagoons so frequent on the shores and margins of rivers of the Gulf of Mexico. Bayou State. Mississippi, whose southern coast abounds in swamps, bayous, and creeks. Bbl. Barrel. B. C. Before Christ. B. C. L. Bachelor of Civil Law. B. D. Baccalaureus Divinitatis. Bachelor of Divinity. Bdls. Bundles. Bds. or bds. Boards (bound in). Bds. Bonds. Beacon Hill. A famous locality in Boston, Mass. " The old beacon, shown in all the early plans of the town, and which gave the name to Beacon Hill, was erected in 1634-1635 to alarm the country in case of invasion. It stood near the present State House, the ex- act spot being the southeast corner of the reservoir formerly standing on Temple Street. It was a tall mast, standing on cross timbers placed upon a stone foundation, supported by braces, and was ascended by treenails driven into it; and, sixty-five feet from the base, projected a crane of iron, from which an iron skeleton frame was sus- pended, to receive a barrel of tar or other combustibles. When fired, this could be seen for a great distance in- land. It was newly erected in 1 768, hav- ing fallen from some cause unknown ; and in 1789 it was blown down. The next year a monument of brick, sixty feet high and four in diameter, was erected on its site to the memory of those who fell at Bunker Hill ; and in 181 1 this was taken down, the mound being levelled." — King. Beak. A slang term for a magis- trate, supposed to be a corruption of the Saxon beag, the gold collar worn formerly by magistrates. Mr. W. H. Black, in a note to his " Ballad of Squire Tempest," says this term was derived from a Mr. Beke, who was for- merly a resident magistrate for the Tower Hamlets. See Hookey Walker. Bean Feast. Much the same as " Wayz-goose " (q. v.), a feast given by an employer to those he employs. Bean in the Cake. A phrase sig- nifying " to meet with some unexpected good fortune." It refers to the custom of the Romans, in their Saturnalia, of placing a bean in a cake, the finding of which, when cut and distributed, con- stituted the fortunate one king of the festivities. The custom was perpetuated in more modern days on Twelfth Night and at weddings, when a ring or a jewel was often substituted for the bean. Bean King A king elected by ballot. The Greeks used beans in voting by ballot. Bean King's Festival. Twelfth Day, when he who secures the bean in the cake is kmg for the night. Beans are in Flower ("les ihves fleurissent "), and this will account for your being so silly. Our forefathers imagined mat the perfume of the flow- ering bean was bad for the head, and made men silly or light-headed. Bear, The. Albert, Margrave of Brandenburg (fl. 1 106-1 1 70). See Fair, The. Bearded, The. (l) Constantine IV., Emperor of Rome. (2) Geoifroy the Crusader. (See Handsome Beard.) (3) Johann Mayo, the German artist. His beard swept the floor when he stood erect. Bearded Master. So Persius styled Socrates, under the notion that the beard is the symbol of wisdom. Bear Flag Republic. In the summer of 1846 a number of California settlers FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 63 from the United States set up a move- ment for independence, and tried to establish a government, which was known as " The Bear Flag Republic." Bear-garden. A noisy, quarrelsome assembly. Formerly bear-gardens were maintained in many cities, where the unfortunate creatures were baited for the delectation of the populace. Bearing the Bell. A phrase which signifies " to take the lead or first place in any event, or to carry off the prize." The idea arose from the custom of placing a bell around the neck of the oldest wether in a flock of sheep, called the bell-wether, and who always marched in front of the flock. Bear-leader. One who undertakes the charge of a young man of rank on his travels. It was once customary to lead muzzled bears about the streets, and to make them show off in order to attract notice and gain money. Under favor, young gentleman, I am the bear-leader, being appointed your tutor. — G. COLMAN, Heir-ai-Law. Bearnais, Le. Henry IV. of France. His native province was Le Beam. Bears and Bulla. Words often used in connection with the purchase and sale of stocks. The " bears " are those who seek to depress the value of stocks and securities, while the " bulls " are those whose interests prompt them to act in the other direction. Bear State. Arkansas has been so dubbed, from the fact that bears for- merly roamed in great numbers through its thinly settled timber-lands. Beastly Drunk. The ancients be- lieved that men in their cups exhibited the vicious qualities of beasts. Seven kinds of drunkards were enumerated : (l) The ape-drunk, who is jovial and musical ; (2) The lion-drunk, who is quarrelsome ; (3) The swine-drunk, who is sleepy and stupid ; (4) The sheep- drunk, conceited but mute ; (5) The martin-drunk, who drinks until sober again ; (6) The goat-drunk, wanton ; (7) The fox-drunk, crafty in his cups. Beating the Bounds. Once a year in certain London parishes a queer cus- tom is observed. This is known as "beating the bounds." The boys of the parish " Union," or workhouse, clad in their corduroy trousers, blue jackets with brass buttons, and a very broad expanse of white collar, their faces glis- tening and radiant from a vigorous ap- plication of yellow soap and hard towel, march in double file around the boundary of the. parish. They are headed by a pompous beadle of the genus Bumble, and each boy carries in his right hand a long peeled willow wand. In old London the parish lines were plainly marked by streets or lanes or alleys ; but the march of modern improvement has frequently obliterated these, and not seldom some great palace of trade or line of industry stands half in one parish and half in the next. But Bumble and the boys laugh at such obstacles. The " bounds " must be traversed ; so away they go, the beadle in front, the boys shrilly singing school songs, and with their wands smiting the walls they pass. First on one side of the street, then on the other, crossing the roadway diagonally, disappearing for a moment under a gloomy archway, winding around two sides of a mouldering churchyard, deflecting from a straight path to skirt a pump, a milestone, or some other ancient landmark, and even invading a business office, a bank, a shop whose walls happen to stand upon the dividing line. The ceremony over, the youngsters troop back to the " Union," where the London boy's regulation " treat," con- sisting of buns and milk, is dispensed. The origin of this old observance dates back many hundreds of years, to the day when the 'prentice lads of the city were a formidable body, who played an active part in the petty disturbances of the time. Although these youths might be relied on to act as a unit in defence of their common liberties or privileges, conflicts between the apprentices of adjoining parishes were frequent, and quarter-staff and single-stick were often wielded with fatal effect. Hence the lads of each parish were interested in- keeping its boundary lines well defined ; and they, it is said, inaugurated this quaint ceremony, which in modern days has been left to the workhouse boys. Beatrice Gold. The stage-name of Belle Dunnigan. Beatrix Phipps. The stage-name of Mrs. Maurice F. Kemp. Beau. & Fl. or B. & Fl. Beaumont and Fletcher. Bean Brummel. George Bryan (fl. 1 778-1840), a noted man about town in London. 64 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Beauclerc . (lit. "good scholar"). Heury I. of England (fl. 1068-1 13s), who possessed scholarly attainments ex- tremely rare in the age in which he lived. Beau desordre. (Fr.) Beautiful disorder. Beau D'Oraay, Le. The father of the Count D'Orsay. Byron nicknamed him Jeune Cupidon, " Young Cupid." Beau Fielding. Fielding the novel- ist. King Charles II. dubbed him " Handsome Fielding." Beau ideal. (Fr.) " Beautiful ideal." An imaginary standard of absolute per- fection ; the true realization. Beau monde. (Fr.) The fashionable world; 'people who make up the co- terie of fashion. Beau Nash. See King of Bath. Beau Neill. The army sobriquet of Thomas Hewson Neill, an American soldier (l 826-1 885), on account of his handsome person and dashing manners. Beau Sabreur, Le (" the handsome swordsman "). The name given to Joachim Murat (fl. 1 767-181 5) by his comrades in arms. Beau Tibbs, noted for his finery, vanity, and poverty, is a famous char- acter in Goldsmith's " Citizen of the World," and a skit on Beau Nash {q. v.). Beautiful, The. In the days of the Italian republics the chiefs of the sis- terhoods of cities were known by some special epithet, supposed to be descrip- tive of their peculiar charms or of the idiosyncrasies of their inhabitants. Thus we have Naples, the Beautiful ; Rome, the Eternal City; Genoa, the Superb; Lucca, the Industrious ; Padua, the Learned ; Bologna, the Fat ; and Flor- ence, the Gentle. Beautiful Corisande. Diane d'An- douins (fl. 1 554-1620), Countess of Guiche and Grammont, and widow of Philip de Grammont. Beautiful Daughter of Rome. Flo- rence was so named by the early writers. Beautiful Gardener. A nickname given to a famous mistress of Henry IV. of France. Beautiful Parricide. Beatrice Cenci (d. 1599). She conspired to kill her fa- ther in revenge for his violation of her person. Beautiful Ropemaker. A sobriquet bestowed on Louise Labd (fl. 1526-1566), a French poetess. She married a rich ropemaker named Perrin. She was noted for her bravery at the siege of Perpignan. Beau Trap. A loose or rocking pav- ing-stone from beneath which mud or water squirts upward when trodden on, to the ruin of the clothing of the smartly dressed. Beauty of Buttermere. Mary Rob- inson, a lovely English maiden, married to a villanous impostor named John Hatfield, who was executed for forgery at Carlisle in 1803. Beauty only Skin deep. The first- known, if not the original, use of this phrase occurs in Ralph Venning's " Or- thodoxe Paradoxes," third edition, Lon- don, 1650, p. 41 : " All the beauty of the world tis but skin-deep, a sunne-blast defaceth it." Beaux esprits. (Fr.) Gay spirits ; men of wit. Beauz yeux. (Fr.) " Beautiful eyes." Handsome eyes ; attractive looks. Bedchamber of New York. The city of Brooklyn. Bedfordshire. A punning allusion to the land of sleep, akin to " the land of Nod." Bed of Justice. Literally, the seat or throne occupied by the French mon- arch when he was present at the delib- erations of Parliament. Historically, a Bed of Justice signified a solemn ses- sion, in which the king was present, to overrule the decisions of Parliament, and to enforce the acceptance of edicts or ordinances which it had previously rejected. The theory of the old French constitution was that the authority of Parliament was derived solely from the crown; consequently, when the king, the source of authority, was present, that which was delegated ceased. Ac- knowledging such a principle, the Par- liament was logically incapable of resisting any "demand that the king in a Bed of Justice might make, and decrees promulgated during a sitting of this kind were held to be of more authority than ordinary decisions of Parliament. Monarchs were not slow to take advan- tage of this power to overawe any Parliament that exhibited signs of in- dependence. The last Bed of Justice was held by Louis XVI. at Versailles in September, 1787, on the brink of that Revolution which abolished the despot- ism of the old French monarchy. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 6S Bed of Ware, or Great Bed of Ware. The ^eat bed at Ware, in Hertford- shire, is one of the curiosities of Eng- land, referred to in the " Twelfth Night " of Shakspeare : " Although the sheet were big enough for the Bed of Ware in England." This famous bed, still seen in one of the inns at Ware, meas- ures twelve feet square, and is said to be capable of holding a dozen persons. BedouinB of London. The London "Times" so named the ragged and homeless street-boys of the great me- tropolis. See Arabs. Beds. Bedfordshire. Bee. The significance borne by this word in the United States constitutes a pure Americanism. The new settler fenerally built his log-cabin without elp ; but when he proposed to erect a house he had a "raising," as the setting up of the timbers was called. All the neighbors gave their aid, calling it a " building-bee," or a " raising-bee. In like manner we find the phrases " chop- ping-bee," " husking-bee," " quilting- bee," and even "spelling-bee." Beefeaters. Another name for the Yeomen of the Guard in the English service. In former times they used to watch the buffet, and were in conse- quence named buffetiers or boufitiers, — i. e. " waiters at the side-board," — which became corrupted into " beef- eaters." Beefheads. A nickname applied to the people of Texas, in allusion to the cattle raised there. Bee-line. The American bee-hunter has enriched our every-day English with the phrase " to strike a bee-line." An energetic pursuit, or rapid direct course toward a certain goal, is called " making a bee-line " for that point. The English "as the crow flies "conveys the same idea. Beelzebub. In Hebrew mythology the chief of the evil spirits. Been. Referring to the difference in the pronunciation of this word in Eng- land and America, one writer says: "But to me the most interesting con- nection between Lincolnshire and New England pronunciation is the little word 'been.' It has long been a wonder to me how and why that word should be pronounced, not only in New England, but throughout the United States, so differently from what it is in England and in all her many colonies. In Eng- land, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Aus- tralia, Nova Scotia, South Africa, it is made to rhyme with 'seen' and 'be- tween,' whereas in our country it is made to rhyme with ' sin ' and ' din.' It was all explained when I came to Lincolnshire and found that the old local usage there was to call it ' bin ; ' and that is not yet entirely driven out to this day." Bee of Athens. Sophocles, the tragic poet (fl. 495-405 B. c). Beetle-crusher. A slang name for a large flat foot. The term was coined by " Punch." London is largely infested with black beetles, — a species of cock- roach. Befana. " The good fairy of Italian children, who is supposed to fill their stockings with toys when they go to bed on Twelfth Night. Some one en- ters the children's bedroom for the pur- pose, and the wakeful youngsters cry out, 'Ecco la Befana.' According to legend, Befana was too busy with house affairs to look after the Magi when they went to offer their gifts, and said she would wait to see them on their return ; but they went another way, and Befana every Twelfth Night watches to see them. The name is a corruption of Epiphania." — Brewer. Begging the Question. A term fre- quently used in debate or controversy, and meaning " to assume without proof." Beginning of the End. Foumier asserts, on the written authority of Tal- leyrand's brother, that the only breviary used by the ex-bishop was " L'lmprovi- sateur Frangais," a compilation of an- ecdotes and bon-mots, in twenty-one duodecimo volumes. Whenever a good thing was wandering in search of a parent, he adopted it ; among others, " C'est le commencement de la fin." To show our simple skill. That is the true beginning of our end. Shakspeare, Midsummer-Nigkfs Dream, Beheaded. See Axe. Behesth. The Elysian fields of Per- sian mythology. BehmenistB. A sect of visionary re- ligionists, so called from Jacob Behmen, their founder (i 575-1 625). Behram. The most holy kind of fire, according to Parseeism. Bejan. A freshman, or greenhorn. This term is employed in the French and Scottish universities, and is evi- dently a corruption of becjai4ne{^^yt\km 66 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. •beak"), a French expression to desig- nate a nestling or unfledged bird. In the University of Vienna the freshman is termed beanus. Bel. The same as Baal (y. v.). Belcher. Slang for a pocket-handker^ chief — one having a blue ground and virhite spots — much affected by London roughs. So named from Jim Belcher, the pugilist, whose colors it was. Bel esprit. (Fr.) A vivacious wit; a man or woman of quick and lively parts, ready at repartee. Belfast Kidney. A cobble-stone, — a formidable missile in the street riots which have too often disgraced the city of Belfast. Belg. Belgic; Belgian; Belgium. Belgravia. An embodiment of the ultra-fashionable district, including Bel- grave Square and the adjacent streets in London. It adjoins Mayfair (jj. v.). Belial. A Hebrew word meaning " worthlessness," but in the Scriptures used as an appellative of Satan, the em- bodiment of all evil. Bella donna. (Ital.) A fair lady. The name was given to the deadly nightshade from a practice once common among ladies of touching their eyes with it to make the pupils large and lustrous. Bella femina che ride, ruol dir, borsa che piange. (Ital.) When a handsome woman laughs you may be sure her purse cries. BeUa! horridabella! (Lat.) Wars! horrid wars ! Bella matribus detestata. (Lat.) Wars by mothers detested. Bell Battle. The casus belli-vias this : Have the local magistrates power to al- low parish bells to be rung at their dis- cretion, or is the right vested in the parish clergyman ? This squabble was carried on with great animosity in the parish of Paisley in 1832. The clergy- man, John Macnaughton, brought the question before the local council, which gave it in favor of the magistrates ; but the court of sessions gave it the other way ; and when the magistrates granted a permit for the bells to be rung, the court issued an interdict against them. For nearly two years the Paisley bell battle was fought with the fiercest zeal. It was the subject of every political meeting, the theme of every board, the gossip at tea-tables and dinner- parties, and children delighted in chalking on the walls, " Please to ring the bell " (May 14, 1832, to Sept. 10, 1834). — Newspapef faragrafh. Bell, Book, and Candle. A cere- mony of excommunication belonging to the Church of Rome. The above name is taken from certain peculiar phrases or gestures which occur in the rite: " Cursed be they from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot. Out be they taken of the book of life. [Shuts the book.] And as this candle is cast from the sight of men, so be their souls cast from the sight of God into the deepest pit of hell. [Casts the candle on the ground.] Amen." The rubric adds: "And then the candle being dashed on the ground and quenched, let the bell be rung," the bell being tolled as for one dead. Bell City. Racine, Wis. Belle Archer. The stage-name of Mrs. Herbert Archer, tide McKenzie. Belle Boyd. (Pseud.) Mrs. Belle Boyd Hardinge. Belle Brittan. (Pseud.) Hiram Fuller. Belle ^tage. (Fr.) The second floor of a house. Belle France, La. A popular poet- ical designation of France, similar to the nickname " Merry England." BeUe Gabrielle, La. The daughter of Antoine d'Estrdes, Grand-Master of Artillery and Governor of the lie de France. Henry IV. fell in love with her. Bellerophon. In classical mythology a son of Glaucus, who, aided by the winged horse Pegasus, killed the Chi- msera. He was subsequently thrown from his steed, and became lame and blind, so that he roamed alone and for- saken of men up and down the Ale'ian field. Bellenia. A famous Cornish giant. Belles lettres. Polite literature. Bellona. In classic mythology the goddess of war among the Romans. She was described by the poets as "the companion, sister, wife, or daughter of Mars; she was also represented as armed with a bloody scourge, and as inspiring her votaries with a resistless enthusiasm in battle. In the temple of Bellona the senate gave audience to em- bassies from foreign powers, and also to consuls who had claims to a triumph which would have been nullified by en- trance into the city. The priests of the goddess were styled Bellonarii, and practised sanguinary rites." FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 67 Bellona'a Day. March 24. On this day the votaries of the Roman war-god- dess gashed themselves and quaffed the blood as an act of homage to the deity. Called in Latin Dies Sanguinis. Bellona's Handmaids. Blood, Fire, and Famine. The goddesse of warre, called Bellona, had these thre handmaids ever attendynge on her : Blood, Fire, and Famine, which thre damo- sels be of that force and strength that every one of them alone is able and sufficient to torment and afflict a proud prince ; and they all joyned together are of puissance to destroy the most populous country and most richest region of the world. — Hall, Chronicle (1530). Bell Smith. (Pseud.) Mrs. Louise Kirby Piatt, an American writer (1812- 1864). Bell-the-Cat. A nickname bestowed on Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus. James III. capriciously chose several men of low birth as favorites; one of them, a mason, he elevated to be Earl of Mar. The enraged nobles held a council for the purpose of devising means to put down the upstarts. " But who will bell the cat?" inquired Lord Gray. " That will I," answered Doug- las ; and he courageously slew, in the presence of the king, the hated indi- viduals. Bellum internecinum. A war of ex- termination. Bellum lethale. A deadly war. Bell-wether of the Flock. A jocose term applied to the leader of a party. Of course, the allusion is to the wether or sheep which leads the flock with a bell fastened to its neck. Beloved Disciple. Saint John. See John xiii. 23. Beloved Merchant. A title given by Edward III. of England to Michael de la Pole, an eminent London merchant, who in the next reign became Lord Chan- cellor and Earl of Suffolk. Beloved Physician. Saint Luke the Evangelist. See Col. iv. 14. BeZ paese. (Ital.) A beautiful land or country. Belphegor. A Moabitish deity, whose rites were celebrated on Mount Phegor, and were noted for their obscenity. Belted Will. Lord William Howard (fi. 1563-1640), Warden of the Western Marches. Beltein (from Bel, the name of the chief Gaelic deity in pagan times). An ancient votive festival still observed in the remote Highlands of Scotland. " On the day of the festival the inhabitants of several hamlets resort to a certain hill- top provided with provisions and victuals of all sorts. The younger among them, with spades, remove square patches of turf, with which they construct a sort of altar; they cover it with a thick layer of peat, to which they set fire. As soon as it is thoroughly alight, they place on this blazing hearth a large open kettle, in which the bystanders throw all the butter, eggs, and honey they have brought with them. When the mix- ture has boiled a sufficient length of time, each of those present fills his glass and empties the contents in a cir- cle around him with a loud adjuration to the invisible spirits of the universe. At the conclusion of these libations, which are only the preliminary part of the ceremonies, the pilgrims take from their satchels votive cakes, kneaded out of oatmeal and shaped to form nine knots ; standing with their backs to the blazing altar, they break off one knot after another, andthrow them in succes- sion over their left shoulder into the fire, accompanying each gesture with special thanks to the guardian spirits : ' To thee, for preserving my horse ! ' ' To thee, for preserving my oxen ! ' and so on, till the whole cake is dis- posed of. When the first litany is ex- hausted, fresh cakes are produced, and the ceremony is repeated in exactly the same manner, but the invocations are made this time to the evil spirits, to mollify them or turn aside their wrath. It is only then, when the fire is burnt out, that the votaries gather together and amicably consume the remainder of the provisions." Belus. The same as Baal or Bel. See Baal. Ben. (Ital.) Well ; as, Ben marcato, well marked. The phrase denotes that the passage or air must be delivered in a clear, distinct, and firmly accented manner. (Mus.) Benaiah, in "Absalom and Achito- phel," is meant for Gen. George Edward Sackville. As Benaiah, captain of Da- vid's guard, adhered to Solomon against Adonijah, so General Sackville adhered to the Duke of York against the Prince of Orange (1590-1652). Nor can Benaiah's worth forgotten lie, Of steady soul when public storms were high. Dryden and Tate. 68 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Benauly. (Pseud.) A sort of triple- headed literary partnership is contained herein: Benjzmm, Austin, and Zyman Abbott. Bender. In New York, to "go on a bender " is to go on a spree. In this case a man comes under spiritual influ- ences so potent that, not being able to stand straight under them, he must bend. I met her at the Chinese room ; She wore a wreath of roses, She walked in beauty like the night, Her breath was like sweet posies. I led her through the festal hall, Her glance was soft and tender ; She whispered gently in my ear, " Say, Mose, ain't this a bender 1" Putnam's Monthly, August, 1854. Bender. The slang or colloquial name for the English silver sixpence. It is rather thin, and when worn may be easily bent. Bend Sinister. This phrase is ap- plied to any one born out of lawful wed- lock. In heraldry, a band running from the upper right-hand corner to the lower left-hand corner is called a bend-sinister, and indicates bastardy. Benedick. A newly married man. The reference is to the character of the name in Shakapeare's " Much Ado about Nothing." It is often written "Benedict," from the Latin benedict-us (a happy man), and a skit on the order of Saint Benedict, famous for their as- cetic habits, and rigidly bound to celi- bacy. Shakspeare avails himself of this joke in making Benedick, the young lord of Padua, "rail against marriage, but afterwards marry Beatrice, with whom he falls in love. Benedict (Pseud.) Edward Walter Dawson, an American writer. Benedict Cruiser, M. M. (Pseud.) George Augustus Sala (1858). " M. M." signifies " married man." Bene exeat. (Lat.) Let him depart with a good character. Benefit of Clergy, and Neck Verse. " Benefit of Clergy " [Privilegium Cleri- cale) arose in the regard paid by Chris- tian princes to the Church, and consisted of (i) an exemption of places conse- crated to religious duties from criminal arrests, which was the foundation of sanctuaries ; (2) exemption of the per- sons of clergymen from criminal process before the secular judge in particular cases, which was the original meaning of the privilegium clericale. The bene- fit of clergy was afterwards extended to every one who could read ; and it was enacted that there should be a preroga- tive allowed to the clergy, that if any man who could read were to be con- demned to death, the bishop of the dio- cese might, if he would, claim him as a clerk, and dispose of him in some places of the clergy as he might deem meet The ordinary gave the prisoner at the bar a Latin book, in a black Gothic character, from which to read a verse or two ; and if the ordinary said, " Legit ut clericus " (" He reads hke a clerk''), the offender was only burned in the hand; otherwise he suffered death (3 Edw. L 1274). The privilege was re- stricted by Henry VII. in 1489, and abolished, with respect to murderers and other great criminals, by Henry VIII. (1512). Each prison had its par* ticular " Neck Verse ; " and although a criminal might roll off glibly that of Edinburgh or Carlisle, it by no means followed that he would be equally suc- cessful elsewhere. Most of these have now become extinct, and so far search for them has only ended in failure. The authentic " Neck Verse " used at Newgate is, however, extant ; it was the first verse of Psalm li., technically known as David's prayer for remis- sion of sin : " Miserere, mei Deus, se- cundum magnam misericordiam tuam. Et secundum multitudinem miseratio- num tuarum dele iniquitatem meam." (" Have mercy upon me, O God, accord- ing to thy loving kindness; according unto the multitude of thy tender mer- cies, blot out my transgressions.") This Newgate " Neck Verse " is the only one recorded as belonging especially to that prison. Very often the selection of a passage of Scripture to be used in this way depended upon the whim of the act- ing magistrate, who had the right to open the psalter at random and put be- fore the culprit any sentence he might select, though generally this office fell upon a proper ordinary, appointed by the Church. In the reign of Queen Anne the " benefit of clergy " was still in use, though modified somewhat, and extended to all persons convicted of clergyable offences; nor was it finally abolished until the time of George IV. Bene placito. (Ital.) At will. (Mus.) Bengal Tigers. The Seventeenth Foot Regiment in the British army. Their crest consists of a green tiger. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 69 Benicla Boy. John C. Heenan, the American pugilist, was so named. He was born in Benicia, Cal. Benignant Hulda. The German god- dess of marriage and fecundity, who sent bridegrooms to maidens and children to the married. Benigno numine. (Lat.) By the favor of Providence. Benj. Benjamin. Benjamin's Mesa. The largest share. The allusion is to the banquet given by Joseph to his brethren. "Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs." Benj P. Johnson of Boone. (Pseud.) The name under which James Whit- comb Riley, the "Hoosier Poet" (b. 1852), issued his "The Old Swimmin' Hole and 'Leven more Poems " in 1883. See Hoosier Poet. Ben Jochanan, in the satire of '■ Absalom and Achitophel," by Dryden, is meant for the Rev. Samuel Johnson, who suffered much persecution for his de- fence of the right of private judgment. " A Jew of humble parentage was he ; By trade a Levite, though of low degree." Benton's Mint Drops. So Philadel- phians named gold dollars. The term was given to ftem because they were first coined in accordance with a reso- lution offered by Senator Benton of Missouri. Ben trovato. (Ital.) Well feigned Or invented. Benzine. A colloquial term for strong drink in the Eastern States. See Poison. ' Berecynthian Goddess. Cybele is so called from Mount Berecynthus, in Phrygia, where she was held in espe- cial adoration. She is represented as crowned with turrets, and holding keys in her hand. Her helmM head Rose like the Berecynthian goddess crowned With towers. SouTHEY, Roderick. Berecynthian Hero. Midas, the Phrygian king. He was so named after Mount Berecynthus in Phrygia. Berengariana. Followers of Beren- ger. Archdeacon of Angers, the learned opponent of Lanfranc (eleventh century). He said that the bread by consecration did not become the very body of Christ "generated on earth so many years be- fore, but becomes to the faithful, never- theless, the blessed body of Christ." Berenice. The sister-wife of Ptolemy III., who vowed to sacrifice her hair to the gods, if her husband returned home the vanquisher of Asia. She suspended her hair in the temple of the war-god ; but it was stolen the first night, and Conon of Samos told the king that the winds had wafted it to heaven, where it still forms the seven stars near the tail of Leo, called Coma Berenices. See infra. Berenice's Hair. A beautiful cluster of forty-three stars in the northern hem- isphere, about five degrees east of the equinoctial colure ; its principal stars are between the fourth and fifth magni- tudes. Bergelmir. In Norse mythology a frost-giant, father of the Jotuns, or second dynasty of giants. Berg Folk. In Scandinavian mythol- ogy heathen spirits doomed to a wan- dering existence on the hills and moun- tains till Ragnarok. Berkeley's Seat. A rock near New- port, R. I., is known by this nickname. It was a favorite spot for meditation with George Berkeley, Bishop of Cloyne (1684-1753), during his two years' so- journ in Newport (1728-1730). Berks. Berkshire. Berkshire Hogs. A nickname con- ferred on the Sixty-sixth Regiment of the English service, " because the regi- ment was principally recruited in the country of prize pork." Berkshire "White Horse. See White Horse of Berkshire. Berlin Decree. A decree issued at Berlin by Napoleon I., forbidding any of the nations of Europe to trade with Great Britain (1806). This mad fancy was the first step to the great man's fall. Berliner. (Pseud.) Rev. Joseph Par- rish Thomson, D.D., in his letters home from Berlin (1873), et seq. Bermoothes. The Spanish pronun- ciation of the name of Bermudez, the discoverer of the Bermuda gi'oup (1527), frequently used in literature to desig- nate these islands. Bermudas. The slang name once given to a disreputable portion of Lon- don, lying, north of the Strand, used as a place of concealment by insolvent debtors, civil offenders, etc. Bernard the Little. Solomon Ber- nard, a Lyonnese engraver, who flour- ished in the sixteenth century. 70 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Bernard the Poor. Claude Bernard (fl. 1 588-1641), the philanthropist of Dijon. Bernesque Poetry. Serio-comic po- etry, so called from Francesco Berni, of Tuscany, who greatly excelled in it (1490-1536). Bemouilli's Numbers. A system of algebraic formulas first used by James Bernouilli (fl. 1 654-1 705), Professor of Mathematics at Basle. Bersaglieri. A name for the sharp- shooters of the Sardinian army, first employed about 1848. Berserker. Grandson of the eight- handed Starkader and of the beauti- ful Alfhilde, called boer-serce, " bare of mail," because he went into battle un- harnessed. See infra. Berserker Rage. The champions of the ancient Scandinavians were called berserkers, from their custom of fight- ing with no armor save a sark or shirt ; hence, literally, bare-sark-er = berser- ker. They were at times seized with fits of martial frenzy, during which they could perform prodigious feats of valor, and were invincible against any foe. After the rage or spasm was over, reac- tion ensued, and then a child might lead them. You say that I am berserker. And . . . baresark I go to-morrow to the war. — Here- ward the Wake. Bertha M. Clay. (Pseud.) The works of Charlotte M. Braeme were published under this name in America. Bertha of the Great Foot. Mother of Charlemagne, and granddaughter of Charles Martel. Said to have oeen so named because she had one foot longer than the other. Berwick. (Pseud.) James Redpath, correspondent and editorial writer on the " Tribune," New York. Berwickshire Sandie. (Pseud.) Al- exander Brown, who printed a volume of poems in the Scottish dialect early in the present century. Beryl Carr. (Pseud.) L. Ella Byrd, in her "Marston Hall," New York, 1881. Berzak flit. « the interval "). In the Koranic system, the gap between death and the resurrection. Besieged Resident. (Pseud.) Henry Labouchere, English journalist and au- thor flD. 1831), who wrote letters from Paris during the siege (1870-1871) over this signature. Bessie Bernard. The stage-name of Mrs. Bernard G. Shields. Bessie Burt. The stage-name of Mrs. Imson. Bessie Chandler. (Pseud.) Mrs. Elizabeth [Chandler] Parker. Bessie Darling. The stage-name of Mrs. Charles Berry. Bessie Sudlow. The stage-name of Mrs. Michael Gunn. Bess o' Bedlam. A nickname among the common people for a female maniac. The corresponding term for a male lunatic is Tom 0' Bedlam. Bess and Tom are common English names, while Bedlam is a comprehensive term for all mad-houses. Best-abused Man in England. See ZOILUS. Bete noire. (Fr.) " Black beast." Bugbear; an object of aversion. Better to wear out than to rust out When a friend told Bishop Cumberland (1632-1718) he would wear himself out by his incessant application, " It is bet- ter," replied the Bishop, " to wear out than to rust out." — Bishop Horne, Sermon on the Duty of contending for the Truth. Betty. A nickname for a man who interferes with the tasks of female do- mestics, or affects pursuits relegated to women. Also named a " Molly/' Between Hay and Grass is a pro- verbial expression in America, equiva- lent to the English word "hobble-de- hoy," — that IS, a youth between boyhood and manhood. Between the Devil and the Deep Sea. This expression is used by Col- onel Munroe in his "Expedition with Mackay's Regiment," printed in Lon- don in 1637. The regiment was with Gustavus Adolphus's army, and was en- gaged in a battle with the Austrians. The Swedish gunners did not elevate their guns sufficiently, and their shot fell among the ranks of this Scottish regiment, so that "we were between the devil and the deep sea." It may be that the phrase has an earlier origin. Some date it as far back as the Hebrew Exodus, when the chosen people had the Red Sea in front and Pharaoh's hosts behind. Others think it re- fers to Scylla and Charybdis (y. v.). Yet another derivation ascribes it to an unknown skippper, caught in a gale of wind on a rocky lee^shore, try- ing to " claw off " and work his ship out to sea. The vessel being leaky, her crew might with jus- tice be said to be "between the devil and the deep sea." FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 71 Beulah. That land of rest which a Christian enjoys when his faith is so strong that he no longer fears or doubts. Sunday is sometimes so called. In Bunyan's allegory (" The Pilgrim's Prog- ress ") the pi^ims tarry in the land of Beulah after their pilgrimage is over, till they are summoned to cross the stream of Death and enter into the Celestial City. After this I beheld until they came unto the land of Beulah, where the sun shineth night and day. Here, because they were weary, they betook themselves awhile to rest ; but a little while soon refreshed them here ; for the bells did so ring, and the trumpets sounded so melodiously, that they could not sleep. ... In this land they heard nothing, saw nothing, smelt nothing, tasted nothing that was offensive. — Bunyan, The Pilgrzm^s Progress. Beverley. (Pseud.) Mrs. S. B. Hughes Cox, a writer in the Southern press. Beware of a Man of one Book. When Saint Thomas Aquinas was asked in what manner a man might best be- come learned, he answered, "By read- ing one book." The homo unius is indeed proverbially formid- able to all conversational figurantes. — Southey, The Doctor. Bezaliel, in "Absalom and Achito- phel," by Dryden, is meant for the Mar- quis of Worcester, afterward Duke of Beaufort. " Bezaliel with each grace and virtue fraught. Serene his looks, serene his life and thought ; On whom so largely Nature heaped her store, There scarce remained for arts to' give him more." Bezonian. An epithet often applied by old English writers as a term of re- proach, signifying "a beggar, a cheat, or a vulgar fellow." It is derived from the Italian bisogno, " need, want." B-Flats. Another name for bed- bugs ; derived from B, the initial letter, and flat, in allusion to the flatness of the insect. See Norfolk Howards. Bi. Bismuth. B. I. British India. Biancbi and Neri (" Whites " and "Blacks"), (i) Political factions in Florence in 1300, the Bianchi, headed by Vieri dj Cerchi, opposing the Neri, headed by Corso di Donati. The for- mer favored the imperial party (the Ghibellines), but were banished by the Neri in 1302. (2) Bianchi were also male and female penitents who roamed Italy, and were suppressed by Boniface IX. in 1400. Bib. Bible; biblical. Bibbiena, H. A name given to Car- dinal Bernardo (fl. 1470-1520); he wrote a number of comedies, and resided at Bibbiena in Tuscany. Bible-olerk. A sizar of Oxford Uni- versity; a student who gets certain pecuniary advantages for reading the Bible aloud at chapel. The office is almost a sinecure ; but the emolument is given to the sons of poor gentlemen, either as a gift or as the reward of merit. Bible of the British Aristocracy. Burke's " Peerage," a biographical reg- ister of all the titled families of the kingdom, has been so named. Bible Orchard; Bible Thursday. Names arising out of a curious custom in the parish church of St. Ives, Hants, on the last Thursday in May. On a table in the church at the chancel steps are placed six Bibles, and near them a box and three dice. Six boys and six girls, solemnly watched over by the vicar and a crowd of parishioners, throw dice each three times to see which shall have the six Bibles. This remarkable custom dates from 1678, when Dr. Rob- ert Wylde bequeathed fifty pounds, of which the yearly interest was to be spent in buying six Bibles, not to cost more than seven shillings sixpence each, to be cast for by dice on the communion- table every year by six boys and six girls of the town. A piece of ground was bought with the money, and is now known as Bible Orchard. The legacy also provided for the payment of ten shillings each year to the vicar for preaching a sermon commending the ex- cellency, perfection, and divine author- ity of the Holy Scriptures. The will of the eccentric Doctor was exactly ob- served, and for more than two hundred years dice were regularly cast upon the communion-table. Lately a table erected on the chancel steps was substituted, the bishop of the diocese having con- sidered that the communion-table was not for throwing dice. Bibles, Peculiar. Because of various typographical and other peculiarities, there are a number of editions of the Scriptures known by curious nicknames. For notices of these the reader is re- ferred to their respective titles ; as. Bishop's Bible, Breeches Bible, Bug Bible, Caxton Memorial Bible, Cranmer's Bible, Douay Bible, 72 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Ears-to-Ear Bible, Geneva Bible, Great Bible, Gutenberg Bible, He- and-She Bible, Knave Bible, Mat- thew's Bible, Murderer's Bible, Place - Makers' Bible, Printers' Bible, Rosin Bible, Standing-Fishes Bible, Thumb Bible, To Remain Bi- ble, Treacle Bible, Vinegar Bible, Wicked Bible. Biblia Pauperum. See Poor Man's Bible. BiblicuB. (Pseud.) Alexander Til- loch, LL.D., in the " Star" newspaper. Bibliophile. (Pseud.) Samuel Aus- tin AUibone, American bibliographer (b. 1816). Bibliophile Jacob. A nickname con- ferred on Paul Lacroix, a French author (fl. 1807-1884). Biddenden Maids. This name, says Wheeler, was given to two unmarried sisters, named Mary and Elizabeth Chulkhurst, born at Biddenden, Kent, England, in mo, and joined together, as tradition relates, by the shoulders and hips. They lived together thirty- four years; when one died the other persistently refused to be separated from the corpse of her sister, and suc- cumbed six hours after. They are said to have left twenty acres of land, called " Bread-and-Cheese Land," where, on the afternoon of Easter Sunday, six hundred rolls are distributed to stran- gers, and two hundred and seventy loaves, weighing three-and-a-half pounds each, with cheese in proportion, are given to the poor of the parish, — the expense being defrayed out of the rental of the land. So runs the legend. But Halsted, in his " History of Kent," ridi- cules this story as fabulous; he does not dispute the existence of the " Bid- denden Maids," but says the " Bread- and-Cheese Land " was bequeathed by two maiden ladies named Preston, Bidding-prayer. The prayer for the souls of benefactors said before the ser- mon ; a relic of this remains in the prayer used in cathedrals, churches, etc., in England, Bideford Postman. Edward Capern, thepoet, was thus nicknamed. At one period of his career he was a letter- carrier in Bideford, Bidi. A Malabar deity, correspond- ing to the classic Destiny, Biel. In Scandinavian mythology the deity of the forests. Biens^ance. (Fr.) "Civility." De- corum; decency. Biens^anoes. (Fr.) " Decencies." The proprieties of life. Bifrons. One of the pen-names com- monly attributed to Junius (y. w.). Bifrost. In Norse mythology the bridge between heaven and earth; the rainbow may be considered to be this bridge, and its various colors are the reflections of its precious stones. Big Ben at Westminster. The great bell in the clock-tower, weighing 13 tons 10 cwt., named after Sir Benjamin Hall, Chief Commissioner of Public Works when the monster was cast. Its note can be heard for many miles in calm weather. Big Head. A phrase — a pure Ameri- canism — by which it is intended to sig- nify that the person suffering therefrom is puffed up with vanity. A swelled head refers to the consequences of a drinking-bout. Big Knife. A name applied to Gen, Andrew Jackson by the Southern In- dians in recognition of his military successes against them. Big Thursday, The chief day of the State Fair at Waverly, N. J., in Septem- ber of each year. It is made the occa- sion of a great political pow-wow, and the party leaders assemble in force to see and be seen, exchange opinions, and make plans. Big Trees of California. The large trees in California are specified by Has- well as follows : The Keystone State, in Calaveras Grove, is 325 feet in height. The Father of the Forest, felled, is 385 feet in length, and a man on horseback can ride erect 90 feet inside of its trunk. The Mother of the Forest is 315 feet in height, 84 feet in circumference (26.75 feet in diameter) inside of its bark, and is computed to contain 537,000 feet of sound one-inch lumber. These measure- ments appear to be exceeded by some trees in Australia, as is set forth in the report of the Intercolonial Exhibition of 1870 (p. 639), published from the Gov- ernment Printing Office at Sydney in 1871. Here is the statement: The average height to which the Eucalypts attain in this colony may be stated at 100 to 120 feet, with a stem of from three and a half to five feet in diameter. All above these dimensions must be re- garded as exceptional. In jungle forests they have been known to reach a height of FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 73 200 feet, or more. But these heights sink into insignificance compared to those given of some allied species of the same genus indigenous to Victoria, Tasmania, and western Australia. The Tasmania "blue gum "(Eucalyptus globules) is said to reach to a height of 300 feet ; and Dr. Von Mueller states, in the ofBcial record of the Melbourne Intercolonial Exhibi- tion, that a " Karri tree " (Ecolossa) of western Australia was measured by Mr. Pemberton Walcot, which reached 400 feet in height; and a Mr. Boyle measured a fallen tree of Eamygdalma in the deep recesses of Daudanong, near Melbourne, 420 feet in length ; further, that a Mr. Klein took the measurement of a Eucalyptus ten miles from Thales- ville, 480 feet high ; and that a Mr. G. W. Robinson ascertained the circumference of a tree of the Eamygdalina to be eighty- one feet. Big-wig. A slang name for a judge, from the custom prevalent among occu- pants of the bench of wearing large wigs. Bijou Heron. The stage-name of Mrs. Henry Miller. BiU Arp. (Pseud.) Charles H. Smith, American humorous writer ; one of the editors of the Atlanta " Constitu- tion." Billet-doux. (Fr.) A love letter. BiUets d'etat. (Fr.) "Notes of State." Government paper ; bank- notes. Billingsgate. A wharf and fish-market a little below London Bridge on the Middlesex shore. It is the chief whole- sale fish-market in London, and fish of every kind is admitted free of duty if taken by British subjects in British ves- sels. The vulgarity and scurrilous talk indulged in by the hucksters who fre- quent the locality has given rise to the proverbial use of the name. Bill Nye. (Pseud.) E. W. Nye, a well-known humorist and lecturer, and a contributor to the Detroit "Free Press " (b. 1850). Bill of 1800. A law introduced in that year by Senator James Ross, of Pennsylvania, to regulate the electoral count. It provided for a "grand com- mittee " of six Senators, six Represent- atives, and the Chief-Justice. These, sitting in secret, were to settle all dis- putes concerning electoral votes. The bill was amended in the House so as to give to the committee the power merely to take testimony, doubtful returns to be rejected only by a concurrent vote of both houses ; this was amended by the Senate so as to cause returns to be re- jected unless accepted by a concurrent vote. The bill was lost. The bill is memorable as the first open attempt on the part of Congress to arrogate to itself the duty assigned by the Constitution to the President of the Senate of count- ing the electoral votes. — Brown and Strauss. Billy Barlow. A Merry-Andrew. So called from a half-idiot of that name, who fancied himself some great per- sonage. He was well known in the east of London, and died in White- chapel Workhouse. Billy Florence. The stage-name of William J. Conlin. Billy Patterson, Who struck ? The origin of this once famous phrase is as follows : About forty years ago, at one of the medical colleges of this country the students had a trick of hazing every new man who entered the institution. They would secure him hand and foot, carry him before a mock tribunal, and there try him for some high crime with which they charged him. He would be convicted, of course, and sentenced to be led to the block and decapitated. A student named William Patterson came along in time, and was put through the court and sentenced in the usual solemn and impressive manner. He was blind- folded and led to the block, and his neck placed in position. The execu- tioner swung his axe and buried it in the block, allowing it, to be sure, to go nowhere near Patterson's head. The students laughed when the trick was at an end, but Patterson was dead. He had died from what medical men call shock. All the students were put under arrest, and the question arose, "Who struck Billy Patterson ? " On the trial it was shown that nobody struck him ; but the medical students retained the ex- pression, and it has come down through them to the present day. Billy Sedgwick. The stage-name of of S. W. Putnam. Billy Wix. An owl. " Billy " is a play upon the beak, or bill, which is very striking in the owl ; and " Wix " is the German week, " a wig," alluding to the judge-like appearance of the "wise bird." 74 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Bingham's Dandies. A nickname for the Seventeenth Lancers in the English army. Lord Bingham was once their colonel, and their uniform is noted for its almost foppish trimness. Blog. Biography; biographical. Bion. (Pseud.) Robert Southey. Bird of Washington. The bald eagle, the American emblem. Birkbeck. (Pseud.) Henri Beyle. Birmingham of China. The city of Fat-Shan, in Quang-Tong, China. It has large iron-works, whence its sobriquet. Birmingham Poet. John Freeth, the English versifier, who died in 1808, aged seventy-eight, was so named. He was a publican as well as a poet, and softie- thing of a wit. He set many of his lyrics to music, and sang them well. Bis. (Lat.) " Twice." A term indi- cating that a passage distinguished by a curved line drawn under or over it is to be played or sung twice. (Mus.) Bisc. Biscayan. Bis dat, qui cito dat. (Lat.) " Twice he gives who quickly gives." He who bestows a favor promptly and with little fuss, greatly enhances its value. Bishop Bunyan. John Bunyan (fl. 1628-1688) was thus named because he visited his religious brethren in vari- ous parts of England, preaching and exhorting. Bishop of all the Denominations. The Rev. Dr. Eraser, Bishop of Man- chester (d. 1885), was so named in allu- sion to his broad spirit of toleration to all sects. Bishop of Hippo. Saint Augustine. Bishop's Bible. An edition of the Scriptures which appeared in 1568. It was prepared under the supervision of Archbishop Parker. See Treacle Bible. Bismarquer. One who cheats at cards or billiards. The word, it is said, is coined from the name of Prince Bis- marck, whose shifty statecraft in 1865- 1866 awoke honest indignation through- out Europe. See Bite. Bis peccare in bello non licet. (Lat.) To blunder twice is not allowed in war. Biss. Bissell's Circuit Court Reports. Bistonians. The Thracians. So called from Biston, son of Mars, who built Bis- tonia, on the lake Bistonis. So the Bistonian race, a maddening train, Exult and revel on the Thradan plain ; With milk their bloody banquets they allay, , Or from the lion rend his panting prey ; j On some abandoned savage fiercely fly, Seize, tear, devour, and think it luxury. Statius, book iL Bis vincit, qui se vincit in vic- toria. (Lat.) "Twice he conquers who conquers himself in victory." He con- quers twice who conquers himself in the hour of victory, — i. e., his enemy by his valor, and himself by his mod- eration. Bite. A cheat ; one who bites us. " The biter bit " explains the origin. We say "a man was bitten" when he meddles with something which prom- ised well but turned out a failure. Bitter Bnd. " This phrase is nearly without meaning as it is used. The true phrase, 'better end,' is used properly to designate a crisis, or the moment of an extremity. When, in a gale, a ves- sel has paid out all her cable, her cable has run out to the 'better end,' — the end which is secured within the vessel and little used. Robinson Crusoe, in describing the terrible storm in Yar- mouth Roads, says, ' We rode with two anchors ahead, and the cables veered out to the better end.' " — Bartlett. Bizarre. (Pseud.) John Russell Young in the " Washington Chronicle." B. Jon. Ben Jonson. Bk. Bark; book. Black, The. See Lochiel. Black Abolitionists. A Southern nickname for the Northern abolition- ists during the anti-slavery agitation. Black Act. A law passed in the ninth year of George I. to punish armed poachers who at that day used to blacken their faces, and were popularly known as "Blacks." Black Acts. A series of enactments of the Scots' Parliament between the accession of James I. and the year 1587, because they were printed in Saxon, or "black" characters. Black Assize. During the sitting of the court held at Oxford in 1577, judges, lawyers, and jurymen were stricken with the plague. The plague has been called the " Black Assize." Blackbeard. Edward Teach, the notorious pirate, was so named. Black Bruns'wickers. Name given to a body of about seven hundred hus- sars commanded by Frederick William, Duke of Brunswick, in the Napoleonic FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 75 wars. They were called " Black " be- cause they wore mourning for the de- ceased duke. Black CaptEun. A nickname given to Col. Dennis Davidoff, an officer in the Russian army, by the French during the French invasion. Black Cockade. A black cockade worn on the hat was an emblem adopted by the Federalists during the troubles with France in 1797, when war seemed imminent. Its meaning lay in the fact that it had been a part of the Conti- nental uniform during the Revolution, and moreover it served as a contrast to the tricolor cockade of France which the Republicans had affected. " Black Cockade Federalist " was a term of re- proach applied to Federalists during the days of the party's decline. Black Codes, Black La-ws. Cer- tain enactments passed in many of the Northern States before the abolition of slavery, requiring certain acts to be per- formed by free negroes conditional to their residence in those States. Black Country. ' A certain district of Staffordshire, England. "In this region occurs," says Mr. Moncrief, " the argil- laceous or clay and black band ironstone of the coal measures, and the geological formation known as the Oolite and Lias. It occurs in such quantities, and in such close proximity to the fuel necessary for smelting it, that it has altogether al- tered — we might almost say begrimed — the face of the country in the neigh- borhood of its manufacture. As most folks know, it has given to a great part of Staffordshire the name of the Black Country." But the truth is, many peo- ple do not know this. Londoners think all colliery and iron districts come un- der this designation ; and many persons in Birmingham have to learn that the black band of ironstone of the local coal measure is the foundation of the name "Black Country," though the funereal pall of smoke and the general grimy ap- pearance of the great mining and manu- facturing district that has made Bir- mingham populous and rich would be a sufficient reason for the designation. Black David. David Forman, an American soldier (d. 1812), so named from his excessive cruelties toward the loyalists of New Jersey during the Revolutionary War. Black Death. The name bestowed by the populace on a terrible sickness that raged in Asia, Europe, and Africa in the fourteenth century. It took its name from the black blotches, symp- toms of putridity, that appeared on the skin of its victims immediately after death. Black Diamonds, (i) Coal. Dia- monds and coal are both carbon. (2) A name given in England to " smart '' fel- lows of the lower classes. Black Dick. Richard Earl Howe, the English admiral (fl. 1725-1799). Black Dog. A fiend still dreaded in many country places. Black Douglas. William Douglas, Earl of Nithsdale (fl. fourteenth cen- tury). Black Douglas. Introduced by Sir Walter Scott in " Castle Dangerous," is a portrait of James, eighth Lord Doug- las, who twice took Douglas Castle from the English by stratagem. The first time he partly burned it, and the second time he razed it to the ground. The castle, says Godscroft, was nicknamed "Dan- gerous " because every one who at- tempted to keep it from James was in constant peril. Black Douglas. Frederick Douglas, the colored orator and philanthropist, was so named to distinguish him from Stephen A. Douglas. Black Dwarf. (Pseud.) Thomas Jon- athan Wooler, English political writer (1 791-1859). Black Eagle. In the National Re- publican Convention of 1884 Gen. John A. Logan, who had been proposed as the Republican candidate for President, was referred to by Judge West, the blind orator of Ohio, as " that grand old Black Eagle of Illinois." Black Friars. The Dominicans are so called from the color of their habit. Black Friday, (i) Dec. 6, 1745, the day on which the news arrived in Eng- land that the Pretender had landed. (2) May II, 1866, the culmination of the commercial panic in London, when Over- end, Gurney & Co. stopped payment. (3) Sept. 24, 1869, in Wall Street, New York, when a group of speculators forced the price of gold to 162^, creating a se- rious crisis. Black Hawk War. In 1832 the Sacs, the Foxes, and the Winnebagoes of Wisconsin Territory began a war, in- cited thereto by the famous chief Black 76 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Hawk, who, like many of his predeces- sors, believed it possible to form a con- federacy of Indian nations sufficiently strong to arrest the westward progress of the white man. The lands of the Sacs and Foxes, lying on the Rock River, Illi- nois, had been purchased by the United States a quarter of a century previously ; but since there was no immediate ur- fency for white occupancy, the Indians ad been allowed to retain possession of the ceded lands. When at last posses- sion was demanded, they refused to com- ply, and cavilled at the conditions of the treaty. The government insisted that its provisions should be carried out, and hostilities were forthwith commenced. The United States troops under General Scott, aided by the Illinois militia, de- feated the Indians in several actions, and captured Black Hawk. He was es- corted to the East, where the extent and power of the nation his people had foolishly sought to withstand became fully apparent to his understanding. Re- turning to his people, he told them that resistance was hopeless, and the dis- puted lands were then abandoned. Black Hole. An appellation famil- iarly given to a dungeon or dark cell in a prison, and which is associated in the public mind with a horrible catastrophe in the history of British India ; viz., the cruel confinement of a party of English in an apartment called the " Black Hole of Calcutta," on the night of the i8th of June, 1756. The garrison of the fort connected with the English factory at Calcutta having been captured by the Nabob Suraja Dowlah, he caused the prisoners, one hundred and forty-six in number, to be confined in an apartment twenty feet square. This cell had only two small windows, and these were ob- structed by a veranda. The crush of the unhappy sufferers was dreadful ; and after a night of excruciating agony from pressure, heat, thirst, and want of air, there were in the morning only twenty- three survivors. Black Horse. The Seventh Dragoon Guards, the " facings " of whose uniforms are black. Other names for this corps are "Princess Royal's Dragoon Guards," " Strawboots," and " The Blacks." Black Horse Cavalry. A name given to those legislators that act together for the purpose of exacting money from the friends of any measure under consider- ation, and threaten its defeat in case of non-compliance. Their number is fre- quently great enough, to be of consider- able influence. Black Indies. A name given by Eng- lish people to their vast system of coal- mines, which have contributed perhaps even more than the Indian colonial pos- sessions to swell the surprising wealth of the United Kingdom. Black Jack. Miners call blende, or sulphide of zinc, " Black Jack," the oc- currence of which is considered a favor- able indication. The blende usually pre- cedes a lode of good ore. Blackjack. A nickname given to General John A. Logan, of Illinois, The name is usually written " Black Jack," and is supposed to point to his swarthy complexion : but this is an error. The blackjack oak is the knottiest and tough- est wood growing in the Western coun- try, and during the Civil War the Con- federates dubbed him the "Blackjack Colonel " because of his toughness as a commander. Blackleg. An English slang term for a race-course swindler. Black Letter. The Gothic or Ger- man type, because of its black appear- ance. Black-letter Day. An unlucky day, — one to be recalled with regret. The Romans marked their unlucky days with a piece of charcoal, and their lucky ones with chalk. Black-letter Dogs. Bibliomaniacs who delve in out-of-the-way corners to unearth black-letter copies of old books. Black-mail. Tribute of cash, corn, or cattle annually paid in North Brit- ain to certain bands, allied to robbers, to be by them protected from plunder. Black Rent: Rent paid in grain or flesh. Grass-mail: Rent paid for pas- turage. Black Monday, (i) On Easter Mon- day, April 14, 1360, Edward III. was encamped before Paris with his army, and many of his men and horses per- ished from the intense cold. The Mon- day after Easter Sunday is so nick- named in memory of this fatal day Says Lancelot, in "The Merchant of Venice " : " It was not for nothing that my nose fell a-bleeding on Black Mon- day last at six o'clock in the morning." Another account traces the origin of me name to the massacre of the English by the Irish at Cullen's Wood, near Dub- lin, on Easter Monday, March 30, 1209. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 17 The English were merrymaking, when the Irish fell on them and slaughtered men, women, and children. See Blue Monday. (2) Feb. 27, 1865, was so named in Melbourne, where a terrible hot wind from the N. N. W. wjrought much havoc. Black Money. Spurious coin was so first named in 1335. Black Monks. The Dominican friars were so named. Black Museum. A collection of burg- lar's tools and other implements of crime at Scotland Yard, London, is so named. Black Parliament. Convened by Henry VIIL in the London Bridewell. Black Prince. Edward, Prince of Wales, son of Edward IIL, so styled, according to Froissart, " by terror of his arms ; " according to others, because he wore black armor. The last derivation is probably without foundation. Black Rent. See Black-mail. Black Republicans. A name of re- proach bestowed by the pro-slavery men in the United States upon the Republi- can party, certain of whose members re- sisted the extension of slavery into any State where it was not already an "in- stitution." Blacks, or Neri. See Bianchi. Blacks, The. See Black Horse. Black Saturday. The 4th of August, 1621, upon which day the Scottish Par- liament agreed to certain articles ad- mitting Episcopalian customs into the church, — a highly obnoxious measure to the Presbyterians. A violent storm that darkened the heavens was thought to be a mark of God's displeasure. Blacksmith Astronomer. Lawrence J. Ibach (1818-1888), a resident of Penn- sylvania, was so named. He followed the trade of a blacksmith nearly all his life. When a boy he lived with a rela- tive who had a knowledge of astronomy. Young Ibach devoted himself to the study of the science, and for thirty-five years was one of the leading almanac calculators in this country. Mr. Ibach made his calculations at night after working at his trade in the daytime. Black Snake. The sobriquet given to Anthony Wayne (i 745-1796) by the Indians, in allusion to his success in warfare. The black snake will attack any other species, and is rarely worsted. Black Swan. The sobriquet of Eliza- beth Taylor Greenfield, a negro singer (1808-1876). She was born in slavery, but developed great ability as a vocalist. Black Thursday. The name given in the colony of Victoria, Australia, to Thursday, Feb. 6, 1851, when the most terrible Dush fire known in the annals of the colony occurred. It raged over an immense area. One writer in the newspapers of the time said that he rode at headlong speed for fifty miles, with fire raging on each side of his route. The heat was felt far out at sea, and many birds fell dead on the decks of coasting vessels. The de- struction of animal life and farming stock in this conflagration was enor- mous. Black Watch. Armed companies of the loyal clans, — Campbells, Monroes, etc., — employed to guard the Highlands of Scotland from 1725 to 1729, when they were mustered into the famous Forty-second Regiment, "the Royal Highland Black Watch." They wear dark tartans, whence the name. Blanche. (Pseud.) Mrs. E. B. Field, a story-writer in the " Saturday Night." Blanche Corelli. The stage-name of Madame Blanche Crillae. Blanche Manning. The stage-name of Mrs. Daniel C. Manning. Blanche Meda. The stage-name of Mrs. James Delphin, nie Pratt. Blanche Miller. The stage-name of Mrs. Niel Florence. Blanche Roosevelt The stage-name of Madame Machetta. Blanche 'Webster. The stage-name of Mrs. D. Birom. Blanche Wilson. The stage-name of Madeline Le Baron. BlaneyB Bloodhounds. See RoL- LICKERS. Blanketeers, Blanket Meeting. On March 10, 181 7, a number of suffering operatives met in St. Peter's Field, near Manchester, many of them having blan- kets or rugs rolled and strapped to their backs. They essayed to march on Lon- don, but were dispersed by the magis- tracy. Their object was believed to be the commencement of a great insurrec- tion. Eventually the leaders obtained an audience with the Cabinet ministers, and better feeling prevailed. Blarney Stone. A relic of the an- cient castle of Blarney, in Ireland. It is a triangular stone suspended from the north angle of the castle about 78 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. twenty feet from the top, and bearing this inscription : " Cormack MacCarthy fortis me fieri fecit, A. D. 1446." Ac- cording to a tradition of the country the castle was besieged by the English under Carew, Earl of Totness, who, having concluded an armistice with the commander of the castle on condition of its surrender, waited long for the ful- filment of the terms, but was put off from day to day with soft speeches in- stead, until he became the jest of Eliza- beth's ministers and the dupe of the Lord of Blarney. From that day " kiss- ing the Blarney Stone " has been sy- nonymous with flattery and smooth, deceitful words. Blasphemous Balfour. Sir James Balfour, a Scottish judge, who died in 1583, was so nicknamed because of his apostasy. Blatoh. Blatchford's Circuit Court Reports. Blaze, Blazing. In Virginia crown grants were commonly blazed out, or blazoned, by cutting some marks in the bark of a tree. The word (from the French blason) has grown into an Americanism; a new-comer blazes out his pre-emption right on the tree-trunks, or he deadens the tree for the same pur- pose by belting or ringing it, — i. e., cutting off a circular piece of bark, so as to prevent the sap from rising. Blear-eyed. Aurelius Brandolini, the Italian poet (fl. 1440-1497). Bleeding Kansas. Kansas was so named because much of the sanguinary strife of the anti-slavery agitation imme- diately preceding the civil war took place within its borders. Blind, The. (i) Luigi Groto, Italian poet (fl. 1541-1585). (2) Ludwig III., Emperor of Germany (fl. 880-934). Blind Half Hundred. See Dirty Half Hundred. Blind Harper. John Parry, a famous performer, who died 1739. Blind Harry. A famous Scottish minstrel who flourished in the fifteenth century. He composed an epic on William Wallace over eleven thousand lines in length. Blind Leaders of the Blind. A sect of the Pharisees who were in the habit of walking with their eyes closed, and often ran against a wall or into a road- side ditch. Matt. xv. 14. Blindman's Holiday. The twilight hour, when it is too dark to work and too light to kindle gas or candles. AH are then in the condition of blind men, who for the most part enjoy perpetual holiday. Blind Preacher, (i) Timothy Wood- bridge (1784-1862). (2) James Waddel (1739-1805). (3) William Henry Milburn (b. 1823). All were Americans. Blind Singer. Oliver Shaw (1776- 1849), an American song-writer and vo- calist, is referred to by this name by Dr. Ritter. Blind Traveller. Lieut. James Hol- man (fl. 1787-1857). Blizzard. A modern American word, probably more or less onomatopoetic : suggestive words are blow, blast,- blis- ter, bluster; the Fr. blesser, to wound, has also been conjectured, but there is nothing to indicate a French origin. As applied to a bitter snow-storm, the word became general in the American newspapers during the severe winter of 1 880-1 881; but according to the "Mil- waukee Republican," March 4, 1881, it had been so applied in the " Northern Vindicator," Esherville, 111., between i860 and 1870. " Blizzards are cold snaps which come nith a high wind, as opposed to the calm frost of anti- cyclones. They are the result of the passage of the rear of cyclones or of V depressions in the winter months. Then we get high, strong north- westerly winds, blowing ofE a frozen continent, with a temperature many degrees below zero, and with surroundings which are very destruc- tive to life. The wind drives the cold into the bones, even through fur clothing, and raises a blinding dust of powdery snow. Under these circumstances only are the Western voyagers ever lost. If wood cannot be found Nature can only resist the cold for a certain number of hours, and the men are frozen to death if no shelter can be reached. A very curious circum- stance attends these deaths. In almost every case the victims are found to have begun to strip themselves. When the body is nearly reduced to an icicle, only a very little blood continues to circulate languidly through the brain. Then delirium sets in, with a delusive sensation of heat, under the influence of which the traveller begins to divest himself of his clothes." Blizzard Monday. March 12, 18S8, on which day the Eastern States were visited by a snow-storm of unparalleled severity, lasting two days, and which paralyzed travel and business for a week. Block Island Turkey. A colloquial name for salted codfish. See Albany Beef. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 79 Blondin, M. The professional name of Emile Gravelet, the famous tight-rope walker. B.IjIi. Baccalaureus Legutn. Bache- lor of Laws. Same as LL.B. Blood Bath (ijao). A massacre of the Swedish nobles and leaders, which occurred three days after the coronation of Christian II., king of Denmark, Swe- den, and Norway. The victims were in- vited to attend the coronation, and were put to the sword, under the plea of being enemies of the true church. In this mas- sacre fell both the father and brother-in- law of Gustavus Vasa. The former was named Eric Johansson, and the latter Brahe. Blood, Field of. See Field of Blood. Blood is Thicker than "Water. " Many think that this saying originated with Commodore Tatnall, of the United States Navy, who assisted the English in Chinese waters, and, in his despatch to his government, justified his inter- ference by quoting the phrase. It is, however, an old English proverb, and it is to be found in Ray's ' Collection of English Proverbs,' published in 1672. Walter Scott, too, makes Dandie Din- mont say, ' Weel ! blude 's thicker than •water; she 's welcome to the cheeses and the hams just the same.' It is a protest against modern cosmopoli- tanism and universal benevolence that 'spreads as far and is as weak and useless as the threads of summer gos- samer.' A brother is better than a stran- ger, is the pith of ,the saying. Blood stands for traceable, admitted consan- guinity ; water, for the colorless and chilled fluid that flows through the veins of the rest of mankind, who are homi- nes homini lupi, and take but cold inter- est in the happiness of a stranger, and thus cause the fluid coursing through their hearts to appear as one with water to the proverb-maker. Water, too, in our early writers was symbolic of loose- ness, inattachment, falsity. ' Unstable as water' is the scriptural phrase. Thicker signifies greater consistency and sub- stance; hence closeness of attachment, adhesiveness. 'As thick as thieves,' — as close as bad men when banding for evil enterprise. Blood is always thought binding. Conspirators have signed their bonds with their own blood, as martyrs have their attestation of the truth. | He cemented the union of the two families by marriage,' is a stock phrase with his- torians. Quitting metaphor for physi- cal fact, we find that the blood as well as the hair of oxen has been used to bind mortar together and give greater consistency than mere water, as is re- ported of the White Tower of London. The proverb may also allude to the spiritual relationship which, according to the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church, is created between the sponsor and the child whom he brings to the waters of baptism. The relationship by blood would probably be more thought of than one originating in water." — LlP- PINCOTT. Bloodless Lambs, or Peacemakers. A nickname given to the Sixteenth Regiment of the line, because it is the only regiment in the British service without the names of battles inscribed on its flags. Blood of the Martyrs the Seed of the Church. " Flures efficimur, quoties metimur a vobis ; semen est sanguis Christianorum." — Tertullian, Apol- oget. In a note to this passage in " Tertullian " (ed. 1641), is the following quotation from "Saint Jerome": "Est sanguis martyrum seminarium Ecclesiarum." Blood's Conspiracy. Colonel Blood, a cast-off member of the Protector's household, with a number of confed- erates, seized the Duke of Ormond's coach, Dec. 6, 1670, and carried the duke to Tyburn, where he would have been hanged but for the timely arrival of some friends. Blood afterwards tried to steal the royal crown from the Jewel- room in the Tower, May 9, 1671. For neither of these offences, strange to say, was he punished. Blood-tubs. A set of rowdies in Baltimore, chiefly butchers, who got their epithet from having on an elec- tion day dipped an obnoxious German head down in a tub of warm blood, and then driven him running through the town. The following is from the song of the Irish Legion, written af- ter the attack on the Union soldiers while passing through Baltimore, in 1861: — " Blood-tubs and Plug-uglies, and others galore, Are sick for a thrashing in sweet Baltimore j Be jabers I that same I 'd be proud to inform Of the terrible force of an Irishman's arm." Bloody, The. Otho II., Emperor of Germany (fl. 9SS-983)- 8o FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Bloody Angle. In the fighting at Spottsylvania in 1864 there was a sharp salient between the troops of Hancock and Lee, where the fighting was as fierce as any during the war, and the carnage correspondingly severe. Bloody Assize. The state trials held by the notorious Jeffreys in 1685 after the defeat of Monmouth at Sedg- moor. Three hundred persons were exe- cuted ; numbers were whipped, fined, or imprisoned, and nearly a thousand were transported to the American plantations. Bloody Bear, in Dryden's poem, "The Hind and Panther," means the Independents. " The bloody bear, an independent beast, Unlicked to form, in groans her hate expresses." Bloody Bill. A name given to a statute of King Henry VIIL, which prescribed hanging or burning as the penalty to be visited on all who should deny the doctrine of transubstantiation. Bloody Butcher. The Duke of Cumberland, second son of George II., who was so dubbed because of his enor- mities in suppressing the rebellion of the partisans of the Young Pretender. Bloody Eleventh. An English regi- ment, so nicknamed from the fact that they were on more than one occasion nearly annihilated, as at Fontenoy and Salamanca. Bloody Mary. Queen Mary of Eng- land, whose reign is notorious for the burnings and beheadings of Protestants throughout the realm. Bloody Meado-w. A field in the outskirts of Tewksbury, England, where the battle of Tewksbury was fought. May 14, 1471. Bloody Hump. Another and a later name for the Rump Parliament {q. v.). Bloody Shirt. We know of no bet- ter explanation of the origin of this phrase than that given by Roscoe Conk- ling in a speech made in New York, Sept. 1 7, 1880. Referring to the "bloody shirt," he said : " It is a relief to remem- ber that this phrase, with the thing it means, is no invention of our politics. It dates back to Scotland, three cen- turies ago. After a massacre in Glen- fruin, not so savage as has stained our annals, two hundred and twenty widows rode on white palfreys to Stirling Tower, bearing each on a spear her husband's bloody shirt. The appeal waked Scot- land's slumbering sword, and outlawry and the block made the name of Glen- fruin terrible to victorious Clan Alpine, even to the third and fourth generation." The "ensanguined garment" is a eu- phonious rendering of this now historic phrase. Bloody Sweat. See Stigmata. Bloody Wedding. The massacre of Saint Bartholomew, 1572, has been so named because it occurred during the nuptial festivities attending the union of Henry IV. and Marguerite, daughter of Catherine de' Medici. Blouses. A collective name for a mob in Paris. French workmen uniformly wear the blouse. Blow a Cloud. A term as old as the reign of Elizabeth for the act of smoking a cigar or pipe. Blo'wzelinda. A country maiden in Gay's pastoral called " The Shepherd's Week." " Sweet is my toil when Blowzelind is near ; Of her bereft, 't is winter all the year. Come, Blowzelinda, ease thy swain's desire. My summer's shadow and my winter's fire." Bis. Bales. Blue-apron Statesman. An Eng- lish lay politician ; a tradesman who in- terferes with the affairs of the nation. The reference is to the blue apron once worn by almost all tradesmen, but now restricted to butchers, poulterers, fish- mongers, etc. Bluebaoks. The Southern paper cur- rency during the civil war was so named to distinguish it from the Greenbacks (y. V.) of the North. Blue Blood. The old families of Spain traced their pedigree beyond the time of the Moorish conquest, and claimed that their blood was blue, while that of common people was of a muddy hue. Blue Bonnet. (Pseud.) Rev. Thomas Fenwick, a Canadian clergyman and mis- cellaneous writer. Blue-bonnets. The Scotch. See,BoN- NET Lairds. England shall many a day Tell of the bloody fray When the blue-bonnets came over the border. Scott. Blue-bottle. A policeman. So named from the color of his uniform. Blue-coat School, Blue-coat Boys. The name colloquially given to Christ Hospital and its scholars, Newgate Street, London, in which the boys wear long blue coats or gowns. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 8i Blue-devils, or A Fit of the Blues. Melancholy or low spirits. It is affirmed that indigo-dyers are especially subject to moodiness. Blue Dog. See Once in a Blue Moon. Blue Envelope. Some of the great American railroads use various colored envelopes for different branches of their business. On some of these a blue en- velope contains a notice of dismissal ; hence the use of the phrase " to get the blue envelope " signifies a loss of one's employment. A yellow envelope is some- times used. Blue Fear, Blue Funk. See Once IN A Blue Moon. Blue-gowns. The name popularly given to a class of privileged mendi- cants in Scotland. Their proper designa- tion was " King's Bedesmen," or " Beads- men." "Each of the beadsmen on his Majesty's birthday received a gown or cloak of blue cloth, with a loaf of bread, a bottle of ale, and a leathern purse containing a penny for every year of the king's life. Every birthday another beadsman was added to the number, as a penny was added to each man's purse." Blue-grass State. A name popularly bestowed on the State of Kentucky, and derived from the so-called " blue-grass " which has made the State so noted as the breeding-ground of fine cattle and horses. Of course the grass is not blue : the name refers to the underlying strata of blue limestone. Blue-hen State. Delaware. This name arose from the fact that cock- fighting was at one time very popular in the State. One of the devotees of this sport, a Captain Caldwell, used to say that no bird could be really game unless hatched by a blue hen. Blue Jacket. (Pseud.) Admiral John Adolphus Bernard Dahlgren, U. S. N. Blue Laws. A derisive name given to the laws of the early colonists in Con- necticut. It is related that "the strict enactments of the Puritans were re- counted in England and in the other colonies with many laughable exaggera- tions and malicious additions ; and some of the satirical statements of contempo- rary writers, taken literally, have given rise to the erroneous opinion that the Blue Laws actually existed as a legal code." They assumed the right to regulate the expen- ditures of the people, even for wearing-apparel, according to their several incomes. The General Court of Massachusetts on one occasion required the proper officers to notice the " apparel " of the people, especially their " ribands and great boots." Drinking of healths, wearing funeral badges, and many other things that seemed improper, were forbidden. At Hartford the General Court kept a constant eye upon the morals of the people. Freemen were compelled to vote under penalty of a fine of sixpence. The use of tobacco was prohibited to persons under twenty years of age, without the certificate of a physician ; and no others were allowed to use it more than once a day, and then they must be ten miles from any house. The people of Hartford were all obliged to rise in the morning when the watchman rang his bell. These are but a few of the hundreds of similar enactments found oA the records of the New England courts. In 1646 the Legislature of Massachusetts passed a law which imposed the penalty of a flogging upon any one who should kiss a woman in the streets. More than a hun- dred years afterward this law was enforced in Boston. The captain of a British man-of-war happened to return from a cruise on Sunday. His overjoyed wife met him on the wharf, and he kissed her several times. The magistrates or- dered him to be flogged. The punishment in- curred no ignominy, and he associated freely with the best citizens. When about to depart, the cap- tain invited the magistrates and others on board his vessel, to dine. When dinner was over, he caused all the magistrates to be flogged, on deck, in sight of the town ; then, assuring them that he considered accounts settled between him and them, he dismissed them, and set sail. — LossiNG. Blue-light Federalists. A name given to those Americans who were believed to have made friendly " blue-light " sig- nals to British ships in the War of 1812. Blue Monday. Those whose affairs of business occupied them on Sunday were considered to have a right to a holiday on Monday. The name is said to be derived from a custom of dec- orating European churches with blue the Monday before Lent. See Black Monday. Bluenoses. A collective nickname for Nova-Scotians, in allusion to the effect of their bleak climate upon that part of the face. Blue-peter. A flag with a blue ground and white square centre, flown from the fore, in token that a vessel is about to sail. " Peter " is a corruption of the French partir, to leave. Blue Ribbon of the French Turf. The Grand Prix de Paris. Blue Ribbon of the Turf. The stakes for the English Derby were so named by Lord Beaconsfield. When Lord George Bentinck quitted the turf for the House of Commons, he sold his stud. On the 22d of May, 1848, his protectionist reso- lutions were negatived in the House, 82 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. and on the 24th Surplice, one of the horses he had parted with, won the Derby. "All my life," he groaned, "I have been trying for this, and for what have I sacrificed it ! " The sympathizing Disraeli in vain strove to console his friend. " You do not know what the Derby is," rejoined Lord George. " Yes, I do," said Disraeli; "it is the Blue Ribbon of the English Turf." See Isth- mian Games of England. Blue-ruin. Gin is so named in Eng- land ; blue from its tint, and ruin from its effects. Blues. See Blue-devils. Blues, The, of Constantinople. A po- litical party in the reign of Justinian, op- posed to the Greens of Anastasius. Ever afterward blue was the emblem of roy- alty at Rome. Blueskin. The surname or nickname given to Joseph Blake, the English high- wayman, executed Nov. 11, 1723. His complexion was very dark. Blueskins. A nickname given to Pres- byterians, because of their alleged grave demeanor. Blue-stocking. A female pedant. In 14PO a society of ladies and gentlemen was formed at Venice, distinguished by the color of their stockings, and addicted to literary pursuits. Similar societies sprung up all over Europe. In England they did not become extinct till 1840, when the Countess of Cork, who, as Miss Moncton, was the last of the clique, died. Bluff City. Hannibal, Mo. It is built on rising ground on the bank of the Mis- sissippi. Bluff Harry or Hal. Henry VIII., " who was famed for his bluff and burly manners." B.M. Baccalaureus Medicinm. Bach- elor of Medicine. Same as M. B. Boanerges (" sons of thunder "). A name given to James and John, sons of Zebedee, because they desired to call down fire from heaven to consume the contemptuous Samaritans. See Luke ix. 54. The name in modern times has been given to a preacher who delivers " rousing " sermons, and expounds the doctrines of election and punishment with emphasis. Boar, The. Richard III. was so nick- named from his armorial device. See Bristled Baptist Boar. Bob. A colloquial nickname for a shil- ling in England. It is thought to be a corruption of the Scotch bawbee. Bobadil. A military braggart. Captain Bobadil is a character in Ben Jonson's comedy of " Every Man in his Humor." This name was probably suggested by Bobadilla, first governor of Cuba, who sent Columbus home in chains. Bobbing John. John Erskine, elev- enth Earl of Mar (1675-1732). Bobby. An English nickname for a policeman, because Sir Robert Peel first introduced them into the realm. They are dubbed " peelers " for the same reason. Bob Hart. The stage-name of Rob- ert Sutherland, a " minstrel," and later a revival preacher (d. 1888). Bob White. Nickname for the Amer- ican quail (Ortyx virginianus), whose note of warning closely resembles those words in sound. Boden See. The German name for the Lake of Constance in Switzerland, — so called because the bodmanno, or royal messenger, of the Carlovingian kings used to reside near by. Body of Liberties. The first code of laws established in New England, com- piled for the colony of Massachusetts in 1641, by Rev. Nathaniel Ward. Boeotian. An epithet current among the ancients to denote a supremely stu- pid person. The natives of Boeotia were famed for their dulness. Boeotian Bars. Ears unable to ap- preciate music and rhetoric. This is having taste and sentiment. Well, friend, I assure thee thou hast not got Bceotiaa ears. — Lesage, Gil Bias. Bogle Swindle. A gigantic swindle concocted in Paris by fourteen persons, who expected to net at least a million sterling. It was exposed in the London " Times." Bogomili. A religious sect of the twelfth century, whose chief seat was Thrace. So called from their constant repetition of the words, " Lord, have mercy upon us," which in Bulgarian is bog milui. Bog-trotters. A colloquial term in Ireland for vagrants or tramps, in allu- sion to their skill in crossing the bogs from tussock to tussock. _ Bogus. The most plausible explana- tion of this common term is that the assumed name of a remarkably success- FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 83 ful swindler, " Borghese," was in course of time not only reduced to "bogus," but finally applied to everything false and fraudulent. It spread rapidly over the whole Union, and is now one of the most familiar of Americanisms. Bohem. Bohemian. Bohemia. A slang sobriquet for those localities in the great cities of Europe and America frequented by ad- venturers in art or literature, and who lead an unsettled, gay, and often ques- tionable existence. Bohemia, in Eu- rope, was long thought to be the original home of the gypsies. Bohemian. "A term of mild re- proach bestowed on persons of uncon- ventional habits. But a ' Bohemian ' in the real sense of the word is a person, man or woman, who does not go into 'society;' who is happy-go-lucky, un- conventional, now 'flush,' now 'short' of money; who, having money, spends it freely, enjoying it, and having none, hopes for it in the future; who makes the best of everything, and takes life as it comes. , Your true Bohemian is a philosopher, and in spite of his uncon- ventionality he is at least as apt to be respectable as a leader in conventional society." Bold Bean-hiller. The sobriquet borne by John Durkee (i 728-1 782), the American Indian-fighter. His place of residence in Windham, Conn., gave rise to the odd title. Bolerinm Promontory. Land's End, Cornwall, is so called. Bolero. A Spanish dance with casta- nets. Bolingbroke. Henry IV. of England (fl. 1366-1413) is often alluded to by this name. He was bom at Boling- broke, in Lincolnshire. Bolingbroke. (Pseud.) Nicholas Amherst {circa 1726), as editor of the " Craftsman." Bolivar, Patsy. See Patsy Bolivar. Bolognese School. There were three periods to the Bolognese school of painting, — Early, Roman, and Eclec- tic. The first was founded by Marco Zoppo in the fifteenth century; and its best exponent was Francia. The second was founded in the sixteenth century by Bagnacavallo ; and its chief exponents were Primaticcio, Tibaldi, and Niccolo del Abbate. The third was founded by the Carracci at the close of the sixteenth century ; and its best masters have been Domenichino, Lanfranco, Guido, Guer- cino, and Albani. Bolt, Bolter. To secede from the political programme laid down by one's party is to " bolt " the ticket ; those who do so are named " bolters." Bolton How. (Pseud.) Hon. Spen- cer Cecil Brabazon Ponsonby, author of " Peril," etc. Bolton Rovire. (Pseud.) (i) Clement Scott. (2) B. C. Stephenson, a dramatic writer of the present day. Bolus. An apothecary, so called be- cause he administers boluses. George Colman adopts the name for his apothe- cary, who wrote his labels in rhyme, one of which was — " When taken, To be well shaken ; " but the patient, being shaken instead, died. Bomba. Ferdinand II., king of Na- ples, was thus nicknamed in conse- quence of his wanton attack on Mes- sina in 1848, during which many inno- cent lives were lost and much property destroyed. His son, Francis II., was nicknamed "Bomba II." for his bom- bardment of Palermo in i860 ; he was also dubbed " Bombalina ; " /. e., Little Bomba. Bombardinio. (Pseud.) William Maginn in "Eraser's Magazine." Bombastes Furioso. One who talks big and uses long words ; the hero of a burlesque opera, so called, by William B. Rhodes. Bombastus. The family name of Paracelsus, who was believed to keep a small devil prisoner in the pommel of his sword. Bomb City. A nickname conferred on Chicago, 111., on account of the " Hay- market Riots," May 4, 1886, on which occasion dynamite bombs were thrown at the police, five of whom were killed. Bona Dea. Literally, "The Good Goddess." A mysterious Roman divin- ity, variously described as the wife, sis- ter, or daughter of Faunus. She was worshipped at Rome from the most an- cient times, only by women, however, even her name being concealed from men. Intercession was made for the whole Roman nation. " The solemni- ties were performed generally by aristo- cratic vestals. At this celebration no males were allowed to be present ; even portraits of men were veiled. The wine consumed was called milk, in order that 84 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. its name might not be discovered ; and the vessel in which it was served, mella- rium. The symbol of the goddess was a serpent, indicating her healing pow- ers, and certain herbs were sold in her temple." Bona fide. This phrase is frequently pronounced by imperfectly educated peo- ple as though the latter word were one syllable only. Its proper division into syllables is bo-nd fi-de ; the accent is on they£ The literal meaning is "in good faith." Bonajides is "good faith." Bon ami. (Fr.) Good friend. Bonanza. A Spanish term, of simi- lar meaning to Placer {q. v.). It is a nautical word, and means " fair weather at sea." If the reader will refer to Mat- thew viii. 26, he will read that, after the Lord rebuked the wind and the sea, "there was a great calm." And if refer- ence is next had to the Spanish version of the New Testament, he will find the phrase there given, "una grande bo- nanza." It is easy to understand how the word came into its figurative use as meaning a happy calm and good hope after a weary search. Bonanza Kings. James Clair Flood, W. S. O'Brien, John W. Mackay, and James G. Fair, four men of Irish parent- age who acquired vast fortunes from the gold and silver mines on the Pacific coast. They had various imitators and successors who shared the name, but these four men were the "only origi- nal " Bonanza Kings. Bona-roba. An Italian nickname for a courtesan, in allusion to her gay attire. Bon-bon. A sweetmeat. Bon bourgeois. (Fr.) " Good citi- zen." A citizen of substance. Bon cbevcilier, etc. See Good Knight. Bone to pick. It is the custom in Sicily for the father of a bride to hand the bridegroom a bone, saying, "Pick this bone ; you have undertaken a more difficult task." Boney. A diminutive nickname for Bonaparte, current in England in the first part of this century. Bonfaati, Mile. The professional name of Mrs. Hoffman, daughter-in- law of the late ex-Governor Hofbnan of New York. Bon Gaultier. (Pseud.) W. E. Ay- toun and Theodore Martin, literary col- laborateurs. Bon gt6, mal gr^. (Fr.) "Good will, bad will." With a good or bad grace; willing or unwilling. Bonhomie. Good-natured simplicity. Bonbomme. The French peasant is nicknamed "Jacques Bonhomme ; " i. e., "James Goodfellow." More particu- larly, however, the name is given to those of the common people who med- dled in politics. The uprising of the peasantry in 1358 is known as " La Jacquerie." Bon Hommes (" Good Men "). An order of hermits of gentle and simple lives who first appeared in France about 1217, and in England about 1283. The prior of the order was named " Le Bon Homme " by Louis VI. See Jacques Bonhomme. Boniface. This name is probably applied to publicans from the legend mentioned in the "Ebrietatis Enco- mium," which relates that Pope Boni- face instituted indulgences for those who should drink a cup after grace, to his own memory, or to the Pope for the time being, which cup is proverbially called Saint Boniface's Cup. Boni principii finis bonus. (Lat.) A good ending comes from a good be- ginning. Bonis nocet quisquis peperoerit malis. (Lat.) He hurts the good who spares the bad. Bon jour. (Fr.) " Good day." Good morning. Bon mot. A witty saying. Bonne. (Fr.) A nurse or governess. Bonne bfite. (Fr,) " Good beast." Good-natured fool. Bonne bouche. (Fr.) Literally, " a good mouth." Used in England as equivalent to fii-6ii, or in reference to some rare old wine; as, " Now I'll give you a ioKfte bouche. This is a bottle of the celebrated Comet Port of 1811." Bonne et beUe. (Fr-) " Good and beautiful. " Good and handsome. Bonne foi. (Fr.) Good faith. Bonne fortune. (Fr.) Good for- tune ; a piece of good luck. Bonnes gens. (Fr.) " Good peo- ple." Civilized beings; men of the right stamp. Bonne table. (Fr.) A good table. Bonnet de nuit. (Fr.) A nightcap. Bonnet Lairds. Country magnates who wore the old Scotch cap, or braid bonnet. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 8S Bonnet rouge. (Fr.) The red cap ; the cap of liberty. Bonnie Chevalier. Charles Edward, the "Young Pretender" (i 720-1 788). Bonnie Meyer. The stage-name of Mrs. J. H. Thorne. Bono Johnny, A nickname for the English throughout the East. Bon Boir. (Fr.) Good evening. Bon ton. (Fr.) High fashion ; first- class society. Bon vivant. (Fr.) A jolly fellow; a high feeder or liver. Bona vivanta. (Fr.) Good com- panions. Bon voyage. (Fr.) A pleasant jour- ney or voyage, as the case may be. Booby. A dunce ; a spiritless fellow. Among the Bahama Islands there is a sort of pelican, called a booby, which suffers itself to be attacked by other birds, and without resistance gives up the fish it has caught for itself. Boodle Aldermen. In 1884-1886 certain New York aldermen were be- lieved to have been bribed to vote away a certam railroad charter on Broadway, and the accused were dubbed " Boodle Aldermen," boodle being a slang term for " money." One writer suggests that the word "boodle" is doubtless derived from the Dutch word "boedel," which means " property or goods." A " boe- delster," he says, is the attorney or other person who finally possesses the "boedel." Book of Books. The Bible ; Greek /3i|3Xos, book. Book of the Four Kings. (Fr., "Livre des Quatre Rois," a pack of cards.) In a French pack the four kings are Charlemagne, David, Alex- ander, and Caesar, representatives of the Franco-German, Jewish, Macedo- nian, and Roman monarchies. Bookworm. One always poring over his books, in allusion to the insect that eats holes in books, and lives in and on its leaves. Bookworm. (Pseud.) Thomas F. Donnelly, American litterateur. Bootes (" the ox-driver "). In classical mythology the son of Ceres, and the inventor of the plough. He was trans- lated to the heavens, where he was made a constellation. Border, The. In the history of Great Britain a popular designation of the boundary between England and Scot- land. From the end of the tenth cen- tury until that of the seventeenth this frontier was the scene of constant con- flict, the details of which abound in and inspire both song and story. It was not until the union of the kingdoms in 1707 that these disturbances became of less frequency, but during the Jacobite ex- citement they were revived with great frequency. Border Minstrel. Sir Walter Scott (fl. 1771-1832), poet and novelist, who reckoned his descent from the great Buccleuch family, the powerful border magnates. Border Ruffians. Southern settlers from Missouri wlw went into Kansas to combat the anti-slavery men about 1854. Border States. In ante-bellum times in American history a popular name for those States lying next to the line of the free States ; viz., Missouri, Ken- tucky, Virginia, Maryland, and Dela- ware. Upon the abolition of slavery the term passed into desuetude. Border-thief School. The name given to Sir Walter Scott and his imi- tators who sung the praises of vari- ous freebooting chiefs of the Scottish border. Border War. A name applied to the hostilities that took place between the Free-State emigrants to Kansas and the slaveholders from Missouri, when, in 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Bill left the question of slavery in that Territory to be settled by the inhabitants. Bloody encounters were frequent, and several pitched battles were fought. Boreas. In classical mythology the north wind, son of Astrasas and Aurora. Borough English. The law of suc- cession where the youngest son inherits instead of the eldest. It is of Saxon origin, and is so called to distinguish it from the Norman custom. It obtains in the manors of Lambeth, Hackney, part of Islington, Heston, Edmonton, etc. Borrowing Days. The last three days of March are so named in Scot- land and in parts of England. The popular notion is that these days are borrowed or taken from April, and may be expected to consist of wet or stormy weather. Although this belief dates from a period before the change of the style, a few days of broken and unset- tled weather at the end of March often give color to this old superstition. 86 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Bosoawen. (Pseud.) Nathaniel Greene in liis various editorial capaci- ties from 1817 to 1852. BosphoTus, The Cimmerian. See Cimmerian Bosphorus. Boss == Master, Employer, Lead- er. The word " boss " is derived from the Dutch baas. Originally used in its primitive meaning of " master or over- seer," it became customary to speak of a boss tailor or a boss carpenter, meaning a mechanic who employed several hands or workmen. Soon the word became widely popular. It has even been turned into a verb, and to '■'■boss a job" is a common expression for undertaking a business. The word, harmless in itself, has passed into politics and become part of the history of the United States. The head of a party, the manager of an intrigue, the patron of a bill in Con- gress, each is called the boss. The term is current from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Nar- rows to the Golden Gate. Bossuet of the American Church. Archbishop Napoleon Joseph Perchd, of New Orleans (1805-1883), was so styled by Pope Leo XI IL Bost. Boston. Boston Bard. (Pseud.) Robert S. Coffin, American poet (1797-1827). Boston Massacre. A street affray in Boston, March 5, 1770, in which a sergeant's guard fired into a mob of people who had pelted them with snowballs. Three men were killed and several wounded. Boston Rebel. (Pseud.) John Low- ell, LL.D., American lawyer and polit- ical writer (1769-1840). Boston Sydney Smith. Thomas G. Appleton, a brother-in-law of Long- fellow, received this appellation. Boston Tea-Party. A name popu- larly conferred on the historic gather- ing of citizens in Boston, Dec. 16, 1773, who met to carry out the resolution of the colony respecting the non-importa- tion of goods from England. Disguised as Indians, they boarded three English vessels, and emptied their cargoes of tea into the waters of the harbor. Not long ago the " Boston Transcript " pub- lished the names of fifty-eight persons who were in the "Tea-Party," quoted from Thatcher's ■' Traits of the Tea-Party," pubUshed in 1835, at which time nine or ten of the parties immediately interested were alive and attested the correctness of the list. The names were as follows : George R. T. Hewes, Joseph Shed, John Crane, Josiah Wheeler,Thomas Urann, Adam CoUson, S. CoUidge, Joseph Pay- son, James Brewer, Thomas Bolter, Edward Proc- tor, Samuel Sloper, Thomas Gerrish, Nathaniel Green, Benjamin Simpson, Joseph Eayres, Joseph Lee, William Molineiix, Paul Revere, John Spurr, Thomas Moore, Samuel Howard, Matthew Lor- ing, Thomas Spear, Daniel Ingoldson, Richard Hunnewell, John Horton, Jonathan Hunnewell, Thomas Chsie, Thomas Melville, Henry Purkitt, Edward C. Howe, Ebenezer Stevens, Nicholas Campbell, John Russell, Thomas Porter, William Hendley, Benjamin Rice, Samuel Gore, Nathaniel Frothingham, Moses Grant, Peter Slaper, James Starr, Abraham Tower, William Pierce, William Russell, T. Gammell, Mcintosh, Dr. Thomas Young, Joseph Wyeth, Edward Dolbear, Mar- tin, Samuel Peck, Lendall Pitts, Samuel Sprague, Benjamin Clarke, Richard Hunnewell, Jr., John Prince. To these names have been added the fol- lowing, on the strength of family tradition. The list is not to be accepted as absolutely accurate : Nathaniel Barber, Samuel Barnard, Henry Bass, Edward Bates, Nathaniel Bradlee, David Brad- lee, Josiah Bradlee, Thomas Bradlee, Seth Inger- soU Brown, Stephen Burce, Benjamin Burton, George Carlton, Gilbert Colesworthy, John Coch- ran, Gershom Collier, James Foster Condy, Sam- uel Cooper, Thomas Dana, Jr., Robert Davis, Joseph Eaton, Eckley, William Etheridge, Samuel Fenno, Samuel Foster, John Fulton, Sam- uel Hammond, John Hicks, Samuel Hobbs, Thomas Hunstable, Abraham Hunt, David Ken- nison, Amos Lincohi, Thomas Machin, Archibald MacNeil, John May, Mead, Anthony Morse, Eliphalet Newell, Joseph Pearse Palmer, Jona- than Parker, John Peters, Samuel Pitts, Henry Prentiss, John Randall, Joseph Roby, Fhineas Steams, Robert Sessions, Elisha Story, James Swan, John Truman, Isaac Williams, David Wil- liams, Jeremiah Williams, Thomas Williams, Nathaniel Willis. Boswell Butt. (Pseud.) Charles H. Ross, English humorist (b. 1836). Boswell Redivivns. (Pseud.) Wil- liam Hazlitt, in the " New Monthly Mag- azine," 1 826-1 827. Bot. Botany. Botany Bay of American Colleges. Union College has been so named be- cause of the fact that many students who for various reasons failed to grad- uate from other institutions of learning were there allowed to complete their college studies. Botheration Primus. The college (Princeton) sobriquet borne by Nathaniel Niles, the American lawyer (1741-1828). Botherers, The. A by-name for the King's Own Borderers (Twenty-fifth Regiment) in the English service, grow- ing out of the manner In which the Scotch pronounce the name " Borderers." Bothie System. The Scottish mode of grouping all the outbuildings of a farm, with the dwellings of the laborers, in a sort of barrack. A bothie is a cot or hut, and answers to the English " booth." FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 87 Bottle-holder. One who gives moral but not material support. Tlie allusion is to boxing or prize-fighting, where each combatant has a bottle-holder to wipe off blood, refresh with water, and do other services to encourage his man to perse- vere and win. Lord Falmerston considered himself tlie bottle- holder of oppressed States. He was the steadfast partisan of constitutional liberty in every part of the world. — T/te Times. Bottle Imp. See Cartesian Devil. Bottle of Hay. To "seek a needle in a bottle of hay" is a common ex- pression. Shakspeare makes Bottom (Midsummer's Night's Dream, act iv. sc. 2) say, " I have a great desire to a bottle of hay." The phrase originally signified a quantity of hay tied in a bun- dle, to be carried out for foddering cat- tle. The word comes from the French boteau, a bundle. Bottle Riot. An hneute at the the- atre in Dublin, Dec. 14, 1822, arising out of the intensely bitter feeling against the Marquis of Wellesley. So named be- cause, among other missiles, a bottle was hurled into his box. Bottle Trick, The. Notice was given in the public prints that, to settle a wager, a man would undertake to jump into a quart bottle, at the Haymarket Theatre, London, Jan. 16, 1749. An im- mense crowd assembled inside and out- side the house, and the pickpockets reaped a rich harvest. When the crowd realized that it had been duped, it nearly tore the house down. Bottomless Pitt. A vulgar nickname given to William Pitt, who was of a spare habit. Bottoms. The richest land commonly lies along the course of a stream, or, as it is termed, in the " river-bottom." Boudoir. A small private apartment. Bounty-jumper. During the civil war a term appUed to men who re- ceived a bounty when enlisting, then ran away, enlisted in another State, and received a second bounty. Instances are known where men received many bounties in this way. My song is of a fast youtig man whose name was Billy Wires ; He used to run with the machine, and go to all the fires : But as he loved a soldier's life, and wished strange things to see, So the thought struck him that he would go and jump the bounti-ee. Song of the Bounty-Jtimfer. Bourbon. A dyed-in-the-wool Demo- crat ; " one who never learns and who never forgets." Bourgeois. A citizen of the trading class. Bourgeoisie. The body of citizens. Bourgeois of Calais. See Six Bour- geois OF Calais. Boustrapa. A nickname for Napo- leon 111., and containing an allusion to various notorious episodes in his career. The word is composed of the first let- ters of the words .S^aslogne, iVrasburg, and /'flris. Bow Bells. See Cockney. Box Days. Two days in spring and autumn, and one at Christmas, during the English law vacation, in which plead- ings may be filed. This custom was established in 1690, for the purpose of expediting business. Each judge has a private box with a slit, into which in- formations may be placed on box days, and the judge, who alone has the key, examines the papers in private. Box Harry. To " box Harry," among commercial travellers, is to avoid the usual table d''h6te, and take something substantial at tea-time, in order to save expense. Boxing-day. The name popularly given in England to December 26, the day after Christmas. It is generally observed as a holiday, and is made the occasion of much giving of gratuities from employers to employed, which are dubbed " Christmas boxes " or presents. On Boxing-night, too, the metropol- itan theatres all open, and present their Christmas pantomimes. Boy. In the South the house and stable servants were universally called "boys," no matter what their age. From this arose the custom of dubbing the male help in American hotels "boys," as bell-boy, waiter-boy, though they may be gray-haired men. Boy Bachelor. William Wotton,D.D. (fl. 1 666-1 726), who was admitted to St. Catherine's Hall before he was ten years old, and secured his degree of B. A. when he was twelve. Boy Bishop. From a very early time the custom of choosing a Boy Bishop on St. Nicholas' Day has been in vogue in Catholic countries, and in England seems to have prevailed in almost every parish. Although the election took place on St. Nicho- las' Day (December 6), the authority lasted to 88 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Holy Innocents' Day (December z8). The Boy Bishop was chosen from the children of the church or cathedral choir, or from the pupils at the grammar-school. He was arrayed in epis- copal vestments, and, attended by a crowd of subordinates in priestly dress, went about with songs and dances from house to house, bless- ing the people, who, as Bishop Hall says, " stood grinning in the way to expect that ridiculous ben- ediction." The ceremony, or rather saturnaha, contained so much that was derogatory to the dig- nity of religion, that it was abolished in the reign of Henry VIII. ; it was revived during the reign of Mary, but finally sank into oblivion near the close of the sixteenth century. — Chambers. Boyle Contaroversy. See Battle of THE Books. Boyle Lectures. They were founded by the Hon. Robert Boyle, who left an an- nuity for " some preaching minister, who shall preach eight sermons in the year for proving the Christian religion against Atheists, Deists, Pagans, Jews, and Mo- hammedans, not descending to any con- troversies among Christians themselves." The first was preached in 1692 by Rich- ard Bentley. Boy Merchants. John, William, and Robert Kelly, of New York, who, al- though under age, successfully carried on their father's business after his death in 1825. Boy Preacher, (i) Crammond Ken- nedy (b. 1842). (2) Thomas Harrison. (3) Joshua Soule, the Methodist Epis- copal bishop (i 781-1867). Boys in Blue. Soldiers in the United States army, — so named on account of the color of their uniforms. Similarly the soldiers of the Southern Confed- eracy were named " Boys in Gray." Boythorn. (Pseud.) William S. Rob- inson, in the Worcester (Mass.) " Tran- script " (1857-1860). Boz. (Pseud.) Charles Dickens, Eng- lish novelist (1812-1870). " Boz, my signature in the ' Momin^Chron- icle,' was the nickname of a pet child, a younger brother, whom I had dubbed Moses, in honor of the ' Vicar of Wakefield,' which, being pronounced ' Bozes,' got shortened into ' Boz.' " Who the dickens " Boz " could be Puzzled many a learned elf ; But time revealed the mystery. For " Boz " appeared as Dickens' self. Epigram in the " Carihiisian." Bozzy. James Boswell, the biogra- pher of Dr. Johnson. Bozzy and Fiozzi. James Boswell and Mrs. Hester Lynch Piozzi. Bo 5- This seems to have been for- merly used as a contraction for bushel ; the symbol 3 being the same mark of contraction as used in "vi3" (which see). In a bill of charges for a dinner given by Lord " Leiyster," as Chancel- lor of Oxford, Sept. S, 1570, is the fol- lowing item : " For ij bo 3 . a pecke and a haulfe pecke of flower, to Mr. Fumes, at \]s vii^the bo 3, vij m]d" Bp. Bishop. B. R. Banco Regis or Regina. The King's or Queen's Bench. Br. Brig ; bromine ; brother. Brabangonne. A Belgian patriotic song, composed in the revolution of 1830, and so named from Brabant, of which Brussels is the chief city. Braddock Field. (Pseud.) Charles Patton Dimitry. Eradlaugh Case. A prolonged con- troversy (1881-1886) over the claim of Charles Bradlaugh to take a seat in the House of Commons without taking the oath required of members, he declaring that he did not acknowledge or believe in its obligation ; and later, to have the oath administered. Two notable legal decisions were reached in the course of the controversy. In 1884, in the case of Charles Bradlaugh v. Francis R. Gos- sett, sergeant-at-arms of the House of Commons, arising out of a resolution excluding plaintiff from the House until he should engage not to disturb its pro- ceedings by demanding to take the oath as a member, it was held that courts cannot control the House in its admin- istration of laws relating merely to its internal procedure, nor inquire into the propriety of a resolution restraining a member from doing in the House what he had a lawful right to do, and that action will not lie against the sergeant- at-arms for obeying such resolution. In 1885, in the Court of Appeal, the case of the Attorney-General v. Bradlaugh, for penalties under the Parliamentary Oaths Act, for voting in the House without having been sworn as a member, it was decided that a member who does not believe in a Supreme Being, and upon whom an oath is binding only as a prom- ise, is incapable of taking the prescribed oath ; but if he goes through the form of taking it (as Bradlaugh did by admin- istering the oath to himself at the bar of the House), he is liable for violation of the Act. Braggadocio. A braggart ; one who is valiant with his tongue, but a coward at heart ; a barking dog that bites not. The character is from Spenser's " Faerie Queene." FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 89 Bragi. In Scandinavian mythology the son of Odin and Frigga, husband of Iduna, and the patron of poetry and eloquence. Brahma. In Hindu mythology the supreme deity, forming, with Vishnu and Siva, the Trimurti, or triad of the Brahmanical faith. Brains. See Old Brains. Brain-Picture Hoax. A scientific hoax gotten up by George G. Rocliwood, photographer, and published in the New York papers in 1887. Brain Street. A sobriquet conferred on Fleet Street, London, by George Au- gustus Sala. It is the centre of the metropolitan newspaper press. Bramine, The. An endearing epithet bestowed by Sterne on Mrs. Elizabeth Draper, a young Englishwoman, for whom he contracted an ill-advised pas- sion. The name contains a reference to the place of her birth, — India ; and by his reference to himself in the same connection by the term " The Bramin " he evidently sought to indicate his cler- ical calling. Brandenburg Lucky Star. The his- tory of this star — so named because it appeared on the night in which Elector Sigismund of Brandenburg was born — is as follows : In 945, during the reign of Emperor Otho I., say the German papers, a new and brilliant fixed star was seen in the constellation Cassio- peia, which has the shape of a W. In 1264 a similar star was seen in the same place ; and again on Nov. 1 1, 1572, when Tycho Brahe noticed a brilliant star of unusual magnitude in a spot where he had only seen small ones un- til then. It had no tail, nor was it sur- rounded by a haze, that might cause observers to take it for a comet. It resembled, on the contrary, the other fixed stars, and shed a more brilliant light than the stars of the first magni- tude, excelling in this respect Sirius, Jupiter, and Vega. It could only be compared to Venus, and was visible also in the daytime, even at noon. At night, with a covered sky, while all the other stars are invisible, it was repeatedly dis- tinguishable through the clouds. Tycho was convinced of its complete immova- bility. Its light began to fade in No- vember, 1572; and after having shone for nearly seventeen months, it disap- peared entirely in 1574. In vain the astronomers have looked for it in its wonted place since. Brandy Nan. Queen Anne of Eng- land, who was very fond of ardent spirits. Bras-de-fer. See Iron Arm. Bras de Per. (Pseud.) Comyns Cole, in the London " World." Brave, The. (l) Alfonso IV. of Por- tugal (fl. 1290-1357). (2) John Andreas van der Mersch, " the brave Fleming " (fl. 1 734-1 792). Bravest of the Brave. Marshal Ney (fl. 1769-1815) was so named by the Friedlanders on account of his intrepid courage. Bravo Case. See Balham Mystery. Bravura. (Ital.) An air requiring much spirit, fire, and facility of execu- tion. (Mus.) 'Bxs.'z. Brazil ; Brazilian. Brazen Age. In classical mythology one of the four eras into which the an- cient bards divided the history of man- kind. The Iron Age preceded, and the Silver Age followed it. Brazilian Humboldt. Alexander Rod- rigues Ferreira, the Brazilian traveller (1756-181S). Bread-and-Butter Brigade. Those who seek office solely for the sake of its emoluments, without regard to party honor or allegiance, are thus nicknamed. Breakbone Fever. " A term com- monly used to denote the dengui, a malarious fever of the South. It is so called either from the 'pain in the bones,' of which the patients complain, or from the great debility which follows the attack. Both reasons have been assigned for the appellation." — Bart- LETT. Breaking on the AATheel. A barba- rous mode of inflicting capital punish- ment, formerly in vogue in Germany and France. It consisted in stretch- ing the victim upon a wheel or upon a wooden frame in the shape of Saint Andrew's cross, and then breaking his limbs by blows from iron bars. The sufferer was then left to die slowly from fever, thirst, and exhaustion. Break Prisoian's Head. To violate the rules of grammar. Priscian was a famous Roman grammarian. Fair cousin, for thy glances, Instead of brealting Priscian's head, I had been breaking lances. Praed. go FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Breeches Bible. The Geneva Bible (g. V.) is also so named because of its peculiar rendering of Gen. iii. 7: " Made themselves breeches out of fig-leaves." Breeches Revie'w. A nickname for the "Westminster Review" among the booksellers, owing to the fact that a Mr. Francis Place, a weighty contrib- utor, was at one time a leather-breeches maker and tailor at Charing Cross, Lon- don. See Grandmother's Review, My. Breidablik. In Scandinavian my- thology the palace of Baldur, in the Milky Way. The word signifies "wide- shining." Brent Winwood. (Pseud.) John Thomas Denny, a famous English writer. Bret Harte. Francis Bret Harte, the American novelist. Brevet^, Patented. Brevi manu. (Lat.) " With a short hand." Off-hand; without delay; sum- marily. Brewer of Ghent. Jacob van Arte- veld. Briareus. In classical mythology a giant with a hundred arms and fifty heads, son of Coelus and Terra. He aided the giants to storm Olympus, and was buried alive under Mount Etna as a punishment. Briareus of Languages. Cardinal Mezzofanti (fl. 1774-1849), who knew fifty-eight different tongues. Byron dubbed him "a walking polyglot, a monster of languages, a Briareus of parts of speech." Briareus of Music. Handel. Brick. The phrase " A perfect brick," or " You are a brick," is one very fre- quently heard, and if tradition speaks truly, boasts a very respectable origin and antiquity. Plutarch, in his life of Agesilaus, king of Sparta, tells this story : — "On a certain occasion an ambassador from Esperus, on a diplowatic mission, was shown by the king over his capital. The ambassador knew of the monarch's fame, knew that though only nominally king of Sparta, he was ruler of Greece, and he had looked to see massive walls rearing aloft their embattled towers for the defence of the town, but he found nothing of the kind. He mar- velled much at this, and spoke of it to the king, when the following conversation took place : — " ' Sire,' he said, ' 1 have visited most of the principal towns, and I find no walls reared for defence. Why is this ? ' " ' Indeed, Sir Ambassador,' replied Agesilaus, 'thou canst not have looked carefully. Come with me to-morrow morning and I will show you the walls of Sparta.' " Accordingly, on the following morning, the king led his guest out upon the plain, where his army was drawn up in full array, and pointmg proudly to the serried hosts, he said, — '■ ' There thou beholdest the walls of Sparta, ten thousand men, and every man a brick.' " Brick -and -Mortar Franchise. A Chartist phrase for the ;^io household system of voting in vogue some time ago in England. Brickdusts. A nickname for the Fifty-third Foot Regiment, from the color of their facings. They are also dubbed the "Five-and-Threepennies,"in allusion to their number and to the daily pay of the ensigns. Brick Pomeroy. (Pseud.) Mark M. Pomeroy, American journalist (b. 1840). Bricktop. (Pseud.) George G. Small, an American writer. Bride of Syria. A name given by Arab geographers to the ancient city of Askelon, on the Mediterranean. Bride of the Sea. Venice, so named from the ancient annual ceremony of throwing a ring into the sea by the doge. In the year 11 77 it is said that the Pope of Rome presented to the Doge of Venice a ring, saying, " Take this as a pledge of authority over the sea, and marry her every year, you and your successors forever, in order that all may know she is under your jurisdic- tion, and that I have placed her under your dominion as a wife under the do- minion of her husband." Hence arose the strange custom of " Wedding the Adriatic." When the yearly marriage- day came round, Venice kept the anni- versary in the most festive robes. AH her officers and wealthy citizens might be seen in their gondolas, each boat and its occupants striving to outdo all others in wealth of adornment and brilliance of display. The gondolas formed in pro- cession, the doge leading, and at a cer- tain part of the procession a well-known and often-repeated formula was recited, claiming for Venice authority over the sea ; the emblematic ring was then dropped into its depths, and the mar- riage was considered as complete. But the Venice of the doges is a thing of the past, and the custom has long been obsolete. Bridge of Sighs. The bridge con- necting the palace of the doge with the state prison of Venice, over which pris- FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 91 oners were conveyed from the hall of judgment to the place of execution. I stood in Venice on the Bridge of Sighs, A palace and a prison on each hand, Byron, Childe Harold. Bridgewater Treatises. Eight cele- brated works on " The Power, Wisdom, and Goodness of God," by eight of the most eminent authors in their respective departments, published under a bequest of the last Earl of Bridgewater, whereby each writer received ;^i,ooo, and the copyright of his own particular treatise. Bridled Bear. A young nobleman under the control of a travefling tutor. Brig. Brigade; Brigadier. Brig.-G-en. Brigadier-General. Brigians. The Castilians, one of whose ancient kings was named Brig or Brixus. Brillante. (Ital. and Fr.) A term denoting a brilliant and showy style of performance. (Mus.) Brilliant Madman. Charles XII. of Sweden (fl. 1682-1718). Brimstone Corner. Park Street Church, Boston, is so known, in vulgar nomenclature, on account of the ex- treme Calvinism taught there. Brindamour. (Pseud.) Jacques Al- bin Simon Collin de Plancy, contributor to various French journals. Briny, The. The ocean, in allusion to its saltness. Brio, BrioBO, or Con brio. (Ital.) With brilliancy and spirit. (Mus.) Brise. (Fr.) Broken, or sprinkled. Said of chords split into arpeggios. (IMus.) Brissotins. A nickname given to the advocates of reform in the French Revo- lution, because they were "led by the nose " by Jean Pierre Brissot. The party was subsequently called the Girondists. Bristled Baptist Boar. So Dryden denominates the Anabaptist sect in "The Hind and Panther." Bristol Boy, or Bristol Poet. Thomas Chatterton (fl. 1752-1770), the poet. He was also named the " Marvellous Boy." Bristol Diamonds. Brilliant crys- tals of colorless quartz found in St. Vincent's Rock, near Bristol, England. Bristol Man's Gift. A present of something which the giver pronounces to be of no use or no value to himself. Bristol Milk. Sherry punch, for- merly given by Bristol people to their friends. Britain, Lesser. See Lesser Britain. Britain, Little. See Little Britain. Britannicus. (Pseud.) One of the signatures of Adam Thorn, in the Montreal "Herald" (1837-1838). British Aristides. Andrew Marvell (fl. 1620-1678) was so named on ac- count of his justice and probity. British Bayard. Sir Philip Sidney. British Cicero. William Pitt, Earl of Chatham. British Homer. Milton, the great Puritan poet. British Legion. The name given to a body of soldiery raised by Lord John Hay, Col. DeLacy Evans, and others, to assist Queen Isabella of Spain against the Carlists in 1835. The legion de- feated them at Hernani in 1836 and at St. Sebastian in October of the same year. British Lion. The spirit or pug- nacity of the British nation, as opposed to John Bull, which symbolizes the sub- stantiality, obstinacy, and solidity of the British nation, with all its preju- dices and national peculiarities. To rouse John Bull is to tread on his corns ; to rouse the British Lion is to blow the war-trumpet in his ears. The British Lion also means the most popu- lar celebrity of the British nation for the time being. Our glorious constitution is owing to the habit which the British Lion observes of sitting over his wine after dinner. — William Jerdan. British Fausauias. William Camden (fl. 1551-1623) was so named. He was among the greatest scholars and anti- quarians of his time. British Samson. Thomas Topham, son of a London carpenter (i 710-1753). He lifted three hogsheads of water, weighing 1,836 pounds, in the presence of thousands of spectators assembled in Bath Street, Cold Bath Fields, London, May 28, 1 741. Being plagued by a faithless woman, he committed suicide. British Soldiers' Battle. The battle of Inkerman, Nov. 5, 1854. For stubborn valor, for true old English reso- lution to fight it out to the last, amid every dis- advantage and against almost overwhelming odds, men will for ages point to Inkerman, " the British Soldiers' Battle." — Sir Edward Creasy, Tht Fifteen Decisive Battles. British Subject. .(Pseud.) Sir Fran- cis Bond Head, English soldier and author (i 793-1 875). Brit. Mas. British Museum. 92 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. Britomartis. A Cretan nymph, very fond of the chase. King Minos fell in love with her, and persisted in his ad- vances for nine months, when she threw herself into the sea. Broad Arrow. A government mark, stamped, cut, branded, or otherwise affixed to all solid materials used in English ships or dockyards and on gov- ernment stores generally in order to guard against embezzlement. Brewer says that all attempts to trace the origin of this mark have been fruitless. It is said that trees fit for shipbuilding in the forest of Dean, during the reign of James I., were commonly marked or " blazed " with a crown and arrow. Broadaxe. (Pseud.) Martin Knapp in the Rockland County (N. Y.) " Press." Broadbottom Ministry. In English political annals a name derisively given to an administration comprising nine dukes and a grand coalition of all par- ties of weight and influence in the State, formed in November, 1 744, and dissolved by the death of Mr. Pelham, March 6, 1755- Broadbrim. (Pseud.) J. H. Warwick. Broad Church. (Pseud.) Thomas Atcheson, Louisville correspondent of the " Spirit of the Times " (N. Y.). Broadcloth Club of Boston. The gathering of clergymen, at Lundy's re- quest, to protest against slavery, in 1828. Broad-seal War. "A controversy which grew out of the Congressional election of 1838, when six members were to be chosen by a general ticket in New Jersey. In two of the coun- ties the clerks had rejected some of the township returns for real or alleged irregularities, and thus five of the Whig candidates received majorities which they would not have obtained had all the votes been counted. The sixth, having run ahead of his ticket, was elected beyond dispute. The Governor and his council, in accordance with the law then in force, canvassed the votes, and to the six persons who had re- ceived the highest number issued com- missions under the Great Seal of the State. Congress, on convening, found that the five votes from New Jersey must decide the speakership, and this gave rise to a stormy debate, which lasted several days, and finally ended in the choice of John Quincy Adams as temporary chairman. He decided that all members holding commissions could vote ; but the decision, being ap- pealed from, was reversed, and a res- olution adopted that only the names of members holding uncontested seats should be called. On the twelfth day of the session Robert M. T. Hunter was chosen Speaker, and on February 28 the five Democratic members were admitted to their seats. The subject was referred to a committee, which re- ported that the sitting members were elected." — Appleton. Broadway Lounger. (Pseud.) George Alfred Townsend in the " Tribune " (N. Y.). ^-^^Gath. Brooolini, Signor. The professional name of John Clark, a well-known oper- atic singer. Broke. " Flat broke," " Dead broke," and "Gone broke" are synonymous terms denoting a penniless or bankrupt condition. " Busted " is an equally inele- gant, though fully as vigorous equivalent. The phrase sprang from the gambler's lingo, " breaking the bank." Broncho John. Professional name of J. H. SulHvan. Bronze John. Another name for Yel- low Jack (q. v.). Brooke. (Pseud.) Miss E. Nesbit in " Good Words " and " Saturday Night." Brooklyn. (Pseud.) Thomas Kin- sella in the " Brooklyn Daily Eagle." Brooklyn of San Francisco. Oak- land, Cal. It is, like its Eastern name- sake, a city of homes. Broomstraw. (Pseud.) Alfred Duke in the " State " of Richmond, Va. Brother Abraham. (Pseud.) Rev. Richard King. See Father Abraham. Brother-german. A real brother. A uterine brother is a brother by the mother's side only. Brother Jonathan. A collective per- sonification of the people of the United States. When General Washington, after being appointed commander of the army of the Revolutionary War, came to Massachusetts to organize it and make preparations for the defence of the country, he found a great want of ammunition and other means necessary to meet the powerful foe he had to con- tend with, and great difficulty to obtain them. If attacked in such condition, the cause at once might be hopeless. On one occasion, at that anxious period, a consultation of the officers and others was had, when it seemed FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 93 no way could be devised to make such preparation as was necessary. His Ex- cellency Jonathan Trumbull the elder was then governor of the State of Con- necticut, on whose judgment and aid the general placed the greatest reli- ance, and remarked : " We must con- sult ' Brother Jonathan ' on the subject." The general did so, and the governor was successful in supplying many of the wants of the army. When difficul- ties afterwards arose, and the army was spread over the country, it became a byword, "We must consult Brother Jonathan." The term " Yankee " is still applied to a portion ; but " Brother Jona- than " has now become a designation of the whole country, as " John Bull " has for England. Brotherly Love, City of. See City OF Brotherly Love. Brown. In England a colloquialism for a copper coin. Brown Bess. A musket. Bess is a corruption of buss, the ancient name for the barrel of a fire-arm. We retain the original word in " arquebus " and " blunderbuss." Brown Study. Dr. Brewer says that the expression comes from the French, sombre rdverie. Sombre and brun both mean "sad, gloomy, dull." Congreve uses the expression in his "An Impossible Thing." It has been thought to mean brow study. It is more probably one of the group of similar phrases in which colors are employed to designate char- acteristics or temper ; as " black mel- ancholy," " blue-devils," " green-eyed monster," " yellow-stockings," " blue- stockings," " white feather," etc. Brudder Bones. (Pseud.) John F. Scott, an American humorous writer. Brumaire Revolution. The popular uprising in Paris on the 9th of Novem- ber (1 8th Brumaire, i. e., the period from October 22 to November 20), 1 799, which witnessed the overthrow of the Direc- tory and the establishment of the Napo- leonic sway. Brummagem. Another name for Bir- mingham, England, common among the vulgar, and derived from Bromwichham = " Brummagem." Brummagem Goods signify bogus articles of jewelry, or cheap and showy wares, for the manufacture of which the place is famous. Brummagem Joe. A nickname be- stowed on Joseph Chamberlain, M. P. for Birmingham, by his political oppo- nents. Bninehilda. Daughter of the king of Issland, beloved by Giinther, one of the two great chieftains of the Nibe- lungenlied. She was to be carried off by force, and Giinther asked his friend Siegfried to help him. Siegfried con- trived the matter by snatching from her the talisman which was her protector, but she never forgave him for his treachery. Br. Univ. Brown University. Brunswick. (Pseud.) Miss Jean- nette L. Gilder, as New York correspon- dent of the Boston " Saturday Evening Gazette." Brunswick's Fated Chieftain. The Duke of Brunswick, Frederick William, commander of the "Black Brunswick- ers," who fell at Quatre Bras, the day before Waterloo (181 5). Brutum fulmen. (Lat.) "A harm- less thunderbolt." A loud but harmless threat ; sound and fury, nothing else. Brutus. (Pseud.) (i) Fisher Ames in his communications to the Boston press. (2) Stephen Simpson in the Philadel- phia "Aurora." (3) One of the pen- names adopted by Junius (g. v.). B. S. Bachelor in the Sciences. Bubastis, a goddess of the Egyp- tians, was, in their mythology, the child of Isis and Osiris, and the sister of Horus. She was identified by the Greeks with Artemis (Diana), though upon what grounds is unknown, as the best information with regard to her is that she was the goddess who presided over pregnancy and childbirth. The chief temple erected to Bubastis was at Bubastis (g. v.). Bubastis is repre- sented on monuments as having the head of a cat, an animal which was sacred to her. Bubble Act. A popular name for an English law passed in 1719, which was designed to protect the pubHc against the schemes of unprincipled promoters of " bubble " companies. Bubbly Cuffs. The singular nick- name conferred on the English Eighty- fourth Regiment. Buccaneers. A celebrated asso- ciation of piratical adventurers, who, from the commencement of the second quarter of the sixteenth century to the end of the seventeenth, maintained 94 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. themselves in the Caribbean seas, at first by systematic reprisals on the Spaniards, afterward by less justifiable and indiscriminate piracy. The name is derived from the Caribbee toucan, a term for preserved meat, smoke-dried in a peculiar manner. From this the French adventurers formed the verb boucaner and the noun boucanier, which was adopted by the English ; while, sin- gularly enough, the French used, in pref- erence, the viordi flibustier, a corruption of our "freebooter." The Buccaneers were also sometimes called " Brethren of the Coast." The arrogant assump- tion by the Spaniards of a divine right — sanctioned by the Pope's bull — to the whole New World, was not, of course, to be tolerated by the enterprising mar- iners of England and France ; and the enormous cruelties practised by them upon all foreign interlopers, of which the history of that time is full, naturally led to an association for mutual defence among the adventurers of all other na- tions, out particularly among the English and French. The fundamental princi- ples of their policy — for they, in course of time, formed distinct communities — were close mutual alliance, and mortal war with all that was Spanish. Their simple code of laws bound them to a common participation in the necessaries of life ; locks and bars were proscribed as an insult to the general honor ; and every man had his comrade, who stood by him when alive, and succeeded to his property after his death. The principal centre of their wild and predatory life was for some time the island of Tor- tuga, near St. Domingo. When they were not hunting Spaniards, or being hunted themselves, their chief occupa- tion and means of subsistence was the chase. From the flesh of wild cattle they made their " boucan ; " their skins and tallow they sold or bartered to Dutch and other traders. The history of these men embraces, as may be supposed, narratives of cruelty and bloodshed un- surpassed in the annals of crime. It has, however, not a few stories of high and romantic adventure, of chivalrous valor, and brilliant generalship. Among the "great captains " whose names figure most prominently in the records of buc- caneering, were the Frenchman Mont- bars, surnamed by the terrible title of "The Exterminator;" his countrymen, Peter of Dieppe, surnamed " The Great," — as truly, perhaps, as others so distin- guished, — and L'Olonnais, Michael de Busco, and Bartolommeo de Portuguez, Mansvelt, and Van Horn. Pre-eminent, however, among them all was the Welsh- man Henry Morgan, who organized fleets and armies, took strong fortresses and rich cities, and displayed through- out the bold genius of a born com- mander. He it was that led the way for the Buccaneers to the Southern Ocean, by his daring march in 1670 across the Isthmus of Panama to the city of that name, which he toojc and plundered after a desperate battle. This brilliant but most unscrupulous person- age was knighted by Charles II., and became deputy-governor of Jamaica. A higher subordination of the love of gold to the passion for dominion in him might probably have made him Emperor of the West Indies, some dream of which seems at one time to have occupied his mind. In 1680 and 1689 extensive buc- caneering expeditions were made to the Pacific, even as far as the coasts of China, of which the best record is pre- served in the lively pages of "William Dampier," himself an important partner in these bold adventures. The war be- tween France and Britain, after the ac- cession of William III., dissolved the ancient alliance of the French and Eng- lish buccaneers. After the peace of Rys- wick, and the accession of the Bourbon Philip V. to the Spanish crown (1701), they finally disappeared, to make way for a race of mere cut-throats and vul- gar desperadoes, not yet utterly extinct. The last great event in their history was the capture of Carthagena in 1697, where the booty was enormous. See Keel-hauling and Marooning. Bucentaur. The name of a ship which acquired much celebrity in Ven- ice at the time when that State was a flourishing republic. A bucentaur was known as early as the end of the twelfth century ; and a vessel of the same name was burnt when the French took Venice more than six centuries afterwards ; but it is not certain whether this was the same vessel, maintained by being re- peatedly patched up with new ribs and planking. The " Bucentaur " is described as having been a galley, about one hun- dred feet long by twenty-one in extreme breadth; on a lower deck were thirty- two banks or rows of oars, manned by one hundred and sixty-eight rowers; and on an upper deck was accommo- dation for the illustrious visitors who FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 95 occasionally came on board. The whole of the fittings were of the most gorgeous character. Although propelled mainly by oars, there were forty mariners em- ployed in other ways to manage the galley. The " Bucentaur " was employed only once a year, when the doge " mar- ried the Adriatic." A splendid water- procession was formed, with the doge and the chief notables in the " Bucen- taur," and other distinguished persons in gondolas. Bucephalus. In classic mythology the name of the famed steed of Alexan- der the Great. Buck and Breck. A popular nick- name coupling the names of Buchanan and Breckinridge, the Democratic nom- inees for the Presidency in 1856. Buckeye. (Pseud.) Samuel Sullivan Cox, in his " A Buckeye Abroad," etc. Buckeye State. Ohio ; so named after the Buckeye-tree {jEscuIus flavd), which flourishes extensively within its borders. Buokmaster's Light Infantry. The Third West India Regiment was so nicknamed. Buckmaster, the military outfitter, used to furnish "Light In- fantry uniforms " to the ofiicers without authority of the commander-in-chief. Buckra. Among his own race in the far South the negro still clings to the term buckra, imported from the west coast of Africa, and originally meaning a spirit or powerful being, and then by a natural transition, white man. In his new home he used it to designate any- thing specially good, as the buckra yam, which, to deserve the epithet, must be white and good at the same time. Bucks County Rebellion. In the spring of 1799 the collection of what was known as the "window-tax" was forcibly resisted in Northampton, Bucks, and Montgomery counties, Penn., under the lead of John Fries (1764-1825). The United States officials were arrested or violently handled, and various excesses took place. Fries was sentenced to be hanged, but President Adams pardoned him. Buckshot War. "In 1838 the de- feated Democratic candidate of a con- gressional district in Pennsylvania claimed Whig frauds in. the North Liberties district as the cause of his defeat. Thereupon the ten Democratic return judges threw out the vote of that district, thus electing their member. The seven Whig judges met apart from the Democrats, and gave certificates to the Whig candidates for Congress, and also to the Whig candidates for the Legislature, although these latter had considered themselves fairly defeated. This proceeding was part of a scheme to elect a Whig senator. The Whig certificates reached the Secretary of State first, and he, also a Whig, de- clared his intention of recognizing them until discredited by investigation. The House met December 4 at Harris- burg; armed partisans of both sides were in town; two separate organiza- tions of the House took place, side by side, amid great confusion. Governor Ritner, a Whig, declared the city in the hands of a mob, and sought the aid of United States troops from their com- mander, and then from President Van Buren. In both cases he met with re- fusal. After a time several Whigs seceded to the Democratic House, which had succeeded in keeping pos- session of the chamber and records, and the latter was recognized by the State Senate, when the other Whigs joined them ; all but Thaddeus Stevens, who did not attempt to join until May, 1839. The House then declared his seat vacant, and he was obliged to be again elected before he was finally ad- mitted. The remark of a Whig mem- ber that the mob should ' feel ball and buckshot before the day is over,' is said to have given rise to the name." — Brown and Strauss. Buckskins. A term applied to the American troops during the Revolution- ary War. The Marquis de Chastellux, in his "Travels in North America in 1 780-1 782," says : "The name of ' Buck- skin' is given to the inhabitants of Virginia because their ancestors were hunters, and sold buck or rather deer skins." As applied to certain American soldiers, we are inclined to believe that from their wearing garments made of dressed deerskins the term was applied to them. Comwallis fought as long 's he dought. An' did the buckskins claw him. Burns. Bucktails. (i) The name of a politi- cal party in the State of New York, which sprung up about the year 181J. Its origin is thus described by Mr. Hammond: "There was an order of the Tammany Society who wore in their hats, as an insignia, on certain 96 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. occasions, a portion of the tail of the deer. They were a leading order, and from this circumstance the friends of DeWitt Clinton gave those who adopted the views of the members of the Tam- many Society, in relation to him, the name of ' Bucktails ; ' which name was eventually applied to their friends and supporters in the country. Hence the party opposed to the administration of Mr. Clinton were for a long time called the ' Bucktail Party.' " — Political His- tory of New York. (2) Under the call for troops to put down the Rebellion in April, 1861, the Second Pennsylvania Reserves were mustered into service. They rejoiced in the above sobriquet. Buffalo Bill. The weH-known sobri- quet of William F. Cody (b. 1845), the famous Indian scout and hunter. The origin of this name was as follows : In 1867 he entered into a contract with the Kansas Pacific Railway, then building, at a monthly compensation of I500, to deliver all the buffalo meat that would be required for food for the army of labor- ers employed, and in eighteen months he killed 4,280 Isuffaloes, earning the title of " Buffalo Bill," by which he was sub- sequently known in both hemispheres. Buffo, Buffa. (Ital.) An actor or singer who assumes light and humorous parts in opera. Likewise, an Opera buffa is a comic opera. Buffs, Young Buffs. The Third Foot Regiment were so named because their coats were lined with buff, and they wore buff waistcoats, breeches, and stockings. The Thirty-first, raised in 1702, were dubbed "Young Buffs "for the same reason. In contradistinction the former were often named " Old Buffs ; " they were also called " Resur- rectionists." Bug Bible. So called from its ren- dering of Psalm xci. 5 : " Afraid of bugs by night." It bears date 1551. Buggy, in England a light one-horse chaise hardly known in our day. means in America the most popular ot all vehi- cles, four-wheeled, but single-seated, and with or without a top. Bull. A " bull " may be said to be a gross and often humorous contradiction or blunder in speech. The term was derived from one Obadiah Bull, a lawyer in the time of Henry VIII., who was celebrated, rather than famous, for the blunders which fell from his lips when he pleaded before the judges. A witty Irishman, upon being asked for the defi- nition of a bull, said : " If you see two cows lying down alone in the meadow, the one standing up is invariably a bull." Miss Edgeworth, in her essay on " Irish Bulls," gives the following : "When I first saw you I thought it was you, and now I see it is your brother." " I met you this morning and you did not come ; I '11 meet you to-morrow morning whether you come or not." " Oh, if I had stayed in that climate until now I 'd have been dead two years." During the Irish rebel- lion an Irish paper published this item : " A man named McCarthy was run over by a passenger train and killed on Wednesday. He was injured in a similar way two years ago." In 1784 the Irish Commons issued an order to this effect: "Any member unable to write may get another member to frank his letter for him, but only on con- dition that he certifies with his own handwriting his inability on the back of it." A well-known English epitaph commences as follows : " Reader, if thou canst read." This is somewhat akin to the hand-board which read : " The ford is dangerous when this board is covered by the water." Sir Boyle Roche, a witty and well-known member of Parliament, was not only the parent of many blunders of this sort, but he had a number fathered on him. Here is his famous " letter " : — Bear Sir, — Having now a little peace and quiet, I sit down to inform you of the bustle and confusion we are in from tl\e blood-thirsty rebels, many of whom are now, thank God I killed and dispersed. We are in a pretty mess, — can get nothing to eat, and no wine to drink except whis- key. When we sit down to dinner we are obliged to keep both hands armed. While I write this I have my sword in one hand and my pistol in the other. I concluded from the beginning that this would be the end ; and I am right, for it is not half over yet. At present there are such goings- on that everything is at a standstill. I should have answered your letter a fortnight ago, but I only received it this morning. Indeed, hardly a mail arrives safe without being robbed. No longer ago than yesterday, the mail-coach from Dublin was robbed near tlus town ; the bags had been very judiciously left behind, and by great good luck there was nobody in the coach but two outside passengers who had nothing for the thieves to take. Last Thursday an alarm was given that a gang of rebels in full retreat from Drogheda were advancing under the French stan- dard, but they had no colors nor any drums ex- cept bagpipes. Immediately every man in the place, including women and children, ran out to meet them. We soon found our force a great deal too little, and were far too near to think of retreating. Death was in every face, and to it FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 97 we went. By the time half our party were killed we began to be all alive. Fortunately, the rebels had no guns except pistols, cutlasses, and pikes, and we had plenty of muskets and ammunition. We put them all to the sword; not a soul of them escaped, except some that were drowned in an adjoining bog. In fact, in a short time nothing was heard but silence. Their uniforms were all different, chiefly green. After the action was over, we went to rummage their camp. All we found was a few pikes without heads, a par- cel of empty bottles filled with water, and a bun- dle of blank French commissions filled up with Irish names. Troops are now stationed round, which exactly squares with my ideas of security. Adieu ! I have only time to add that I am yours in great haste, B. R. P. S. If you do not receive this, of course it must have miscarried ; therefore I beg you to write and let me know. Bull-dogs, in English University slang, are the two myrmidons of the proctor, who attend his heels like dogs, and are ready to spring on any offending undergraduate. Bulldoze. A term growing out of the race antagonisms in the South sub- sequent to the civil war, where it was asserted that the blacks were intimidated by their former owners and forcibly pre- vented from voting the Republican ticket. The term is believed to have come from whipping a man with a bull-whip and giving him a " bull's dose." Bullen-a-Iah. See Lilliburlero. BuUer of Brazenose. John Hughes, an English author, was so called in Wil- son's " Noctes Ambrosianae." He was a fellow of Oriel College, Oxford. Bulletin. (Pseud.) Mr. Guild, an American writer of the present day. Bull-frogs. A nickname for the Rifle Brigade throughout the English service. Bull-necked Forger. Cagliostro, the stalwart impostor (fl. 1 743-1 795), was so named. Bulls. Stock-brokers or financiers who manipulate the market for a rise in values. See Bears. Bull's Bye. A small cloud suddenly appearing, seemingly in violent motion, soon covering the entire vault of heaven, producing a tumult of wind and rain. Bull the Barrel, Bull the Teapot. "Bulling the barrel" is to pour water into an empty spirit-cask to prevent its leaking ; the water becomes impreg- nated with the spirit, and is highly in- toxicating. Sailor-men, when they make a second brew from tea leaves, call it "bulling the teapot." Bully, or Bully-boy. This curious phrase often appears in American news- papers, and is thought to be indigenous. It is, however, an old English saying, as the following quotation from " Deutero- melia," etc., published in London (1609), will show: — •' We be three poore mariners. Newly come from the seas, . We spend oure lines in ieapordy Whiles others Hue at ease ; Shall we goe daunce the round, the round. And shall we goe daunce the round. And he that is a bully-boy. Come pledge me on the ground." Ford. I '11 give you a pottle of burned sack to give me recourse to him, and tell him my name is Brook, only for a jest. Host. My hand, bully. Thou shalt have egress and regress, . . . and thy name shall be Brook. — Shakspeare, Merry Wives of Windsor. Bully Brooks. Preston S. Brooks (1819-1857), an American politician elected to Congress in 1853 and in 1855. Mr. Sumner, having made a strong anti- slavery speech, in which he gave great offence to members from the South, "was, on May 22, 1856, violently as- saulted in the Senate-chamber by Mr. Brooks, and beaten on the head with a cane. A committee of the House reported in favor of the expulsion of Mr. Brooks ; but the report failed to receive the req- uisite majority of two thirds. He was indicted for assault, pleaded guilty, was sentenced to pay a fine of $300, and re- signed his seat in Congress, but was re-elected without opposition." Bully Da-wBon. A notorious Lon- don blackleg who roystered about town in the dissolute days of the Restoration. Bully Waterman. This character was one of the most inhuman monsters who ever sailed the seas. He com- manded a ship between New York and San Francisco. On one of his voyages he left New York with a crew of forty- two men, and when he reached the Gold- en Gate seventeen of them had been shot by Captain Waterman, most of them fatally, his excuse being that they would not obey orders. Upon the re- turn of the vessel to New York Captain Waterman, knowing that trouble awaited him, had himself put ashore on the Jer- sey coast and remained in hiding until the vessel discharged her cargo, loaded and cleared in the name of the first officer, acting as captain. The sheriff, who had a warrant in his hands for the arrest of Waterman, refused to leave the vessel even when she got under way, believing that Waterman would re- gain his vessel when he thought danger 98 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. was over. The manner in which the sheriff was outwitted and Waterman actually succeeded in regaining his ves- sel without jeopardizing the insurance regulations ^ which provided that the vessel shall enter no port except the port of destination — was as follows: " When Sandjr Hook was reached the acting captain informed the sheriff that he was about taking departure and steer- ing for Cape Horn, and unless he in- tended to accompany the ship to San Francisco he had better go back to New York in the pilot boat. The sheriff gave up the chase for Waterman and went back to the city. The ship now stood in shore a few miles and then brought her main-topsail to the mast in order to allow a small boat which had put off from a coasting schooner to run along- side. It contained the notorious Water- man, who had succeeded in escaping the penalties of his crimes and reaching his ship in safety. He never returned to New York, but died in California. Bulwark, Iiud's. See Lud's Bui^ WARK. Bummer. Even students of language may be surprised to hear that the word " bummer " is not only not slang, but it is not even a pure Americanism, being found in the " English Market By-Laws " of two hundred years ago, and appears in several advertisements in the Lon- don " Publick Intelligencer " of the year 1660 under the form "bummaree." It originally meant a man who retails fish by peddling outside of the regular mar- ket. These persons being looked down upon and regarded as cheats by the es- tablished dealers, the name became one of contempt for a dishonest person of irregular habits. The word first ap- peared in the United States during the Fifties in California, and travelled east- ward until, during the civil war, it came into general use. Buncombe. A colloquial term in the United States, signifying " speech- making for mere show." It is related that the word grew out of an incident in the Sixteenth Congress, when a mem- ber for a district in North Carolina which embraced Buncombe County in- sisted on delaying a vote on the fa- mous " Missouri Question " by making a speech, saying, " he was bound to talk for Buncombe." Bundschuh (a kind of large heavy shoe). The name given to the peasant- rising in Germany in the first half of the sixteenth century, because they carried as an insignia a shoe hoisted on a pole. Bungtown Copper. "A spurious coin of base metal, a very clumsy counterfeit of the English halfpenny or copper. It derived its name from the place where it was first manufactured, then called Bungtown, now Bameysville, in the town of Rehoboth, Mass. The Bungtown cop- per never was a legal coin ; the British halfpenny or copper was. The term is used only in New England." — Bart- LETT. Bunker Hill. (Pseud.) Rev. Benja- min Franklin De Costa, correspondent of the " Boston Advertiser," in 1861- 1862. Burdon'B Hotel. Whitecross Street debtor's prison, London. Mr. Burdon was once governor for a long term of years. Bureaucracy. A system of govern- ment in which the business is carried on in bureaux, or departments. The French bureau means not only the office of a public functionary, but also the whole staff of officers attached to the department. Burgundian Blo-w. Decapitation by the headsman. The Due de Biron, who was put to death for treason by Henry IV., was told in his youth, by a fortune- teller, " to beware of a Burgundian blow." When going to execution, he asked who was to be his executioner, and was told he was a man from Burgundy. Buri. In Scandinavian mythology the progenitor of all the gods. Burial of an Ass. No burial at all. He shall be buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem. — Jer. xxii. 19. Buridan's Ass. A man of indecision. " If a hungry ass were placed exactly between two hay-stacks in every respect equal, it would starve to death, because there would be no motive why it should go to one rather than to tlie other." — BURIDAN. Burl. Burlesque. Burleigh. (Pseud.) Rev. Matthew Hale Smith, American minister (1810- 1879). Burlesco. (Ital.) In a farcical or comic vein. (Mus.) Burletta. (Ital.) A light species of musical drama, analogous to the English farce. (Mus.) FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. 99 Burlington. (Pseud.) Robert Saun- ders, English statistical writer (1727- 1783). Burlington Accident. The first great railroad disaster in the United States. It occurred in 1855, near Burlington, N.J., causing the death and injury of many passengers. So horror-stricken was the public, that new regulations in regard to the backing of trains, signal- ling, etc., were adopted on every rail- road in the Union. The Rev. Dr. Board- man, a celebrated Philadelphia divine, preached a sermon ; and the " Burlington accident" was remembered and talked of for years by those who were in the railway service. Burly King Harry. See Bluff King Hal. Burnbill. Henry de Londres, arch- bishop of Dublin in the reign of Henry III. He was said to have surreptitiously obtained and then burned all the title- deeds by which the tenants of the see held their lands. Burned District. Localities in Bos- ton, JVIass., and Chicago, 111., and refer- ring in each case to the area burned over by the great fires of 1872 and 1871 respectively. In both cities the region Is now covered with imposing and sub- stantial structures. Burning Mines. These are situated on what is known as Summit Hill, near Mauch Chunk, Penn. ; they have been on fire since 1858. All that can be seen is a large hill from which, in innumer- able places, steam and gas issue. In some places the rocks are so hot that the hand cannot touch them without scorching. Burns of Prance. A name conferred on Pierre Jean de B^ranger (fl. 1780- 1857). See Horace of France. Burns Riot. A disturbance in Bos- ton, in 1854, caused by efforts to lib- erate Anthony Burns, an escaped slave. Burr Conspiracy. " In consequence of Burr's duel with Hamilton, in which the latter met his death. Burr was in- dicted in New York and New Jersey for murder. He went West, and made an extensive tour, in the course of which he made preparations for a gigantic but mysterious scheme. The real object of this is unknown. It was either to sep- arate the Mississippi Valley from the rest of the Union and erect it into a new nation, or to conquer Mexico. In 1806 he gathered a number of reckless persons about him, and started for the region of Texas, ostensibly on a colo- nizing expedition. President Jefferson issued a proclamation warning citizens against joining the expedition. Burr was arrested by Jefferson's orders, sent to Virginia, and indicted there by a United States grand jury for treason and for a misdemeanor, based on his course in levying war within this coun- try on a friendly nation ; but it was hoped that Burr could also be shown to have had treasonable designs against the unity of this country. He was acquitted of treason for want of jurisdiction, on the failure of the evidence required by article 3, section 3, clause i of the Con- stitution ; he was also acquitted of mis- demeanor. He was bound over to pre- sent himself for trial in Ohio, but the matter was pressed no further. One of Burr's dupes in this scheme was Har- man Blennerhasset, who was also ar- rested, but was discharged after Burr's acquittal." — Brown and Strauss. Burwell Fire. On Sept. 8, 1727, a number of persons assembled to wit- ness a puppet-show in a barn at Bur- well, near Newmarket. A lighted can- dle set fire to a heap of straw, and in the ensuing conflagration seventy-six persons perished. Many others died of their injuries. Bury the Hatchet. Let by-gones be by-gones. The " Great Spirit " com- manded the North American Indians, when they smoked the calumet or peace- pipe, to bury their hatchets, scalping- knives, and war-clubs in the ground, that all thought of hostility might be buried out of sight. It is much to be regretted that the American Government, having brought the great war to a conclusion, did not bury the hatchet altogether. — London Times. Buried was the bloody hatchet ; Buried was the drea(tful war-club ; Buried were all warlike weapons, And the war-cry was forgotten : Then was peace among the nations. Longfellow, Hiawatha. Bush. Bushel ; bushels. Bushrangers. Australian highway- men, who range the "bush," lying in wait for travellers, whom they strip of all they have about them. Gold-finders are frequent objects of their attack. Bushwhacker. The word " bush " has in some places, notably in Austra- lia and South Africa, taken the Dutch meaning of a region abounding in trees and underwood (bosch). It is not likely lOO FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. that the term "bushwhacker" is a pure Americanism; though it is hardly known in England, it is heard in Australia and in South Africa. Originally used to des- ignate the process of propelling a boat by pulling the bushes on the banks of the stream, it became afterward a name for lawless persons and fugitives from justice who took refuge in the bush. Busiris. A king of Egypt, who used to immolate to the gods all strangers who set foot on his shores. Hercules was seized by him, and would have fallen a victim, but he broke his chain, and slew the inhospitable king. Busted. See Broke. Butcher, The. (i) Achmed Pasha, famous for his defence of Acre against Napoleon I. (2) John, ninth Earl Clif- ford (d. 1461). See Bloody Butcher and Royalist Butcher. Butte. A term of French origin, and applied throughout the West to solitary peaks or mounds of earth of no great altitude. The word is also used as a verb, and denotes the hacking off of any substance with a dull weapon. Buzzard called Havrk by Courtesy. A euphemism. A brevet rank ; a com- plimentary title. Of small renown, 't is true ; for, not to lie, We call your buzzard " hawk " by courtesy. Dryden, Hind and Panther. Buzz the Bottle. This is a common expression at wine parties when the bot- tle does not contain suiBcient to fill all the glasses. It means "equally divide what is left." The word " buzz " meant anciently "to empty." Perhaps the- word " booze " comes from the same root. B. V. Bene vale. Farewell. B. V. Beata Virgo. Blessed Virgin. Bz., B2S. Box, boxes. Byblis. In classical mythology a daughter of Miletus, who wept herself into a fountain from hopeless love for her brother Caunus. Bye Plot. A conspiracy of Lord Gray of Wilton, and others, to imprison James I. and extort from him freedom of wor- ship to Romanists. It was suppressed in 1603. It was also named the " Sur- prise Plot." By Hook or by Crook. In Marsh's Library, Dublin, is a manuscript enti- tled " Annales Hiberniae," written in the seventeenth century by Dudley Loftus, a descendant of Adam Loftus, Arch- bishop of Armagh. The following ex- tract gives a feasible account of the origin of this popular saying : — "1172. King Henry the 2d landed in Ire- land this year, on St. Luke's eve, at a place in the bay of Waterford, beyond the fort of Dun- cannon, on Munster syde, at a place called ye Crook over agt. the tower of ye Hook ; whence arose the proverbe to gayne a thing by Hook or by Crook ; it being safe to gayne land in one of those places when the winde drives from the other." There is, however, another more prob- able origin. Anciently the poor of a ma- nor were allowed to go into the woods to gather dead wood ; they were allowed to cut off dead branches with a bill- hook, or to pull down by means of a crook any dead branches that otherwise would be above their reach. In the records of the town of Bodmin there is a document claiming for the burgesses of the town, under a concession of the Prior of Bodmin, "to bear and carry away on their backs, and in no other way, the lop, crop, hoop, crook, and bag wood in the prior's wood of Dunmeer. Another part of the record calls this right " a right with hook and crook to lop, crop, and carry away fuel, etc., in the same wood." The date of the docu- ment is 1525. Byles. (Pseud.) Edmund Quincy, in the New York " Tribune." By 'r Iiakin. " Lakin " is a contrac- tion of " ladykin," which is a diminutive of endearment for " lady." Thus, " our Lakin" meant " our dear Lady," and was usually applied to the Virgin Mary. The contracted form " by 'r Lakin " was fre- quently used by the old dramatists as a kind of oath. By 'r Lakin 1 I can go no further, sir. —r The Tempest. By 'r Lakin I a parlous fear. — Midsummer Night's Dream. Byzantine Historians. Certain Greek historians who lived under the Eastern Empire between the sixth and fifteenth centuries. FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. lOI c. C. Carbon ; cent ; consul. C, or Cela. Celsius's scale for the thermometer. C, or Cent. Centum. A hundred. C, Ch., or Chap. Chapter. C. A. Chartered Accountant ; Chief Accountant ; Commissioner of Accounts. Ca. Circa. Year. Ca. Caesium ; calcium. Cabal. A term employed to denote a small, intriguing, factious party in the State, and also the union of several such, which for personal or political ob- jects agree to sacrifice or modify their respective claims and principles. The word was coined to designate an Eng- lish ministry in the reign of Charles II., the initials of whose names — viz., Clif- ford, Ashley, Buckingham, Arlington, and Lauderdale — composed the word in question. Cabala. The oral law of the Jews de- livered from father to son by word of mouth. Some of the rabbins say that the angel Raziel instructed Adam in it, the angel Japhiel instructed Shem, and the angel Zedekiel instructed Abraham ; but the more usual belief is that God instructed Moses, and Moses his brother Aaron, and so on from age to age. Cabalist. A Jewish doctor who pro- fessed the study of the Cabala. See supra. This science consisted mainly in understanding the combination of cer- tain significant letters, words, and num- bers. Cachecope Bell. A bell rung at fu- nerals when the pall was thrown over the coiEn. From the French, cache corps, "over the body." Cachet, Lettrea de ("letters sealed"). Under the old French rigime, carte- blanche warrants, sealed with the king's seal, might be obtained for a consid- eration, and the person who held them might fill in any name. Sometimes the warrant was to set a prisoner at large, but it was more frequently for deten- tion in the Bastile. During the admin- istration of Cardinal Fleury 80,000 of these cachets were issued, the larger number being against the Jansenists. In the reigns of Louis XV. and XVI. fifty-nine were obtained against the one family of Mirabeau. This scandal was abolished Jan. 15, 1790. Cacoethes carpendi. (Lat.) A rage for finding fault. Cacoethes loquendi. (Lat.) An in- curable passion for speaking. Cacoethes scribendi. (Lat.) An in- curable passion for writing. Cactus. (Pseud.) Mary F. Foster. Cacus. In classic mythology an Ital- ian shepherd, son of Vulcan, and of gigantic stature. He was slain by Her- cules for stealing his oxen. Cad. (Lat., cadaver, a dead body.) A non-member of the university. Men, in university slang, says Brewer, are sorted under two groups, — those who are members of the university, and those who are not. As the former are called men, the others must be no men ; but as they bear the human form, they are human bodies (cads), though not human beings (men). Another authority derives " cad " from "cadet," a younger son. The younger sons of the nobility were no doubt looked upon with something like scorn by their elder and richer broth- ers. Hence the depreciatory remark, " Oh, he 's only a cad ! " — i. e., he 's only a cadet, having no property, and there- fore not worth notice. When omnibuses were first introduced, the conductor was always known as the " cad." In Dick- ens's earlier works the word frequently appears in this sense. Caddee League. See League of God's House. Caddice-garter. A nickname for a valet or servant. " Caddice " is the name formerly given to a worsted fab- ric. When garters were worn by men the gentry wore expensive ones, but menials were fain to be content with common worsted ones. Cadenus. An anagrammatic name under which Swift alludes to himself in his poem of " Cadenus and Vanessa." It is formed by transposing the letters of the Latin word decanus, dean. See Vanessa. Cadenza. (Ital.) (i) An ornamental passage introduced at the close of a vocal or instrumental composition. In modern music the cadenza is usually written in small notes. (2) The fall or modulation of the voice. Cadger. One who carries poultry, butter, eggs, etc., to market; a pack- 102 FACT, FANCY, AND FABLE. man or huckster. From "cadge," to carry. The frame on which hawks' were carried was called a "cadge." Cadit quaestio. (Lat.) " The question falls." The matter falls to the ground. Cadmean Letters. See Cadmus. Cadmean Victory. A triumph in which the victors suffer as much as their enemies. So named from the vic- tory of the Thebans (then known as Cad- means) over the famous Seven, which was shortly after terribly avenged by the Epigoni, the descendants of the van- quished. Cadmus. In classic mythology the son of Agenor and brother of Europa. He was the reputed founder of Thebes in Boeotia, and was said to have in- vented the old Greek alphabet of sixteen letters, — a fiyieiK^fivoTtptTTv. These were named Cadmean letters. The eight additional — s tj $