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 (delwedd B3612) (tudalen 0a)
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HEREFORDSHIRE
WORDS & PHRASES.
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 (delwedd B3613) (tudalen 0b)
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 (delwedd B3614) (tudalen 1)
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HEREFORDSHIRE
WORDS & PHRASES.
Colloquial autr |.it{jaic, ABOUT 1300 IN NUMBER, CURRENT IN THE COUNTY. BY
FRANCIS T. HAVERGAL, M.A.,
Prebendary of Cohvall in Hereford Cathedral aitd ■^tcar of ^pfon
^tsl?op. '^^^^J^^^^^^^^^^^*^ WALSALL: W. HENRY ROBINSON. 1887.
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 (delwedd B3615) (tudalen 2)
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Subscribers.
The Society of Antiquaries, London
Mr. F. Hamp Adams, Upton Bishop
Captain (Eardisland). Mynde Allen, Upton Bishop
H. G. Apperley, Esq., Hereford
J. H. Arkwright, Esq., Hampton Court, Leominster B. St. J. Attwood Matthews,
Esq., Pontrilas Court
Rev. A. C. Auchmuty, V. Lucton
Right Hon. Earl Beauchamp, Madresfield Court
Sir Joseph Bailey, Bart., M.P., Glanusk Park
Mr. John Baldwin, Upton Bishop
Rev. A. Bannister, Ledbury
Rev. J. Barker, V. Eardisland
Henry C. Beddoe, Esq., Hereford
Rev. S. Bentley, V. Bosbury
Miss Bernard, Overross
Miss Bodenham, Castle Street, Hereford
Mr. J. (Ledbury and vicinity). Brace, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas
J. A. Bradney, Esq., Talycoed, Monmouth Arthur H. Brown, Esq., Ross
Rev. J. Buckle, V. Stretton Grandison
Mrs. Bull, Harley House, Hereford
Rev. C. Burrough, R. Eaton Bishop
Rev. G. Bulmer, V. Canon Pyon
Right Hon. the Earl of Chesterfield, Hom Lacy
E. Caddick, Esq., Edgbaston
Thomas Cam, Esq., Hereford
Rev. A. J. Capel, V. St. John Baptist
J. Carless, Esq., St. John's Street
Paul Chapman, Esq., M.D., Hereford
Mr. Edwin Chelake, Sutton
Mrs. Chellingworth, Grendon Court
Rev. W. S. Clarke, C. Bodenham
Mr. Robert Clarke, Hereford
Rev. G. H. Clay, R. Aston
Rev. Prebendary Cobbold, R. Ross
Rev. Canon W. Cooke, 6, Clifton Place, Sussex Square, W.
John Cooke, Esq., M.D., Warrior Square, St. Leonards
E. C. Cooke, Esq., 21, Masonic Institute, Croydon
Rev. G. V. Collison, V. Clodock
E. W. Colt Williams, Esq., Gate House, Hereford
J. Cranston, Esq., King's Acre
O. (Eardisland). Cresswell, Esq., Morney Cross
Mrs. Dansey, Westmoreland Road, Bayswater
James Davies, Esq., Broomy Hill
Rev. H. Dew, R. Whitney
Rev. W. D. V. Duncombe, Custos of the College W. Farrer Ecroyd, Credenhill
Rev. H. St. H. Evans, Fownhope
Rev. R. Firmstone, V. Kilpec
J. T. Owen Fowler, Esq., Thornton, Hereford
R. W. Gillespie, Esq., Walsall
Rev. A. Gray, V. Orcop
Rev. J. G. Graham, V. Cowarne
Rev. C. (Eardisland). Maddison Green, V. Lyonshall
Right Rev. The Lord Bishop of Hereford
Hereford Free Libraiy
Hereford Permanent Library
Mrs. Hamilton, Holcombe, Somerset
G. B. Hanbury, Esq., Castle Street
Sir Richard Harington, Whitbourne Court
Mr. Arthur Harrison, Anderton Road, Birmingham W. Hebb, Esq., Ross
Colonel
T. Heywood, Ocle Court
Rev.
R. Hereford, R. Mordiford
Mrs.
Hislop, Upton Bishop
Eev.
W. W. Hill, V. Ocle Pychard
W.
Hogarth, Esq., Upton Bishop
Rev.
(Eardisland). J. Holloway, V. Clehonger
Rev.
S. Holmes, R. St. Nicholas
Rev.
Michael Hopton, V. Canon Frome
Rev.
W. Hulme, R Brampton Abbots
W.
Humfrys, Esq., Hereford
.•\rthur
Hutchinson, Esq., Hagley
Messrs.
Jakeman and Carver, Heieford
J.
G Wynne James, Esq., Mayor of Hereford
Mrs.
Jay, Lyde Arundel
Mr.
Joseph Jones, Hereford
Rev.
Prebendary Joyce, R. Burford
Rev.
F. W. Joyce, R. Boraston
Rev.
J. M. Kennedy, V. Rowlstone
Miss
M. C. King-King, St. John's Street
Rev.
G. H. Kirwood, V. St. Martin's
J.
H. Knight, Esq., Vaga House
Rev.
W. H. Lambert, R. Stoke Edith
Rev.
A. C. Lee, V. Lugwardine
Mr.
A. G. Levason, Hereford
Mr.
Lippiatt, Upton Bishop
Edwin
Lloyd, Esq., Leominster
Mr.
James Lloyd, Kington
Mrs.
Lloyd, The Broadgate, Ludlow
Rev.
J, J. Loniax, V. Breinton
Manchester
Free Library
Rev.
H. B. Marshall, V. Norton Canon
C.
G. Martin, Esq., Hereford
S.
R. Mathews, Esq., M.D., Hereford
John
J. Merriman, Esq., 45, Kensington Square
Harold
C. Moffatt, Esq., Goodrich Court
Colonel
(Eardisland). Money-Kyrle, Homme House
Mr.
James Morgan, Ashperton School
H.
C. Moore, Esq., M.R.C.S., 26, Broad Street
Rev.
Canon W. P. Musgrave, Hereford
W.
G. Norri?, Esq., Coalbrookdale
Nottingham
Free Library
Rev,
Sir F. G. Ouseley, Bart., Prsecentor and Canort
Residentiary
Mrs.
Oldham, Hampton Park Villas
Rev.
Phipps Onslow, R. Upper Sapey
Rev.
(Eardisland). Orde Powlett, V. Eye
Rev.
H. S. Oswell, R. Llandinabo
Miss
Rebekah Owen, New York
J.
D. Ozanne, Esq., Berkeley
T.
D'Oyley Pain, (Eardisland).sq., Pontrilas
Rev.
(Eardisland). Palin, V. Linton
Major
T. Palmer, Eardisley
Rev.
C. S. Palmer, R. Eardisley
Mr.
T. C. Paris, Hampton Lodge
Rev.
(Eardisland). Parry, V. Dulas
Mrs.
Partridge, Farchynys, Barmouth
Rev.
G. Pellew, R. Peterstow
Rev.
Chancellor Phillott, R. Staunton-on-Wye
Mr.
(Eardisland). J. Pilley, Eigne Street
Mr.
Walter Pilley, 2, High Town
Rev.
Prebendary Poole, V. Hentland
Rev.
Andrew Pope, V. Delbury
Rev.
Prebendary Powell, Hinton Court
Captain
K. 1\L Power, Ross
Courtenay
C. Prance, Esq., Hatherley Court, Cheltenham
J.
(Eardisland). Prestage, Esq., Manchester
Rev.
D. Price, R. Little Marcle
Mr.
G. Alexander Prince, Upton Bishop
J.
Pulley, Esq., Lower Eaton
J.
Rankin, Esq., M.P., Bryngwyn
Rev.
Prior Raynal, Belmont Priory
J.
J. Reynolds, Esq., Hereford
Rev.
O. M. Ridley, R. Bishopstone
J.
A. Rolls, Esq., The Hcndre, Monmouth
Mr.
C. Rootes, BarroU Street, Hereford
Rev.
W. H. Rusby, R. Felton
Right
Hon. and Ven. Lord Saye and Sele, Hereford
T.
J. Salwey, (Eardisland).sq., Guildhall, Ludlow
Bev.
A. D. Saunders, R. Sutton St. Nicholas
Rev.
W. J. Sawyer, Woodlands, Ross
Rev.
T. Shackleton, ^Linor Canon, Hereford
Rev.
W. R. Shepherd, V. Preston-on-Wye
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 (delwedd B3616) (tudalen 3)
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Rev.
Prebendary T. Ayscough Smith, V. Tenbury
Rev.
Prebendary I. Gregory Smith, LL.D., Vicar Great
Malvern
Rev.
Canon S. Lidderdale Smith, Hereford
Mr.
John Smith, Felhampton
Rev.
(». (Ledbury and vicinity). Spencer, Hereford
Rev.
Hon. B. (Ledbury and vicinity). Stanhope, R. Byford
Mr.
Edwin Stephens, Hereford
Rev.
H. J. Stillingfleet, R. Hampton Bishop
Rev.
H. F. St. John, Dinmore Manor House
Rev.
F. S. Stooke-Vaughan, V. Wellington Heath
J.
F. Symonds, Esq., Okeleigh, Hereford
Rev.
J. H. Townsend, V. Hope
H.
R. Trafford, Esq., Michaelchurch Court
Mr.
C. W. Tudor, Ledbury Road, Hereford
Mr.
Theophilus Turner, Upton Bishop
E.
M. Underivood, Esq., 29, Castle Street
R.
V. Vassar-Smitli, Esq., iSIayor of Gloucester, Charlton
Park
H.
Vevers, Esq., M.R.C.S., St. Owen's Street, Hereford
Rev.
A. J. Wake, C. Eardisley
Mrs.
Wakefield, Lansdown Crescent, Cheltenham
Rev.
J. M. Ware, R. Ullingswick
Rev.
Prebendary Warner, V. Clun
Rev.
M. G. Watkins, R. Kentchurch
Rev.
Prebendary West, V. Fownhope
Rev-
H. M. Whatley, R Aston Ingham
Rev.
Principal Whitefoord, Theological College, Salisbury
Rev.
Philip Whitefoord, Ledbury
Rev.
R. H. Williams, V. Bridge Solers
Rev.
H. P. Williamson, V. Bredwardine
Rev.
C. T. Wilton, V. Foy
Mrs.
Wilson, Malvern Link
John
H. Wood, Esq., M.B., Tarrington
Rev.
Matthew Wood, V. Kington
Rev.
T. Woodhouse, Ropley, Hampshire
Alfred
Wright, Esq., 36, Ladbrook Square, London
G.
Yeld, Esq., St. Peter's School, York
NOTE.
The
following Glossary contains words which are current in
the
County of Hereford.
The
compiler makes no attempt to say which of them are
peculiar
to Herefordshire. The mention of a parish or district indicates
the
locality whence information was obtained for these pages.
The
following abbreviations are adopted : —
(The
city of Hereford and vicinity). The city of Hereford and vicinity.
W.
or (Eardisland). Her. West or Ea.st Herefordshire.
E.
Eardisland.
G.V.
The Golden Valley.
L.
Ledbury and vicinity.
(Staunton-on-Wye).
Staunton-on-Wye.
(Upton
Bishop). Upton Bishop.
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 (delwedd B3617) (tudalen 4)
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INTRODUCTION.
EW persons have better opportunities of becoming acquainted with the
peculiarities of speech in a district than the Country Parson who visits his
people. Few besides the clergy take the trouble to note down the quaint
expressions used by old and young in the course of their pastoral visits.
Curious words and phrases may be heard at our Infirmaries, County Courts,
Savings Banks, Markets, Railway Stations, and Auctions ; and at other places
where rustics congregate. But in all these places a great change has been
gradually coming on ; old customs are dying out, and many old words and
sayings are becoming obsolete.
The Vicar of — — truly and sadly remarks, " The old words are dying out
and our modern education will destroy some pretty words as well as the
irritating drawl of the county. Canna, shanna, munna, are only heard from the
old, and boys no longer hesple one another. The bush is burnt on fewer hills
year by year, and the incantation of 'old cider' I have not heard for forty
years. And 'going a gooding' on St. Thomas'
Day has almost come to an end.' It has therefore been thought desirable to
collect as far as possible all Words and Phrases peculiar to, or current in,
the County of
Hereford. Nothing has been done in this way since the production of a
Glossary by the late Sir G. Cornewall Lewis, in 1839. Meanwhile our
neighbours in Gloucester, Worcester, and Shropshire have produced excellent
glossaries. The present collection is an attempt to supply, in a cheap
popular form, what seems to be a local want. A learned friend thinks the
attempt is too late by 40 years ! But he admits " that there are still
bits to be picked up." To pick up such bits has been my endeavour; for
although some of the words may appear to be in general use, it is hoped that
many of them may be found to be genuine Herefordshire productions. In 1886 a
communication was sent to all the Clergy and Schoolmasters in the County of
Hereford, and also to many of the Gentry, inviting co-operation. All the
known collections of local words have been consulted or incorporated in these
pages ; and it has been my endeavour to indicate the parish or district where
many of the words are used, or from which they were supplied for publication.
It only remains for me to express my thanks to subscribers and helpers, with
the hope that the perusal of this little work may afford them some pleasure
and amusement during their leisure hours.
Upton Bishop Vicarage,
January 25///, 1887.
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 (delwedd B3618) (tudalen 5)
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Morb0 anb pbraecs.
A, r^. = to have. 'Him a' gone awaay,'/. ^., ' he has gone.'
A, pron.^ = \\e, she, or it. * Whar be a', or 'Where is a'?' may mean 'Where
is he, she, or it?'
A, prep.^ = a.t or in. ' A' were a church o' ij'-fy Sund'y.' ' Er's a bed
mighty bad ^ ' with a paay'n a top o' 'er yud.'
Abear, = endure, tolerate.
Abide, = suffer, endure.
Able, = well to do in money matters. ' Mr. is an able man.' — G. V.
Aboove, = above.
Aboove-a-bit or More than a bit, = a good deal, extremely. ' I like that man
aboove a bit.'
Abuseful, = abusive.
Accord, = agree. Pronounced accOTd.
Ackern, = acorn. A common proverb applied to many things. 'As sound as an
ackern.^
Acquaintance, = a sweetheart. 'They've been acquainted a good while.'
Acting (of children) = showing off
Ledbury. Adland, = a headland. A strip of ground left for a plough to turn
upon at the end of the furrows. Adled, = pronunciation of addled. Adle or
Adled = addled. 'I be most afeared as the eggs be all adle.' Afeared, =
afraid. ' I'm a'most afeared.' Afore, = before. Aorin, = by or against. '
He'll come agin
Christmas.' (Eardisland). Ahthern, = Hawthorn. Aim or Haim, = to intend or
endeavour. ' You bain't haimin to muv.' ' I did aim to come.' All about, = in
confusion, or light-headed. 'Our 'ouse be all about just now.' All as is, =
1. all that there are. 2. Nevertheless. Common. All-SO, = commonly used for
except. ' That row o' taturs was all rotton all-so these few. (Ledbury and
vicinity). Anent, anunt, or anenst, = near or next to, over against.*
Anighst, = near. ' They never come anighst me.' Apern, = apron. Ara, = any or
ever. ' Thee han't met ara bwoy?' 'Hast got ara copper?' (Ledbury and
vicinity). Arc, = a peculiar cloud or cirrus across the sky, N. to S., seen
in the morning and evening only on rare occasions. It is said to be 'pointed,
bright at the ends, and very pretty.'
I have found this word only in a low damp part of Upton Bishop among very old
people. Archert or Archat, = orchard. See ^
J. Phillips' Poem on Cyder, d^ J<J\ ■ ^<M-^ u''^** Arg, z'. = to
argue, wrangle with. 'He would arg me that it was so." Argufy, =
signify. 'It does not argufy.' 'What thee says don't argufy,' = does not
matter. Arkard, = awkward. 'Maister be very arkard this mornin'. G.V. Arrand,
= : errand. (Eardisland). As, = used for 'that or which.' 'The man as told
me.'
Note * A genuine Herefordshire story is told of an old woman who went some
years ago from Little Hereford Parish to the Sunday evening service at St.
Michael's (Sir F. G. Ouseley's Church). She was asked next day how she liked
it and whether she could hear well. " Oh ! yes, I got there early, and
took a front seat, right up anunst the turkey ! "
The brass eagle Lectern being the object referred to. A friend remarks,
" I have heard the Lectern in our Cathedral called a_/bwi, but never a
turkey."
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 (delwedd B3619) (tudalen 6)
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Ashore, ^ajar, used of a door.
Askal, = a water animal, a kind of newt with rough hair like fimbriae.
AspHning, = prancing about, •^splinin ' and ' brevettin.' N. Her.
Atomy = a skeleton. 'He's gone to an atomy.’ (Eardisland).
Attack = undertake. ' I mean to attack the journey.' Pronounced 'attact.'
Archenfield.
Avoirdupoised, = in doubt about doing a thing. 'I'm all avoirdupoised.'
(Eardisland).
Away, = endure. 'I cant awaay with it.' G.V. Sp. Comment. Is. i. 14.
Awhile = to spare time for: a favourite expression, 'Can't awhile.' When 'I
can awhile,' or 'I did it awhile.' (Eardisland).
Axe, v. = \.o ask. Heref.
Backen, = To keep back or recede, as growth of crops.
Backwards and Forwards, = not a word further. There's an end of the matter.
Herf.
Badger, = a dealer in poultry, fruit, &c.
Baffed = stammering. See Buff. S.-on^Vye.
Bag, = i. of Wheat, 3 bushels, a sack being 4 bushels. 2 The udder of a cow.
Bag, z'. = to cut peas and beans with a hook, called a ' bagging huck,' which
is broader than a sickle and is not
J serrated at the edge. \ ^ Baggage = a term of depreciation applied chiefly
to women and beggars. 'Go away you dirty baggage.''
Bait, = a labourer's luncheon.
Bally wray or Ballyrag = to abuse, scold coarsely.
Band-hay, = : inferior hay used for hay bands.
Bandy, = a game played with bent sticks, hence bandy legs, /. e. bowed legs.
Bank or Banky, = sloping, uneven' undulating ground. 'A banky piece.' Burford
II.
Bannut, = a small kind of walnut.
Barberris, = cruel, barbarous. (Eardisland).
Barm, = yeast.
Bat, = great speed or pace. 'Coming at
A great bat: N. Her.
Batch or Bash, = the palm of the hand.
L.
Bathering, = i. of partridges roozling or ruffling in the dust. Peterchurch.
2. Shake or knock down, of fruit. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Bayly, = Bailiff.
Bearbine, = wild convolvulus. Pronounced Beer-bine.
Bean for a pea. Speaking to a bedridden man lately, ' Your sister, I suppose,
carries water and does some things for you.' "Well, mighty little, her
wont give a Bean for a Pea Lanwarne.
Beetle, = a large wooden hammer used for driving wedges into wood.
Ring-beetle, = the above with iron bands round the hammer.
Bot-beetle, = used for beating up clods. Ashperton.
Becall, = to rate or abuse. ' Her becalled muh' sheamful.'
Bed, = floor of a waggon or cart.
Beer,^When a man is in a fuddled state it is said that ' he is on the beer:
Her:
Benefit, = 1. a living, probably for benefice. N. Her. 2. Trouble, as ' I had a pretty
benefit in getting them cattle whum.'
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 (delwedd B3620) (tudalen 7)
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WORDS
AND PHRASES.
Beethy, = soft, easy to bed. applied to a cork drawn out of a bottle.
Bodenham.
Limp or flabby as toast in cider. Orleton.
Wet
and soft as hops 'didn't like to pack when they were so beathified.'
Bellocking, = lowing of cattle. Orcop.
Belting, n. = chastisement by using a belt for the purpose.
Bents, = stalks of grass.
Bizzom, = of birch or broom. 'There's tricks in all trades except bizzom
makin, and then you puts the short in the middle.' (Ledbury and vicinity).
Bespoke, adj. = 1. as of a joint of meat. 'That's a bespoke.’ Hereford. 2.
Marked for death. ‘I saw he was bespoke a month ago.’ Archenfield.
Bessy-coddle or Molly-coddle, = said of a man who interferes with a woman's
business. Archenfield.
Best, v. = beat. To get the better of. 'I bested him.' Ashperton. 'How do
George come by that black eye ?' 'Oh, him and Joe had a bit of a turn about
that young woman and fought a bit, but Joe bested him.' Lanwarne.
Beyond, = get the better of. 'The doctor can't get beyond it no how.’
Biff, = beef. There is a general tendency in this county to turn e into i, as
bist for beast. The proper name Beavan being pronounced as Bivan.
Bigsorted, = proud, stuck up. 'As big sorted as a ass.' N. Her.
Bilberry, = 7^?"//^ berry or whinberry in
Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Bine, = stem of hop plants.
Binna, = a negative form of 'to.be,' as used by old-fashioned rustics. A
remarks ' Its could. ' B replies 'Ay ! it bhina very warm.' The following
negatives are in common use : — Anna am not.
Canna cannot.
Dunna does not.
Hanna or Havana ...has or have not.
Munna must not.
Shunna shall not.
Tinna it is not. Wunna will not.
Bird clacker, = a clapper to frighten birds.
Bishoped, = being confirmed.* (Eardisland).
Black-pole, = a long piece of umvrought timber, about as much as a man can
carry.
Black-Steer or stare, = a starling.
Blaggerd, = pron. of blackguard, one addicted to low language.
Blast, = a local inflamation of some external part. Also called ' felon ' or
Whidow on the hand.
Blind, = applied to blossom which does not come to fruit, or to a boil
without a head. Common.
Bloody Butcher, = the deep purple wild hyacinth. N. Her.
Bloody fingers, = foxgloves.
Kentchurch.
Same as dead man's fingers.
Hamlet IV. 7.
Called also 'fairy gloves,' which gives the real derivation, ' folks'
gloves,' /. ^., the little folks, the fairies. ' But our cold maids do dead
men's fingers call them.' Hamlet IV. 7.
Blow, = i. blossom (pronounced blauw). 2. Wind spoken of as 'a cold blauw.'
(Upton Bishop).
Blub or Blob, = to swell up. ' Her face be blubbed up. (Ledbury and
vicinity).
Blue I saac, = hedge sparrow.
Sutton St. N.
Blue-tail, = a field fare.
Blunder out, = puzzle it out. (Eardisland).
Note * This has a second signification, viz., a Horse that has had its teeth
operated upon to make him appear^ younger than he really is. Query : Was this
formerly practised on horses sent to Bishop's Castle great horse fair ?
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 (delwedd B3621) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
^^^A^i^?
Bock, = back.
Bodge or Botch, = to fill up holes in a hedge with croppings called browse.
Bogie or Bugabo, = a ghost
Bolting, = a bundle of longstraw(i4lbs.) tied with two bands. Pronounced
bawten, or bowtin.
Bomboly or Bomely, = awkward to fit. ' Its a bomboly stone.' (Eardisland).
Bonds, = twigs for tying up bundles of faggots.
Bone, as an intensive = bone lazy, innately lazy. Leintwardine.
Boo, = bug or louse. Bredwardine. Pronounced Bow. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Boosey, n. = i. Pasture retained till May by a tenant quitting his farm at
Candlemas. Golden Valley. 2. Also the gangway and trough in front of stall
for feeding cattle. 3. Part of a cow shed for keeping hay in.
Bot.^to beat. Ashperton.
Bottle, = a small wooden keg for carrying a labourer's cider. 'Bought it off
him' (for 'of or from him.')
Boughten, said of bread or beer not made or brewed at home.
Bost, = to burst open, generally in an execrative sense.
Bottle-tit, = long tailed Titmouse. So called from shape of nest.
Bound, = obliged, c. g., 'we be all bound to be sinners.' S. on Wye.
Bountiful, = a man who looks fat and well, ' quite bou7itiful.' Orleton.
Bowk, = nave or stock of a wheel.
Bowket, = bouquet.
Bowler, = a boulder. (Eardisland).
Box. The treasury of a club. ' On the box,' drawing an allowance from the
funds of a club. (Upton Bishop).
B rabbi e, = quarrel.
BragS, = boastings. ' He made his brags.'
Branter or Brandtail, = 'a Kitty Brantail,' a Redstart, (Eardisland).
Brash, = thin broken stone.
Brashy ground, = coarse marley ground
Brevit or Breveting, v.^ = \. To pry or bustle about. 'A' goes breveting
about.' S. -on- Wye 2. Searching or gadding about.
Brenth, = breadth.
Brea or Breese, = gadfly.
Brontitis, = generally \
Brownkites, = not seldom \ Bronchitis.
Browntitus, = once C>r\,....^ C^^tp^
Brot, ;/. = loose straw. Kentchurch.
Brouse or Trouse, = i. Brushwood, clippings off hedges. 2. Small wood
remaining, after cordwood and faggots are cut from felled trees or underwood.
Browse line, = the height to which cattle can reach to bite. 'Trim them apple
trees, Jim, not too much, but just above the brouse line.
Bruck, = brook. Lanwarne.
Brun, = a billet of wood. 'Fetch in a bruni' ' They used to take a horse to
carry in a brun on Christmas day.' (Eardisland).
Brusling, = bushing roughly against. ' The cow was kicking and brusling agen
it' (Eardisland).
Bucking, = a large wash of household linen. ' Buck basket.' Merry Wives of
Windsor. Act III. scene 5.
Buckles, = twigs of withy shaved flat and twisted, for securing thatch. Spoken
of as buckle stuff.
Bud Bird or Budding Bird = the bullfinch. Common.
Buff or Buffle, = to have an impediment in speech. 'He do biif:i bit.' 'He
was a' way buffling in his talk.' W. Her.
To bother. Sutton St. N. Bosbury.
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 (delwedd B3622) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES.
Bugs words, = boasting words. They occur in an old book written by
Rowland Vaughan, a truly Herefordshire man.
Bullocking, = joking a person, bullying.
E.
Bum-bailie, = sheriff's ofificer. 'The bums be in the house.'
Bumlet, = a round stone used for filling up walls in building. (Eardisland).
Bunch, = a bunch of cattle, /. ^., a small drove. Hereford.
Bunchy, = rank or coarse. Celery spoken of as ''bunchy busky stuff.'
(Eardisland).
Bundation, = an abundance, such as heavy rain, fruit, &c. Common.
Bundle off, = go away quickly. 'He bundled off.''
Bunt, = to butt or thrust with the head.
Bury, = I. A store of roots covered with earth. 2. A rabbit hole or burrow.
Burying or Burial, = a funeral. 'To fetch a burying^ to accompany the corpse.
Burr, = the sweetbread or pancreas of an animal.
Burr-oak, = a pollard oak.
Busgy, : = . . ' the quick are ^^wx^y.' Archenfield.
Bussock,: = a donkey. G.V.
But just, = just this moment.
Butty, : = a fellow workman. Butty-collier used elsewhere.*
Bye blow, = a bastard. W. Her.
By tack, = a farm taken by a tenant who resides on another. Literally a
Bye-take.
Cade, adj. = ^3. cade lamb, one brought up by hand. N. Her. Also called
tidling lambs until their tails are cut. Linton.
Caddie, v.^ = i. to nestle, coddle, or pet* 2. To trifle or potter about. 3.
To chatter.
Cadger, = a carrier. (Eardisland). (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Cadow or Caddis, = .a poor creature, a simptleton. ' Her's only a poor
cadoiv. (Eardisland).
Cag mag, = rbad meat.
Call, = need. 'Thee hast no call to take on that a way.'
Canbottle, = long-tailed titmouse.
N. W. (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Cant, z^. = i. To tell tales behind one's back, or gossip. r. r- 2. To tip up
a vessel or bottle. (^*^<*--'^^.
Cantle, = applied to rounded margin of saddle.
Carpeted, to be = to be had in for a scolding.
Carrun, = carrion — a worthless fellow. (Eardisland).
Casn, Casna, or Canna, = cannot. ' Thee casn'st lick me.
Cast, = a second swarm of bees; the third is called a hob.
Castrel, = a labourer's wooden cider bottle. Ashperton.
Catching or Catchy, = applied to weather, showery.
Caterpillar = cockchafer.
Universal in N. W. (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Caterpillar, 7'. = to plague or torment ' I was never so caterpillared in my
life.' Tretire.
Caults or CoatS, = colts. Very common
Cauves, = calves.
Caz'ulty, = casual, uncertain, as of the weather. 'Its random cutting in the
cas'ulty,' was a response made in answer to a question about cutting hay in
showery weather. (See word Nation.) Upper Sapey.
Note '* In some trades the butty is necessarily the inferior man, as with sawyers,
&c. But practically some very good workmen prefer working in pairs, as in
draining, timber falling, &c., the butty being the younger man. 10
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 (delwedd B3623) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Certain sure, = 'l am certain sure of that.'
Chark, = the coal or coke burnt in hop kilns. Kentchurch.
Charky, = dry in mouth or throat.
Charm, = noise of tongues. 'What a charm you young 'uns keep.' W. Her.
Chastise, = flnd fault with.
Chats, «. = chips.
Chat, 7;. = to gather chips. A common excuse for children not being at
school. 'Gone with mother a chattin,' (Upton Bishop).
Chatter, 7'. = to rebuke, reprove with anger (mostly of women). (Ledbury and
vicinity).
Chawls, = tines of a pike or fork. (Eardisland).
Chear, = chair.
Chimbley, = chimney.
Chithngs or ChitterHngs, = entrails of pigs.
Christen = to receive a privately baptised child into the Church.
Cheese, ^crushed apples in the hairs before pressing. Common.
Choir, = ' going to choir,' /. ^., attend the Cathedral Service. (The city of
Hereford and vicinity).
Church, — banns of marriage are said to be 'asked in Church' when they are
published for the first time, and 'asked out of Church' when published for
the third time. General use.
Churchman, = a clergyman who is a good reader of the service, or has a
powerful voice is always called 'a good churchman.'
Churt or Tiert, = sharp and keen. 'It freezes very churt' (Eardisland). Also
of cyder which is sharp. L,
Clam, 7'. = to starve. 'My hands be clummed with cold.' Herefordshire
proverb, ' care clammed the cat.'
Clem, Z'.^famished. ' I be that clemmed.'
Clandestical, = ? corruption of clandestine, 'Live in that dirty clandestical
manner.' Archenfield.
Clats, Cleats, or Clet, «. = Quinnett, nails holding blade to handle of
scythe. Munnow Valley. A wedge of wood or iron to tighten two parts.
Clavvy, = shelf above the grate in kitchen. ' I hung it on the clavvy!
N. (The city of Hereford and vicinity). and Bishop's frome.
Clay or Clee, = the claw of a bird or animal. Clees, = claws.
Clean forewell, = clean gone away.
Its' clean forewelJ.^ (Eardisland).
Clench, z'. = to clinch a nail or an argument.
Clever, = good and right. 'It was all very clever to my face,' /. <?., no
fault was found, ' but she said all manner of things behind my back.' ' He
behaved very clever to me in that job,' /. e., ' he paid me handsomely.' ' A
clever harvest.'
Clier, = clear.
Clomber, = to cUmb.
Clot, = clod. A fragment, cloven, divided. A clot of blood; a clod of earth.
Common usage indiscriminate. Archenfield.
Clout, = I. a rough patch. 2. A smack on the head with the hand.
Clutch, = a hatch. 'A fine clutch of chick in.'
Cod, = a pod, as pea's cod. Also applied to the egg like projections at the
corners of hop pockets
Coffer, = an oak chest on 4 legs. Much used in the western counties in XVII.
and XVIII. centuries. Now largely superseded by chests of drawers.
Colin-bill, = a hedge bill with the addition of a hook on the back side, f
Ashperton.
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 (delwedd B3624) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. \tL
Collogue, = to be friendly or to butty. ' They collogued.' (Eardisland).
Colly, = soot from a kettle or pot. ^^ Collywist or Collywisth'd, = whena a
ladder does not stand straight on the ground. ' Its' Collywisth d.'
(Eardisland).
Come, = butter is said to come when the cream changes to it in churning.
Comical, = cross, unusual, unwell. 'A cojuical stick,' /. ^., a queer
tempered person. 'A did behave very comical,' /'. ^., in a rude manner, with
a sense of the ludicrous implied.
Condoodle, = to get over. (Eardisland).
Consarn or Confound, ^concern or take trouble about a thing. • Ccnsarti your
back, you a got
Master Lawrence on ya,' /. e., are lazy. * We don't consarn with them,' have
nothing lo do with them. Clodock.
Consate, = to fancy or imagine. 'I consated it was so.'
Consisting of, = concerning. '■Consisting , ... (?/this here business.'
V^ Contrary, contrary.
Contrive, = find out. 'We could not contrive the reason of it. Archenfield.
Coolth, ^^coolness.
St. Michael's, Tenbury.
Cop, = The first bout in ploughing a field is called ' a cop.^ Ashperton.
Coppy, = a small coppice.
Cord, = a heap of firewood by measure 4 ft. high, 8 ft. long, by 3 ft. The
usual mode of selling wood is by the cord. Pronounced Card. General.
Cord- wood, = branches of felled trees too large for faggots.
Cornel, = corner. Common.
Cosp, = see Plough.
Cosses, = costs. ' It cosses too much.'
N. Her.
Cot, = the usual term for pig's cot.
Couch, z'. = to squat, as a rabbit or hare(?)
Pronounced Cooch. (Ledbury and vicinity). & (Eardisland).
Coulter, = see Plough.
Couse, v.~Xo cowse or drive. 'That blaggert dog's bin a cousin my ship.' N.
W. (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Cowtyens, = upright posts to which cattle are tied in sheds. (The city of
Hereford and vicinity).
Coxy, = irritable and quarrelsome. (Eardisland).
Crank, = clever, topping. 'A crank farmer.
Cratch, = i. A hay rack of any kind. 2. The tail board of a waggon.
Cratcher, = a famous good feeder.
Cress, = a ridge tile, a crest.
Crib, = a bin in into which hops are picked. General.
Crinks or Crinklings, = a little apple or a child is called 'a little crink.
(Eardisland).
Croodle, = creeping close together, as chickens under a hen. ' The cattle
croodled all of a heap.' (Eardisland).
Crope, = crept. Burford & Leintwardine.
Crousty, = ill humoured.
Cruds, = curds.
Cub. I. n. A dog kennel or hen coop. 2. V. To confine in a small space.
Cuck-fist, = awkward handed.
Cues, «. = the iron plates which were put on the feet of droves of Welsh or
Irish cattle for their long journeys.
Cullens or Cullings, = refuse, as of wheat, apples, potatoes. Or those left
in a herd or flock after the best are selected.
Cur'ous, = unusual, with a suggestion of ill temper. ' Her be a cur'ous owd
ooman.'
Curse, = swear. 'He cursed me shockin,' ,■ or with the addition 'and
swore,' meaning a moderate objurgation. /'
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 (delwedd B3625) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
J2aA C>W«>*'MaA>!1
Curst, = sharp, clever, especially in mis ^^ chief. ' He's a pretty cursf
boy.'
Custish, ^sharpish. 'He is a custish sort of chap.' (Eardisland).
Cyder wring, = cyder press.
D. ,^aJ^
This appears in a good many words without any apparent reason. ' I'll shound
you.' ' He's a good scholard.' ' Borned ' for born.
N. Her.
Dabbledy day, = when heavy rain falls.
Orcop.
Dabbly or Draggly, = wet, rainy.
Daddocky or Daddiky, = rotten, unsound. (Staunton-on-Wye).
Daffidowndiliy, = daffodil. A common Old English word, but used locally.
Dahnt, = daunt, dishearten,
Dall or D^lJ^e it, = confound it, damn it. ' I'm dauzed if I knows.'
D ammock or Dommock, t'. = to
Zr ^,CvXia.^, dirty clothes, e. ^., 'Her aint one to davimock her clothes.'
N. W. Her.
See Mommock.
Danker, = an oath, also Drat, very common. Lanwarne.
Dannies, = a baby's hands. 'Clap your dannies.^ Common 50 years ago.
N. Her.
Dawny, = i. damp and not sufficiently made. 'The hay was very dawny.'' 2. Not
trustworthy. 'A dawny customer. N. Her.
Dazed, = puzzled, stupefied. 'Ever since one day as the sun got hold on her a
bit, our Jane has been dazed a deal.' Lanwarne.
Dead, = senseless. ' I was dead ever so long,' /. e., in a fainting fit.
(Staunton-on-Wye).
Dearn, = i. Of weather, raw, cold. 2. Of a man, 'so and so is a very dearn
man,' i. e., hard or severe.
S:>metimes pronounced as jearn. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Deawbeater, = a person who turns out the toes very much in walking.
Deawbit, = slight early refreshment. ' Deed, = indeed. ' ^Deed if I know,' /.
e. , indeed I don't know.
Deck of Keards, = pack of cards.
Deef,^deaf. 'Hard o' hearing.' An ordinary term.
Deepness, = cunning, sly. ' He's a dep un.' (Eardisland).
Denial, = disadvantage, injury. Loss of a limb or faculty is spoken of as 'a
great denial.'
Depraved, «^'. = weakly, ill. 'A poor depraved crtdAuxQ.' Dilwyn.
Desacly, = exactly.
Desperate. This word is in frequent use. To hit desperate hard, a desperate
fine or tall man, &c.
Deuced, Deeowsid, or Djouced, : = deuced, very. Used merely for emphasis. 'I
feel deuced middling.'
Hereford.
Devil's rings, = hairy caterpillars.
N. W. Her.
Dewing, = small rain, for deuwing. 'Its deuwing a little.' Upper Sapey.
Disannul, = :to turn out, do out. ' They tried to disannul her of what she'd
got.' (Eardisland).
Disfuglement, = disfigurement.
Dithering, <s'^'. = shaky, confused, trembling. ' He's a dithering ould
man.' W. (The city of Hereford and vicinity). 'All of a dither.' Aylton.
Djerned, = determined or enthusiastic. 'Very djeorned about it.' See
Dearn. Eardisland.
Djud or Dyud, = dead.
Do, = a festivity, a fuss; pronounced doo. 'SuchjjLojioo.' •
Doglogarum, = nonsense.
Dolent, = docile (?) or sharp and clever. A farmer praising his dog said that
he was 'uncommon dokfit.'
Sutton St. N
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 (delwedd B3626) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 13
Dollup,^ a quantity. (Eardisland).
Dolly, = an instrument used in washing the roughest clothes, before the
introduction of washing machines. Ashperton.
Donate, = to give as a legacy. ' The old gentleman is very bad, they dont
think him'U get over it this time.
I wish as him 'ud donate us sumthing.' Lanwarne.
Doncass, : = . . . ' Her was doncassing after him.' An expression the reverse
of elegant. Archenfield.
Done, = an old perfect like 'taken.' 'I done it.' So, known — ' I known it
very well.' or 'I knawed it' 'You have done me,' means ' I have nothing
further to say.'
Dormant, = confined to bed.
(The city of Hereford and vicinity). Infirmary.
Dother or Duthering, = :din or confusion. A bothering din in the head.
Tretire.
Doubles, = a bent state of body. ' Down iJysLo in my doubles, i. e., bent
down.
Ot^u bet^' Bent two double.' Heref and (Ledbury and vicinity).
Doubt, z'. = think. 'There'll be more wet, I doubt. ^
Douce, ^ a blow on the face. Orleton.
Douk, = lo lower or duck the head.
Pronounced daouk.*
Doust, «. = dust. z'. = to put out, destroy. ' When you're finished in the
stable, mind ^ you doust the dip.' ' Him hit Jack w'" jU,
!>/l"on his head, it nearly dousted him. '^ Dout or Do out, z'. = i.
to put out or extinguish, as a candle or fire. 2. To die. ' Ha drawed a sike
(sigh) and then ha douted.' N. Her.
Downhill. Applied (i) to wind, south— from the south. (2) Applied to a line
on the downward slope.
Draggletail, = dress trailing on the ground.
Drave, = thrave of straw. See Thrave. f
Drawed, 7'. = drew. 'He drazved the beautifuUest pictur as ever I did see.'
Dreaten, = to threaten.
Dresh, = to thresh. D for Th is very common in Herefordshire.
Dreshel or Drashel, n. a threshel.
See Flail.
Drip or Grip, = a rut or little open drain in the road. Pixley.
Dripples, = thripples.
Dripping bags, = bags of canvass like inverted sugar cones through which
cider is passed fresh from the cider press.
Drop night, = night fall. 'It'll drop night soon.' Upper Sapey.
Drop out, = to fall out, quarrel.
Drow, 7A = to throw.
Dub, = to bend or pull down.
Duff, a^r'. = directly. 'The ball struck him duff on the mouth.'
(Eardisland). & (Ledbury and vicinity).
Dumb, = Animals always spoken of as '■dumb animals' or '■dumb
things,' as distinguished from human beings who are universally summed up as
'Christians.' The phrase is often used 'Christians and dumb things.'
Dumb-saucy, = sulky. Sutton St. N.
Dummel, = a stupid creature. (Eardisland).
Dunna, = i:do not.
Dure, = to endure, particularly to last or wear a long time.
Dunch, = heavily of a fair blow. 'He hit him dunch on the ribs. (Eardisland).
Dunching, ^poking against something. 'The pole goes dunching agen it.'
(Eardisland).
Dunny, = deaf. Aylton & (Eardisland).
Note Ducks especially lower their heads when passing through a verj- lofty
doorway, such as a barn door. Hence the term, t Tkrave ot corn wa.s two
Shocks of six, or rather twelve sheaves apiece. Statute II. Henry 6, c. 2.
The word comes from the British dresa, i. e., twenty-four. Twelve sheaves
make a Stook and two Stooks a Thrave. T. Blunt's
Glossographia, 1674. 14
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 (delwedd B3627) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Eacle, Eqwal, Hecle, or Hickol, = a green Woodpecker. (Iceicle pronounced in
same way.)
Universal in (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Ean or Yean, = (of ewes) to bring forth young. 'Eaning time.'
Earthly, adj, — near death. ' Dear, dear, how ea?-t/ily the old man do look.'
G.V.
Edder, madder. Bredwardine.
Eimer or Eemer, = :near, nearest way. Also Eemest. N. Her.
Elmen or Ellum, = elm trees. Other trees are spoken of in a similar way.
Ellern, = elder, poplen-poplars, and oaken-oaks.
Empt, ^to empty.
Ess, = ashes. Aylton.
Etherings or Heathenngs, = rods of hazel or other wood used for weaving in
and out of the tops of hedge stakes.
Ettles, = nettles.
Ever or H ever, = hemlock. G.V,
Ever so, = in any case. ' Not if it were ever so. '
Exempt, = without a crop. 'I'm quite ^^(?w// of damsons this year. N.Her.
Expressions in common use —
Come along in.
No fear ! = Never !
Thankee, expressing surprise, 'was its so.' (Eardisland).
Eye, = to glance at. 'Her only eyed the letter.'
Eye, = an old saying. ' Blessed is the eye
That's between Severn and Wye.' *
Faggot, n. = a.n ill behaved girl, (Eardisland).
Fainty, = a weak faint state.
Falling weather, — when rain or snow may be expected. Open weather when the
ground is not bound by frost.
Falter, = to fail in health.
Fancical, = : fanciful. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Fangles, = the teeth of a fork, i e., fangs.
Fantigue, = excitement.
Farden-piece, = a farthing.
Fatch, = : thatch.
Fatches, = vetches. Common.
Favour, = to bear lightly on, to ease from pressure, as a horse may. 'A'
favours one leg more than t'other.'
Favoured. Used in a bad as well as good sense. An old woman at
Upper Sapey speaking to the clergyman's lady remarked with reference to a
neighbour who had died of asthma, 'yes, mam, and her husband be wonderful
favoured with it.' But as the speaker came originally from
Norfolk the expression may not be genuine Herefordshire.
Fearn and Vearn, = :fern. Universal.
Feature, z'.^resemble, as an ancestor. 'Them do feature one another like two
peas.' W. Her.
Feg or Fag, = long coarse grass.
Fer, Fur, or Vur, = far.
Fetch, = 1. To deal as a blow. 2. To make butter by churning, when they are
said to 'fetc/i butter.'
Fettle, = to set m proper order. To feed or 'bed up' cattle, «S:c, From
Victual ?
Few, adf, a good few — a good many. ' There were a good fe7v ship at the fair
yesterday,'
Fickledy,: = fickle, Archenfield.
Note * This seems to refer not to the human eye, but rather to the well
watered country between Severn and Wye. Eye or
Eau Withington may mean Withy Town, by the water, shewing that Eye refers to
water. Eye is also a parish and railway station in this county.
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 (delwedd B3628) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 15
Fidge or Fizzle : = the wriggling or twisting about of a child expected to
sit still, to fidget. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Filbeard, = Not the Filbert. The husk is not so long as that of the filbert.
Hereford.
Find of, = to feel.
Firebrand-tail, = :a redstart.
Sutton St. N.
Fitchet or Fitchuck, = a pole cat.
Fitmeal, adv. = ^hy fits. Compare piecemeal.
Fittle, = : victual.
Flail or Threshel, = an instrument for separating grain from the husks, now
fast going out of use. Its various parts are —
Handstaff, that part which the workman holds in his hands.
Nile, that which is swung round and beaten againt the straw.
P ,. ] that which connects p/,- °' • /• the hand staff and '^ ° ^' ) nile.
Ashperton.
Flay. See Plough.
Fleam, = phlegm.
Fleamy, = loose, as a cough. F.
Flem or Flen, = : fleas. There is a place called Flen Cub. N. Her.
Flit, " = ■ to move from one house to another, not necessarily a
'moonlight flitting.'
Flizz, = break or fly in pieces.
Flopperty, = limp.
Fluish, = weak of mind, as applied to a woman.
Flummox, = to get bewildered, to lose presence of mind.
Flump, = plump, applied to falling.
Flush, = fledged, applied to birds. 'Um be all flushed and fled.' (Ledbury
and vicinity).
Fluttermouse, = a bat. N. Her.
Forrat, Z'. = bring forward. 'Your taters be too forrat' ' This rayn will
forrat the hai a good bit' Some farmers who had claret after dinner being
asked how they liked it, replied, 'well no, they didn't get no forrader with
it.' Orleton.
For sure, = certainly. N. Her.
Fould or Fauld, = :fold, the fold yard.
Fousty, = : fusty.
F rangy, = restive, irritable. 'Some ponies is ?,of rangy.' G.V.
Frale or Frail, = a flexible basket.
General.
Frant, = : fretful, fractious. (Eardisland).
Fraturn, = expressive of facial likeness. ' One hroihtx fratertts another
very much.' (Eardisland).
Free-martin, = when a cow brings twin calves, both females, one is believed
to be always barren, and is called a.free-?Jiarti?i.' Ashperton.
Fresh, = not very drunk. 'Only a bit fresh.' ' Just sprung a bit'
Fresh liquor, = hog's lard without salt in it Continually used in
Herefordshire.
Fretchet or Fretchy, adf = ci[oss, peevish, vexed, fidgetty. W. (The city of
Hereford and vicinity).
Frighten, = :to conquer, get through (a piece of work). N Her.
Frightful, = fearful, easily frightened.
Frit, = frightened. 'Isher/r//?' (Eardisland).
Fromward, /r. = 'The wind do come froviward the East.' Compare inward,
outward, toward.
Fruit, = in a special sense of Apples, the fruit of the country.
F rum, : = forward, well grown, as grass, fruit, or potatoes ; also of hops.
' We have picked the frummest.'*
Fullaring, = :the groove in a horse shoe
Note * This word is derived from the German. Or Frummest seems to be a form
of ' foremost,' and then the positive 'frum ' is invented from frummest. i6
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 (delwedd B3629) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Fume, = become inflamed, as a wound.
(Staunton-on-Wye).
Fume, = to get in a passion.
Fund, = found. ' I fund it.
Furness,^:: distance (farness). Tretire.
Fut, = foot. Fit, = feet.
Fyaou or Feow, = pron. of few; ow pronounced as in ' how.' ' A good few' = a
good many.
Gaffer, ■ = ■ master ; generally spoken of as 'our gaffer.''
Gain, = I. workmanlike, handy. 2. Nearer or more convenient. 'A gayner way.'
Gall, ^a spring in a field. Orcop.
Gallus, = /. ^ , fit for the gallows. Applied to mischievous boys ; also to
any high mettled horse or any cocky mischievous animals. Query — gallows, as
a gallow's bird?
Gamble, = the crooked wood from which the dead carcase of an animal is
suspended. Heref
Gambo, Gamber, or Gambrel, «. = a cart with sides only ; nofront or back.
Rowlston and N. W. Her.
Gambol, = to climb (over a style).
N. Her.
Games, = to make fun of any one.
Garment, = a chemise.
Gaum, Bygamm, or Gams, = used for ' by God.'
Gaum, = to stuff and gorge. (Eardisland).
Gaumed, = stupid. (Eardisland).
Gaun, = a small wooden ladle or bucket holding about one gallon.
Gawk, = awkward. N. Her. ? Gauche, = left-handed.
Gawkey, = a gaping idler.
Gay, = in good order, well provided.
Geat, = gate.
Get beyond, = recover, cure, or control.
Pronounced ' beyand. ' ' Er's mighty bad and oan't get beyand it this time.'
Get the turn, = to pass the crisis.
Giglot, = a giddy girl.
Glat, = a gap in a hedge. Also called a shard.
Glatting, = mending hedges. Very common.
Glemmy, = hot, bright, as of the sun. ' So glemmy.' Hereford.
Glore, = used as superlative, specially relating to fat or fire. Orleton.
Glum, = gloomy.
G. O. Tack, = ploughing with two horses abreast.
Go back, = to grow worse or lose ground.
Golden-chain tree, = laburnum.
Good sorted, = of good kind.
Gooding day. It was customary for the poor to go round to farm houses for
gifts of wheat on St.
Thomas' Day. A quartern measure was the quantity usually given to each
applicant. Lyde.
Gompus, ^to roam, or travel about on pleasure. ' He's gompussing off
somewhere.' (Eardisland). and (Ledbury and vicinity).
Gone dead, = dead as a plant or tree. A child when shewn a 'pothograph of his
father absent at sea, said ' Why that's feather dyud and gone less.' N. Her,
Good Evening, = always said after
Noon,
Goosemachick, = gosling, N, Her.
Gorm, 7'. = to mess or make dirty. See Appendix.
Gorrells, = young pigs. (Eardisland).
Gosling. A patient recovering from illness makes use of this expression, 'as
useless as a midsummer gosling,' the sun making goslings weak and staggering.
West Heref
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 (delwedd B3630) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 17
Gossips, = God-parents, sponsors. Much used in Yorkshire. Archenfield.
Gownd, = a gown.
Graft, = a strong narrow spade used for draining. Bredwardine.
Grassnail, n. = \xon tie from handle to blade of scythe, to prevent grass
from clogging. Munnow Valley.
Great, = familiar, intimate with. Pronounced ' Greet.'
Grip,: = a narrow trench or gutter. 'I would an had some lime, but they are
so busy in hauling this tile (drainpipes).' 'What to do.' 'Oh tile for
grippin.' 'The horse fell at the grip in the road.' Tretire. A Groanin, = a
confinement.
Ground ash, = a stick of ash growing direct from the ground, being very tough
in consequence.
Guides, = circular movable rest placed over front axle as bearing for bed of
waggon.
Guleing, = making game of any one. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Gull, = a young goose. Plural Gullets.
Gwaying orGwy'in, = zgoing. A word in very common use.
Hackasing, replaying the fool. 'What are yer hackasing at.' Lyonshall.
Hackle, = i. Conical thatch for beehives. 2. Sheaves inverted and spread on
the top of others.
Hairs, = Hair cloths used in the cider press.
Half baptize, = to baptise privately.
Halfoaf moulsin, = a stupid person. W. (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Half-strained, = used of a woman half sharp. ' She's a half-strained donkey.'
(Eardisland).
Hangstree, = :head of a gate.
Hard wick.
Hank, «. = hold. 'And a couldna get a hank on him.'
Hanky-panky, ^cunning dealing. ' None of your hanky-panky.'' (Eardisland).
Hanna, = have not. '■Hannayo..'
Haslet or Aslat, = liver, &:c., of a pig.
Haut, = hold. ' Let us have haiit on it.'
H aux, = strolling. ' Where are you hauxing off to.' (Eardisland).
Head stall, = a stout bridle for fastening a horse to the manger.
Heal, 7'. = to cover over seed sown by harrows, &c.
Heard tell, = heard of A common expression.
Heart-sick, = out of spirits. N. Her.
Heartwhole or Heartwell, = well as to appetite, or in good spirits.
Heaver, = a gate which lifts up.
Golden Valley.
Hedge-bill, = a long handled hook for cutting hedges. It is also called a
hook. Ashperton.
Heft, = I. 71. Weight. 2. V. To lift. 3. To do a thing leisurely. ' At my
heft.' (Staunton-on-Wye).
Hell-rake, = a large broad rake used in haymaking. Lit. Heel-rake.
Herds, : = tow.
Hermiting, = : keeping to oneself (Eardisland).
Hersking, = : hearse. Rowlstone.
Hespel or Huspel, = to run about, worry, 'Don't //c'j;/!'6'/ the pig.' 'Don't
//i?^;;^^/ yourself ' N. Her.
H ice or Hoist, = keep still. 'A done, or be quiet, wull yer,' as said to
cattle. Orleton.
Hide, ^to whip. ' I'll give thee a good hiding.'
Hiding = chastisement, probably from a piece of hide being used for that
purpose.
Hile, z^ = to toss. Said of a bull or mischievous cow.
H iling, = tearing. ' The cow's hiling the hedge down with her horns.'
(Eardisland). i8
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 (delwedd B3631) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Hindersome, ^hindering (weather). (Eardisland).
Hisht, adverb = Xvi\.tx\. Lanwarne.
Hit, = :a good crop. 'A good //// o' fruit.'
Hives or H oven, = windy distension of belly in cattle.
Robbing, = hollowing, whooping, making a noise. Tretire.
Hobbledy hoy, = neither man nor boy.
Hogshead, = the oak casks containing cider, usually loo to 112 gallons.
Always called ' hogshut.' All other vessels for cider are casks.
Hognel, = uneven, awkward, surly. (Eardisland).
Hog welly, = large, hoggish. 'A hogwelly fellow.' (Eardisland).
Hollop, ?'. = ^to scope out the inside of an apple, turnip, &c.
(Eardisland).
Holt, — hold. ' Loose /w//.'
Homes, = hames; the crooked metals surrounding a collar to which the traces
are attached.
Hommoxing,: = messing food about. 'What's the cow /to?ninoxing viilh it.'
E.
Hone, 7'. = to beat, e. g., a boy speaks of honing another for getting him
punished Bredwardine.
Honesty, = :wild clematis.
Hooch. = to sit in a heap.' ' Hooching over the fire.' (Eardisland).
Hood or 'ood, = wood. General.
Hoof, «. = bullfinch. (Eardisland). (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Hoolety or Hooleting, = :like an owl. 'A moping hoolety creatur.' 'Why can't
you go by day light instead of hooleting about the country ? ' (Eardisland).
Hoont or Woont, = a mole. 'As slik as a hoont.'' Often applied to a well
groomed horse. It is suggested that this word may be derived from 'under'
(ground).
Hoop or Cock Hoop, = a bullfinch.
Hoot, = to cry out. Specially applied to owls.
H OOsk, = a dry cough. (Eardisland).
Hop dog, = a white striped grub which feeds on the hop leaf Less commonly
called ladies' lap dog. Aylton.
H opples, = apples.
Hoppowles, = :hop poles.
Horn, = a drinking cup, fast going out of use. Ashperton.
Horse block, = stone steps from which to mount a horse, called the Skallenge
block at Canon Pyon.
Horsestinger, : = hornet.
Much Dewchurch.
Hoult, «. = the abode of a badger or otter. ' You canna get at 'im, he's in
'is hotilt: W. Her.
H ouse-keepers, = the Bum-bailiffs.
N. Her.
Housen, = houses.
However, = : in short, in any case.
Generally used at the end of a sentence.
Howgy or Howgeous, rt'^; = huge. ' Did you ever see what hougy great stones
the flood did bring down.'
Orcop, G.V., and (Ledbury and vicinity).
Howlet, = a stupid person. 'A regular hoivlet: (Eardisland).
Huck, = hook.
Hud, = husk or shells.
Hudjuck, n.^^z. mess. 'The house be in such a hudjiuk.'' N. W. (The city of
Hereford and vicinity).
Hull, 7'. = to shell, as peas.
Humbug, :: = a dark coloured sweetmeat, much esteemed by children.
Humbuz, = a cockchafer.
Humersome, = full of whims or fancies.
Hunkering, = crowding, applied to cattle. (Staunton-on-Wye).
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 (delwedd B3632) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 19
Hurd or Herd,: = to store or hoard. Boys will say they have been hurding
apples or nuts, /. <?., storing. 'There a bin herders in their family lung
enough, — a wants a spreeder,' /. e., a spendthrift. (Eardisland).
Hurrysome, : = very hasty. 'The rain comes huriysome^ (Eardisland).
Hussock, z/.^pronounced Hoosuck.
To cough in a peculiar dry way. «. = a bad cold. 'I've got a hoosuck.' G.
Valley (Eardisland). and (Ledbury and vicinity).
If SO be,:: = a common expression.
He or Hile, z'. = a bull or cow iles with its horns in attacking anything.
lies or Spiles, = awns of barley, cone wheat, &c.
Illblained, = ill disposed, unsociable. ' He's so illblahied.' E,
Ill-blended, = cross grained, irritable. 'I never see sich an ill-blended
ooman i' my life.' Aylton.
Ill-convenient, = :inconvenient.
I mference, = sauciness, impertinence.
N. Her.
Improve upon, = approve of. Archenfield.
Impudence, = indecency, not impertinence.
Insense, v. — to inform, instruct, show how to do a thing. ' I've done my
best to insense him into it.' Aylton and N. Her.
Inch mull, = :all over. 'His head is broken out incluuull.' ' I've searched
the paper inclwiulL' Pronounced inchmeal. Germ. Afahl. Archenfield.
So also Limb-mull.
I nd, = the inn, public house. This is only another instance of the
termination d so frequently used, especially after the letter n. ' Glass of
win^,
Rose and Crown^.'
In himself or herself, &c. = :a common remark as to general health of the
speaker.
Inna, = isnot. 'Pity it /««a kept up.' E,
Inoffensive, = innocent, pure minded.
N. Her.
Inons, = onions. 'A rope of inons^
I nterceding, adj. — 'An interceding man' is one who is a prominent person,
ready to take the lead. G.V.
Iss, = yes. 'You shouldnasay aye. Jemmy, you should say Iss.' (Eardisland).
Ivering or Overing, = wavering in mind. N. Her.
Ivvy, = ivy.
Jag, n. — I. a small load. 'I drawed threeyVz^of tinnit.' G.V. 2. A bit. 'A
tidyy(?.^left yet.' (Eardisland).
J aunders, = : jaundice. (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
J awl, = :to knock (anyone). ' Hejawled him against the bank.' N. Her.
Jewel, = :to put a ring in a pig's snout. (Eardisland).*
Joggle, = to be unsteady. 'The table
Joggles.' (Eardisland).
Jonnock, = :said of a man when he works pleasantly. One labourer would say to
another, come be jon?iock, i. e., drink your share of cider, pay your share,
do your proper amount of work. In use at Bishop's Frome 70 years ago.
(Ledbury and vicinity).
Journ or Dearn, = stern or surly. 'A joiirn man.' Rowlstone,
Jubbin, = a donkey. (Eardisland). and (Ledbury and vicinity).
Justicing, = going before the magistrates.
Justly, = exactly. ' I couldn't yV/j/Zv say.'
Kag or Kyag, = a broken off bough.
Same as Stoggle. ' Every old kyag is come out in bloom.'
Note * When about to ring the noses of pigs, they say they are about to
" marry the pigs."
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 (delwedd B3633) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Kay'old = keyhole.
Keagh or Keer. Used in calling to dogs and persons. Probably abbreviation of
'look here.'
Keards, = cards.
Keck, = to be sick or nearly so. Very common. Tretire.
Kecks, = hollow stalks of hemlock.
Keen, v, — to sharpen.
Keep, = to attend, as 'to keep market or church.' To keep a noise — to make a
noise. N.W. Her. and other parts.
Kefful, = a stupid clumsy person. Probably from Ceffyl, a horse. Welsh.
N. Her. (North Herefordshire) and L. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Kelp or Kyowp, = the yelp of a dog; also applied to scolding or
nagging. 'She's kyowping at me all the time.' (Eardisland).
Kep, = kept. 'The peas would a' kep better if you'd picked em (or pucked) at
the increase of the moon.' (Eardisland).
Kerf, = a large hoe used for moulding potatoes and hops. Pronounced
kearf.
Kevin or Caving of Beef, = a part of the round. This seems to be peculiarly a
Herefordshire term.
(The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Kickle or Keckle, = flighty, or weak, as the stomach.
Kid, = faggot. N. Her. Also a boy or girl.
Kiddle, = to dribble, as children. 'A kiddling bib for baby.' Sutton &
(Eardisland).
Kinchin, = :a little child. Evidently from the German Kindlein or Kindchen.
W. Her.
Kind, = good, favourable, as applied to man or beast, health or weather.
Onkind, é contrario.
S.-on- Wye — Rowlstone.
Kinowing, ^making up. ' Kinowing up the fire.' (Eardisland).
Kipe, = a circular basket holding two or three pecks.
Kippin' crows, = driving or keeping away rooks.
Kivest, = the ring dove or wood pigeon. Also called Quels or Quist.
Bredwardine.
Knock, = beat, punish. When we don't
learn (larn) our books they knock we and are quite saucy with us.'
(Eardisland).
Know to, = said by boys when they know of a bird's nest.
Kyagging, = ripping or tearing. 'He kyagged his clothes all over.'
(Eardisland). 'Kyander, i = :look yonder !
Kymet or Kimit, = foolish. 'He's a kyniet.^ (Eardisland).
Lace, = to thrash, beat.
Lady, : = used as a term of contempt.
Landshut, = flood of water shot over land. W. Her.
Lande, = Herefordshire people speak of ' a lantle of bread.'
Lantree, = splinter bar on plough or harrow, to which the traces are attached.
W. Her.
Lap, V. — to wrap up.
Lapesing or Trapesing, = ' He trapesed the house all over.' (Eardisland).
Lapesy, = sticky, dirty. 'The roads are so lapesy.' (Eardisland).
Larrup, v. — to beat or chasten (same as tansel). (Eardisland).
Lattage, = hesitation in speech. Archenfield.
Lawter of eggs, = the number of eggs laid by a fowl or duck, &c., before
sitting. W. Her.
Lawyers (laiars), n. — long land briars.
Dilwyn.
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 (delwedd B3634) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES.
Leaping block, ahorse block, from which to mount a horse.*
Learn, v. — to teach.
Leather, v. — to beat.
Leastways, = at any rate.
Leave me, = give me leave.
Leer, = i. empty. ' I feel very leer about the stomach.' (The city of
Hereford and vicinity). 2. It is usual at horse fairs to sell with a new
halter; but when without it is said to be sold Leer. Horse dealing is called
' Horse-lopin'.'
Leeze, Leaze, or Lease, = to glean.
Lennow, = lissome, supple, active.
N. Her.
Less. = the produce of leasing.
(Staunton-on-Wye).
Leuth, = warmth, as an old garment worn thin. ' The leuth has gone out of
it.' Sutton St. N.
Lick, = a blow. Usually thus, 'I'll fetch thee a lick.'
Lief, Liefer, Liever, or Lif, = :as willingly or as soon, rather.
N. and W. Her.
Ligger, «.— seems to mean a stitch or thread. ' I can't get a ligger of my
clothes.' ' They haven't a ligger but what they stand up in.' Tretire.
Lighten, = I. to cheer up. 2. to shake up hay or grain. (Eardisland).
Like, = used at the end of a sentence to qualify the adjective before it. '
Mopy like; downhearted like.'
Likely, = promising.
LitSOme, = bright or cheerful.
Rowlstone.
Liverdy, = soil not pulverising. (Eardisland).
Logger, ^ = - a wedding ring. A well-known word in the district of Upton
Bishop
Lommaking, = love making. Also idling, clumsy. Archenfield.
Sometimes Shommaking is used.
Lonck, = 1. the groin. Heref, 2. A stage or resting place for vehicles on a
public road. Bredwardine.
Lont, = :low lying land.
Look slippy, = be quick. Sutton St. N.
Loose, = unlocked or unfastened, as a gate. Upper Sapey.
Lost, = ' to be lost for want' Famished.
Louse, = enliven. Spoken of ale, 'louse it up.' (Eardisland).
Lowk, = a heavy blow, as 'I'll gee thee a lowk on thy yead.' W. Her.
Lug, n. — a given quantity of wood. • V. — to draw or drag.
Lumbersome or Lombersome, = heavy, awkward in moving.
Lunchy, = stiff. 'The mould turns up so lunchy.' (Eardisland).
LunPfe, V. — to train and tame a horse with a long rein. N. Her.
Lungeous, = : unmanageable, vindictive.
N. Her.
Lush, V. — to beat down with boughs, as wasps. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Luxrous, = luxurious. Tretire.
Lye, = water in which wood ashes have been steeped. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Lynen, = a large bundle of straw from the threshing floor. Kentchurch.
Mag, = to scold.
Magget, = a magpie.
MaggOtty, = said of a cross, fretful child.
Main, = great or chief ' Cider's the main thing for a mon.' N. Her.
Man. In various stages— babby, young un, lad, chap, nipper, feller, mon.
Archenfield.
M arket-peert, = slightly ' fresh ' or excited by liquor.
Note • Examples may still be found in some of our parishes, generally near
the entrance to Churchyard. We have one at
Upton Bishop. 22
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 (delwedd B3635) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Marls, = marbles ; sometimes called marvels.
Mashes, = the threads of a screw.
Kentchurch.
Master. Wives of farmers style their husbands 'our master'' or 'the master.^
Labourers call their wives ' the 'oman.' Tretire.
Masterful, = unmanageable, imperious.
Heref
Mat, v.^io mat potatoes, /. e., to stir the earth round them. Kentchurch.
Mattock, = a tool similar to a kerf with or without prongs instead of a hoe.
Also called a tomahawk. Ashperton.
Mauk, = :to mimic.
M aumble, = doing anything in a messing way. ' If she can't do one thing she
can maumbh on at another.' (Eardisland).
Maunch,:: = all to bits. 'AH to maunch.''
Connected with munch ? — 'manger.' Archenfield.
Mawkin, = scarecrow, often called a 'deadman.' Well known around
Ross. See Ross Gazette, June 3, 1886.
M ay thering, = babbling as an imbecile. Bredwardine.
Maython, = :a weed reputed poisonous locally applied. (The city of Hereford
and vicinity).
Me. This is often used for jne or for ffiyself, as 'I must get me a wife.'
Meal, = I. Implying division, as peace-meal. Thus, to tear a thing, limb-meal
— a pain came on fitmeal (vitsmeal). 2. The quantity of milk that a cow gives
at a milking.
Measter, = mister or master.
Measure for warm suit of clothes, = giving a lad a good hiding. An old
well-known expression. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Meat, z\ = to feed animals.
Meaty, = rather fleshy than fat. Said of store animals.
Mednip, = root of briony. 'As I was stocking that ere hedge-but, I came
across two uncommon big mednips.''
Lanwarne,
Meeuxing, = messing anything about in the mouth. (Eardisland).
Menagery, = a contrivance. 'I never zeed such a metiagery as that.'
N. Her.
Ment, = mended. ' Its just been ment.'
Mergal or Mergle, = confusion or mess. A crop of grain laid flat is said so
be ' in a mergal.' (Eardisland).
Mess, = a term of contempt for anything small or weak. 'A mess of a thing.'
Middling, = not in good health, unwell. Very middling, very ill. Pretty
middling, fairly well.
Miff or Tiff, = a falling out. 'We 'ad a bit of a miff.'
Mighty, = very, or a large number of anything.
Mimmocking, = :an epithet applied to a puny weakly child.
Minty cheese, = cheese having mites in it.
Mishterful or Mischeevious, = mischievous.
Miskin, ;/.^mixen, or any heap of rubbish. (Ledbury and vicinity). and W.
Her.
Misler,: = Mistletoe thrush.
Mislest, = molest.
M istrust, = : distrust.
Mistiff or Mishtiff, = mischief.
Misword, = misunderstanding, blame, or quarrel.
Miss, ;z. = want or loss. 'He'll feel the j?iiss o' good fittle.' ?'. = to
fail.
Missus, = a man's wife. See Master.
Mix out, = clean out. 'Mix out the cow house.' (Eardisland).
Mixen, = a muck heap — midden, (Eardisland).
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 (delwedd B3636) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 23
Moggy, : = pet name for a calf, and sometimes for a young donkey.
Moither, = muddle or confusion. 'I felt regularly moithered.' (Eardisland).
Moithered, = confused or wandering in mind, muddled. Pixley.
Mommet or Mommel, = an effigy to frighten birds. See Mawkin.
Mommock or Mollock, = confusion. *The place were ahl uv a mommock.t
Moocher or Moucher, = i. a truant from school. ' Were is ... ?
Oh he's gone viouching.'' (Upton Bishop). 2. Potatoes left in ground and
coming up in succeeding year. Also called lurchers. Tretire.
Moolson, n. = an almost obsolete name of the donkey. Black Mountain.
Moonrakers, = Wiltshire men. *
Llanwarne.
Moot, :: = to scratch up (of pigs, dogs, &c.)
Kentchurch.
Mooter, = :a plough that cuts a double furrow, used in sowing turnips.
Kentchurch.
Mopple, = :said of an overgrown hedge, ' In such a viopple.^ (Eardisland).
Mortal, = very. ' I'm morfal ha.d.' E,
Morthen,: = a plant, probably the field
Scabious. Orcop.
Mosey, = gone soft, as apples, pears, or turnips.
Mote, = moth. Sutton St. N.
Mothering Sunday, : = midlent.t
Moudgen, = the mesentery of a pig: the haslet. Cooked on a long skewer.
Pronounced ^ Mudgeii.''
M ought, = might. ' I mougJithsin said it.'
Tretire.
Moughten, = might be. '■ Moughten be but it yant' (Eardisland).
Mouster, = to pulverise. 'The ground wants to monster a bit.' (Eardisland).
Moutering, staking no notice of. 'Go viouterin^ along.' (Eardisland).
Mouzend, = :the month's end after a funeral. Rowlstone. In N. (The city of Hereford
and vicinity). they talk of the twelve months succeeding a death in the
family as the ' Deathzear.'
Mowburnt, = :hay or corn burnt by heating.
M OX, = a state of decay. 'The taters were all in a max.'' (Eardisland).
Moyle, = a hornless cow or bullock.
Orcop.
Mlih, = used for 'me.' 'You'll hurt muh.' ' Come and tell muh all about it'
Mullock, = a mess or litter. Mullocks also used as a noun. 'That ere wxnch
she's a regular mollocks.'
Peterchurch.
Mum, = silent. 'Quite w?/w.' (Eardisland).
Mum-ruffin, = :the long-tailed Titmouse or Bottle Tit.
Munch, = steal household provisions.
N. Her.
Muntling, = wandering. 'Where are going inuntling off to.' (Eardisland).
Must or Mast, = the cake of apples after leaving the cider press.
Mye or Mow, = to place grain in a rick. ' I must mye it properly.'
(Eardisland).
N ag, = to worry with reproaches.
N ail-passer, = a gimlet
Nanny, = a small three-wheeled cart. A dobbin.
Native or Natif, = home or native country. ' I never heard what his 7iatif
was.' 'There's her native when she's a wum ' (home).
S. (Eardisland). Her.
Note * The Wiltshire men were formerly regarded by the Herefordshire men as
fools. t This is a great day in Herefordshire for visiting relations. It is
still the custom to use or send away mothering cakes, which are made
speciallj' at Hereford and towns in this county in large quantities. 24
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 (delwedd B3637) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Nation, : = very. ' Lugg's 7iation cazulty ; when you think he's in he's out,
and when you think he's out he's in.'
This is doubtless an abreviation of 'damnation.'
Near, = mean or stingy.
Neen, = :near. 'iV^i?;/ road.' (Eardisland).
Neger, v.- = \.o work very hard. Nauger in Lady V. H.'s copy. Tretire.
Nesh,: = deHcate, weak, tender. 'The sheep be doing fairish, but some of the
lambs be very nesh this time.'l
Lanwarne.
Neuralgia, = is often spoken of as 'this new-ralgy.'
Nibbs,: = handles placed on the snid to use a scythe with. That nearest the
blade is called the advantage nibb, the other the straight nibb. Ashperton.
Nidget, = a pronged implement like a horse hoe. W. Her.
N ile or I le, = that part of a flail which is swung round and beaten against
the sheaves in threshing. Ashperton.
Ninted,: = : anointed, in a bad sense, mischievous. ' Hinis a 7iinted yarb,'
/. ^., a mischievous fellow. (Eardisland). & (Ledbury and vicinity).
Nipper, = a youngster.
Nip wir, = a buzz and slap as from bees or wasps. ' The bees came round my
hat nip win'' (Eardisland).
Nisgle or Nisgel (ne.st gull), = undersized offspring, the youngest, weakest,
the pet, the son kept longest at home. The smallest pig in the litter.
(Ledbury and vicinity). and Kentchurch.
Nist, = nest.
Nobble-peg, = no head piece. 'He's nothing but a 7iobble-peg.'' (Eardisland).
No danger, = no likelihood or probability. ' Didn't he say as he would come
here to day ? ' 'No daynger. '
No fear, = never, not likely. (Eardisland).
No gift, = stupid, not quite there. ' He's 710 gift.' (Eardisland).
Noggerly, = thrifty. 'A hard working 7io^gerly woman she was.' (Eardisland).
NoggS, = the two handles on the sneed of the scythe. W. Her.
Nogman, = a clumsy workman. (Eardisland).
N one, = no time. ' Hadna bin gone 7io7ie when you come in.' Sometimes
pronounced like own.
Nonsical, = nonsensical.
Nope, = bullfinch. N. (Eardisland). Her.
Nor, : = for than. 'Oh, don't he know better 7ior that.' 'He's no better nor
me.'
No two ways about it. A common phrase used to end an argument.
N ouker, ■ = ■ a sharp one. ' He's a nouker. '
E.
Nub, = a lump of anything, a great stout boy. ' A goodish 7iub of a girl.'
Tretire.
Nurra one, = never a one, nobody. ' Urra one,' any one.
Oaf or Ouph,^themost bitter character that can be given of a man is by
describing him as a prodigal half oaf, or as a rogue oaf. Orleton.
In other parts this word only means silly, stupid, half-witted. The
bitterness of this expression would rather be in the word prodigal = proud. A
man ' half an <?^' = idiot, and a 'rogue oaf' = ^a. mixture of knave and
fool. N. Her.
Oath, e'. = to swear. ' I'll oafh it.'
Objections. This word generally used in the plural number. ' Ive no
objections. ' Tretire.
Note * Among a party staying at Llanwarne Rectory was a clever etymologist ;
the conversation turned upon the origin and derivation of words. Many words
were duly handled with more or less success. The word nesh being produced,
silence reigned, no suggestion being made. One after another exclaimed "
I don't know." The individual alluded to exclaimed " I have it, as
doubtless it comes from nescio." W.B.M.
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 (delwedd B3638) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 25
Obligated, = obliged. Also used to express being much engaged. A man excused
his absence from church by saying ' I've been much obligated lately.'
Clodock.
Ockerd, = awkward; contrary, when applied to w^eather or temper.
Oddmark. = the quantity of land which an outgoing tenant is allowed to sow
with wheat, &c. ; generally one-third of the arable land on the farm.
Oddments, = odds and ends.
Odds or Odze, n. = a difference. ' There's odds in childern.' 7'. = to alter,
undo. 'We must odds it a bit.'* Llanwarne.
Oft, i. = A poor person is said to be 'bad off'.' 'How be y' off for apples
t' year, t. e., this year. W. Her. 2. At a distance. ' Where is your daughter
now ? ' ' Oh her's been on off now some time.' Llanwarne.
Ognel, ^ugly, awkward, or disagreeable.
E. 01us, = : carelessly. Sutton St. N.
Omen or Ominy, = a fad or fanciful contrivance. ' What new oininy's this ? '
N. Her.
Onbeknown, = unknown. ' It was done quite onbelmotvn to me.'
Onfriends, = unfriendly, not on friendly terms. U. B.
Oolat, = :an owl. (Eardisland).
Oont, = amole. See Woont or Hoont.
Oontitumps, = mole hills. Aylton.
Orchut or Otchut, = orchard.
Ordain or Organize, = to give orders or instruction. ' I'll orddyn y'u.' Very
common.
Orl, 7/.^the alder tree.
Oss, 7'. = to try to do well ; said of a servant. A north country word.
Canon Pyon.
Our,^often put before the name of a member of a family, as 02ir Tom, our
Mary,
Over, = very. ' It's a cold morning.' ' Well, it aint over hot.'
(Eardisland).
Overlight, = to alight from a horse or donkey, &c. W. Her.
Overseen or Overlooked, = i. Mistaken. ' I was much ove?-seen in that
business.' Tretire. 2 Guided by hidden power. W. Her.
Owny, = lazy. 'An oivfiy fellow.
Dilwyn and (Eardisland).
Ould, = cross or strange. "E looked very ould at me.' N. Heref
Pachetty, = denoting bad health. 'A pachetty man, — a poor piece, — an ailing
body.' Archenfield.
Paggel, ^mend. ' Paggel it up a bit.' (Eardisland).
This word is also applied to digging carelessly done, or to fencing not
thorough. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Pane, = a portion or division of a garden.
See Lewis' Glossary, p. 76.!
Pank or Polt,^to knock apples off trees. Hence, Panking-pole. (Eardisland).
Panking-pole or Fruit-lug, = a long pole for shaking apple and pear trees.
(Ledbury and vicinity).
Partickler, = 'Is that dog quiet?' 'Well he aint \Qxy par tickler.'' I
suppose
I shall be all right going through that field ? ' ' Well I don't know.
Mam, that there cow as we call
Lady Mary, her aint very partickler.
Llanwarne.
Note * A well-known clergyman— Rev. J. Hanmer I'nderwood, Vicar of Bosbury,
1S30-56— walking along a road, met a man.
They mutually " p.issed the time of day,' then made tracks for a few yards,
when each stopped and turned round. "I fancy I ought to know your
face," says Mr. U._ "Indeed I thmkyou oughter, for only a
twelvemonth ago I gave you a guinea to marry me, and no%y I'll give you two
to odze it. t The garden at The College, Hereford, is a good example of
division into panes. 26
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 (delwedd B3639) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Pass out, 7'. = of the passing bell, to toll. ' Send up to pass out the
bell.*
Patch, = piece. 'Young squire aint a patch on the old un.' W. (The city of
Hereford and vicinity).
Patienate, ^patient. Sometimes pronounced like 'passionate.'
Partly true, = true in every part.
Pauson or Possun, = the parson.
Peaking, fl'. = feeble or puny. 'The chickens are poor little peaking things.
(Eardisland).
Peaky, = bashful. ' He's so i)eaky and shy.' (Eardisland).
Peal or peel, = implement for drawing bread from the oven. W. Her.
Peck, t^. = to tease. In I.ady V. H.'s copy. Dilwyn.
Peerk, = a perch in land measure, hedging, &c.
Peert, = lively, in good spirits or health.
Pell-necked, adj.^ = z. sheep that has got the wool off its neck is a
^pell-7iecked ship.' Probably from the wool being peeled off Monnow Valley.
Pentis, = penthouse, the shed attached to a smithy where the horses are shod.
Perished, = starved or half dead from cold.
Peruse, = explore, the fields or woods.
N. Her.
Pessum, «. = peashaulm, dried stalks of peas. Kentchurch.
Physic, = as aperient medicine only.
Piefinch or Pierinch, = a chaffinch.
Llanwarne.
Piece, ^ I. A field. 2. An epithet of contempt, as ' 'Eer is but a poor
pieced
Piggin or Noggin, = a wooden quart used for carrying milk or toast and cider
to workmen. Ashperton.
Pig-meat, = parts of a pig eaten before being salted down.
Pinch-bar, = a crowbar.
Kentchurch and (Ledbury and vicinity).
Pinianated, ^opinionated, obstinate, self conceited.
Pink, = a chaffinch. N. Her.
Pinsons, = pincers.
Pionies, «. = peonies.
Pip, «. = the blossom of the cowslip. V. To pull the blossom out for making
wine.
Pirty, = pretty. 'A pirty set out,' /. e.^ proceeding.
Pishty, = a term applied, i. to a dog when the speaker does not know its
usual name ; 2. to a object of little value. This is common in Wales and near
its borders.
N. W. Her.
Pitch, /z. = a point. ' They always make ^ pitch of picking the hurden fruit'
N. W. Her, n. = a hill. i'. = i. To pave. 2. To throw up, as hay or wheat on
to a waggon.
Rowlstone.
Plain, = unassuming, friendly in manner.
Pronounced as play?i. ' I likes them
Miss J.'s, they be so playji.' Said by an old woman of some young ladies who
visited her.
Plants, = young cabbage, brocoli, and other 'greens.'
Plash or Pleach, = to lay down a hedge,
Playcher or Plasher, = a pleacher or stem in a hedge, half cut through and
bent down.
Pleck or Plock, = a plot of ground.
Plim, «. = !. on the level. 2. Smoothly. ' It went as plim as could be.' '■Yiow
pliin that's going.' (Eardisland).
Z'. = to swell. ' The bacon ////;/w'^,'
N. W. Her.
Note * It is customary at Hereford (i) to give three times three strokes on
one of the large bells or tenor for a Male. (2) To ring one bell for about 15
minutes. (3) Then to sound nine strokes on each bell, beginning with the
treble bell. (.)) To tc'll the last bell according to the age of the
deceased. For a Female, three limes two strokes
Six strokes on each bell after ringing the tenor.
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 (delwedd B3640) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 27
Plough, = a fall. ' I went such ^plough:
N. W. Her.
Plough, = The various parts of a plough are :
Cosp, = that which is placed on the beam to regulate width and depth.
Coulter, = the part used for cutting the ground and easing the share.
Flay, = used in skimming the surface of foul land and turning it over.
Share, = that part which bursts the soil in bottom of furrow.
Sheal-board, = that which turns the soil over.
Sock, = a ploughshare.
Throck, = pronounced Drock, is the frame, now of iron, on which the share
rests. Ashperton.
Poche or Pooch, = to prick a hole in anything. Tretire.
Pole-pitching, = setting up poles in a hop yard.
Polering, «. = the ring or head of the scythe into which the snead is fitted.
N. \\. Her.
Ponger, = :to wander. ' His head was on the /^«^^r all night.' (Eardisland).
Poon or Pounn, = to pound, punch, or knock, as '•poon the door.'
Sutton St. N.
Poppy, = said of a man who wants to pass as a gentleman. ' Oh he can work
well enough but is a bit of a poppy.' U. B.
Pot, = a local measure (specially in Worcestershire) containing from 4^ to 5
pecks of fruit or vegetables.
Potatoe stack, = a potatoe bury. (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Pot fruit, ^eating fruit, fit for sale and not for cider, &c.
Pound, = pond. 'A mill pound,' is often used in Herefordshire. Tretire.
Prawl, = :to patch or mend clothes.
Tretire.
Pretty well, = do or say. ' He dXA pretty well rate me.'
Prills, = purls in a stream. (Eardisland).
Pimmerose, = primrose.
Proceeding, j. = commencement. 'That was the first proceeding of the
business.' Tretire.
Prodigal, ^^■. = proud. 'Yie^z. prodigal sort of man.' N. W. Her.
Prompt, ^^'.^fresh, of a horse. 'That coult be so prompt that I canna hould
'im.'
Proper, = nice. ' That's /;v/^r.' Heref
Public, = ia public house.
Puck, ?'. = past tense of to pick. ' I like them shoes best as \ puck out
first'
Used also by hop pickers. ' We've puck the frummest on 'em.' Ashperton and
Kington.
Pug, ^ I. to pull, as a hay rick. 2. To pluck poultry. 3. Used
metaphorically. ' He pugged his father dreadful,' /. ^., squandered his
substance.
Pulver, = to pilfer. Tretire.
Punishment, = pain.
Purgatory, = the receptacle for ashes under a grate. Upper Sapey.
Purgy, = cross, surly, quarrelsome, and often = stuck up.
Pure, = well or sound in health. 'How is your wife ? ' ' Her he pure thank 'e
Sir' Sutton St. N.
Put about, = to vex or worry. 'That put me about aboove a bit.'
Puther, = to be disturbed, agitated, vexed, troubled. Pronounced like
Mother. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Put up, = as at an Inn. with, = bear patiently.
Quabble, ;z. = confusion. 'My head's all of a quabble.'' (Eardisland). 28
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 (delwedd B3641) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Quacked or Queecked, t;. = squeeze. ' He quacked him against the wall,' ' I
quecked him right and sharp.'
N. W. Her.
Quakers, = stich wort or quaking grass.
Kentchurch.
Quarter time, = quarantine. N. Her.
Quat, z'. = to squat or crouch down.
Common.
Ouell, V. — of a hen crushing her chickens. '^ ' That ere black hen did quell
most of her chicks in the nist' G. V.
Quick, — I. hasty tempered. 2. Young hawthorn.
Quiet, = well behaved, civil. Has a larger '^ signification than 'silent' in
commending a person's character. ' A very quiet body.'
Quietly, = gradually. 'It mends very ^ quietly,' i. e., there is very little
improvement. Tretire.
Quining. Corruption of coigning = :coign.
Hence the name of the apple,
Quining Apple. Or a mispronunciation of Queening (Apple). (Ledbury and
vicinity).
Quinnett or Quinel, ;?. = the wedge or nail fastening the blade to handle of
a scythe. Ashperton.
Monnow Valley.
Quist or Quice, = woodpigeon. There is a common saying in Herefordshire 'Thee
bist a queer quist,' i. e., a queer fellow. See Kivest. W. Her.
Quithering, = talking or chattering low, whispering. N. Her.
Quop, = throb with pain.
Racket, = to stand the racket. 'Wool you do your work better or stand the
racket,' i. e., take a good beating.
Said by a farmer to his boy. (Eardisland).
Raddle, = red earth to mark sheep.
There is a red-soiled hill near St.
Michael's, Tenbury, called 'The
Raddle Bank.' N. Her.
Rail, = : to reel about.
Rainified, = like rain. 'It blows rainified.' (Eardisland).
Raisty,: = rancid, as bacon.
Rangle, = a wound, fester, or a wearisome rankling pain. ' My arm rangles
so.'
Orcop.
Rare, = underdone meat.
Reaming, = very fine. 'A reaming bed of onions.' (Eardisland).
Reasons, = senses. ' Out of his reasons'
Tretire.
Reck staddle, = rick stool.
Recruit, = mend (of a gate). N. Her.
Reens, = furrows, or the interval between the ridges of ploughed ground. When
there is no necessity for such drainage the ridges are much wider and are
called 'lands.' Ashperton.
Refuse, = : refusal. Used particularly with reference to sales.
Remeddy, = no help for it.
Remetic, = an emetic.
Rick barton or barten, = the fold yard. Canon Frome.
Ridiculous, = scandalous and disgraceful. Tretire.
Riff, = skin disease. (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Right, = ought. 'Farmer A has a rigid to pay his tax.' Tretire.
Right, = downright. "Er's right \S\. this time.'
Ring-beetle. See Beetle.
Rip or Rype, «. = a four-sided strop for putting a fine edge on the scythe,
fastened on the sneed. W. Her.
Ripping, ^sharp, cutting, frost or cold.
Road, = the right way or manner to do anything.
Roamish, = i. smelling or tasting unpleasantly. Tretire. 2. Active,
adventurous. ' I feel much better, I feel quite roamish'
(The city of Hereford and vicinity). Infirmary.
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 (delwedd B3642) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 29 shocking.'
Robbie, = in confusion or twisted. 'It Sauce, z'. = to abuse was all in a
robble.' E,
Ronk, = rotten, as timber, or far gone in growth, rank. *
Roosling, = covering, as a hen her chickens. (Eardisland).
He sauced me ^ Ropi^, = stringy. Applied to bread and ^^ cider.
J^Roughet, = a rough breaky meadow. ' Archenfield.
Or a field with bushes, bracken, or briars. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Rubber, = a whetstone for a scythe.
Ruck, = I. a heap. 2. A rut of a road. Pronounced 'rowks.' 3. A fold or
crease. Tretire.
Rudge, = a ridge in a ploughed field. '^ ^Ruination, = ruin.
Rumbly. This word is in Lady V. H.'s copy, without any explanation, j
Rump, = a young rabbit. Kentchurch.
S. The addition of the letter Sio names of places, and to all kinds of names,
is very general, as Dillini- Church,
Uptoni' Church, or objections.
Sa, = for save. 'Thirty sa one,' /. <?., 29.
Sag, = to bend downward as a weak beam.
Sallet, = salad of herbs.
Sally, = I. a willow bough. 2. The lower end of a church bell rope.
Sally-bed, = a plantation of willows.
Sarcle, z'.^to weed corn fields.
Canon Frome.
Sarvant Sir, = old men when meeting a gentleman often used this form of
salutation, taking off their hats and making a low bow.
Scallenge, Skallage, or Skallynge, = a lich-gate or bench therein at entrance
of a churchyard. See
Penny Post, 1880, p. 307. Noticed in Parker's Glossary of Architecture.
Canon Pyon and S. on. Wye.
Scheme, z'. = to contrive or arrange.
Pronounced Skame. Aylton.
Sclem, ?i. = 3. hungry thievish animal. Applied also to overeaching persons.
Bredwardine. 7'. = to thieve, taking anything sneakingly. (Eardisland).
Sckelt = worthless. 'The fellow's a regular sckelV (Eardisland).
Scolloping, = draggling. (Eardisland).
Scoat, = to rush, hurry along. 'Her scooted up to chap-pel.' Aylton.
Scoot, «. = a swath of grass. N. Her. z\ = to slide. Kentchurch.
Score, = the weight of pigs used to be reckoned by the score of lbs. Now in
some parts by the stone.
Scorting, = scornful, in sense of high and mighty.
Scoutch, Coutch, or Scutch, = couch grass.
Scout, = used in Herefordshire cricket fields, ' to scout out' = to field
out.
N. Her.
Scrat, = ^scratch. 'A regular j-^z-a/.' (Eardisland).
Scratch ings, = refuse of lard when boiled.
Scrawl, = to crawl. Also in Breconshire and West W. Kentchurch.
Scroudge, = crush. Old fashioned
School Master loquitur. ' Dunna scroudge boys.'
Scrowl, = scrape, difficulty. 'Get into a scrotal' Tretire.
Note • A father speaking of his son, aged four years, " E's the most
onforbiddenist rankest young dog as ever I came across, onless it was myself
when I was 'is aage." N. Her.
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 (delwedd B3643) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Scythe, = for the various parts see Grass nail, Nibbs, Quinel, Snathe, and
Sneed.
See, = find. ' I see it very hard.' Archenfield.
Seeds (sids), = clover.
Segs, = rushes.
Seggen, = made of segs.
Selfish, = self conceited.
Set, = to let, or find a tenant for, a house or land.
Seven coloured linnet, ;'/. = the goldfinch. (Eardisland). Her.
Shambling, = awk\vard in gait. 'A shambling, wambling, walloping oaf.'
Archenfield.
Shard or Shoard, = an open place or gap in a hedge. Ashperton.
Share. See Plough.
Shatter, = to shed about.
Sheal, 7'. = i. shed or scatter. A term used in ploughing. ' Dont sheal it.'
Common about Asliperton. 2. To shell peas or beans.
Sheal-board. See Plough.
Sheeler, = a machine used to extract clover seed. There is also a 'bosser.'
Kentchurch.
Shift, = to move from one house to another.
Shingling, = sprinkling, as of fruit on a tree. U. B.
Ship, = sheep.
Shirgle = shirk. 'You want to shirgle out on't' (Eardisland).
Shirty, = short tempered. 'He was rather shirty in the business.'
(Eardisland). A Shivering (of gravel), — a light sprinkling. Orcop.
Shop, = a smithy; a blacksmith's shop.
Shore back, = to hang or draw back, as a led horse. Tretire.
Shown or Shownd, = show. 'I'll shown you.'
Shuck, = pron. of shake. 'Shuck the tree.'
Shud, = pron. of shed.
Shut on or off, = get rid of ' I was that glad to get sliiit on 'im.'
Shut off work, = :leave off work.
Sicking, = sighing. Pixley.
Sideland or Sidelong, = sloping, as a sidelong piece of ground, or a farm on
the slope of a hill ; ground by the side of a hill. (Eardisland).
Sideways, = on the side or direction of. 'He lived sidezvays Ross.'
Tretire.
Siers, = scions or shoots.
Sight of, or more, = a great quantity of anything, much or many more. *
Silgreen, = houseleek.
Silent or Silence, = asylum. Tretire.
Silly, = weak, poorly. (Eardisland).
Silly-green, = houseleek, a plant.
Kentchurch.
Simple, = ill, weak, half-witted. Common on Welsh border.
Single out, 7'. = to thin out, as turnips and other roots are treated.
Sinners, = sinews.
Suity, = regu]ar or alike. 'A suity crop of potatoes.'
Sir or Surrey, = i. a form of address between familiar and contemptuous /.
e., a farmer to one of his labourers would say, if work was not over well
done, 'I say, Surrey, how about this here job.' N. Her. 2. Not as a term of
contempt. One lad calls another ' Surrey.' Surrey is a young man. So in
Staffordshire it is 'cum here surrey-lad.' (Ledbury and vicinity). 3.
Probably from the old term ' Sirrah.'
Skeel, = a shallow wooden tub.
Note * A parishioner, on his return from the County Asylum, May, 1886,
informed me that he was "a sight better off there that he was
here." This word is in common use.
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 (delwedd B3644) (tudalen )
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IVOJ^BS
AND PHRASES. 31
Skew wiff, = aslant.
Skewer wood, = dogwood or elder.
Skillet, = a long-handled saucepan, large and shallow, of copper or brass.
Skelting,: = wandering off. 'He went skelting off.' (Eardisland).
Skilling (of a roof), = :its ups and downs. Kentchurch.
Skip or Whisket, : = a shallow basket made of oak laths (in Shropshire), with
rounded bottom and ends.
Skirme, :^as in mowing when crop was light. ' He just skirmed it over.' In
(The city of Hereford and vicinity). County Court, March 26, 1886. (Marden.)
Or of digging.
Sklenn, = a greedy and indiscriminate feeder.
Slad or slade, = a bank or hollow side of a hill. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Slatted, = this is said of peas when the blossom has developed mto pods.
(The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Slether or Slither, = to slide.
Slick or Slike, = smooth and shiny, as of ice or hair. ' As slick as a
hoont.'
Sling, : = a strip of field (or Slang in Tithe
Maps). N. Her.
Sliver or Sliving, = a shce cut off.
Slob, = pron. of Slab. The outside cut of a tree.
Slommock, = slatternly ; woman or man untidy in dress. (Ledbury and
vicinity).
Slurring, 1 = sliding.
Smacker, = a big thing. 'It was a smacker.' (Eardisland).
Smackle, = to throw out sparks from wood fire. Archenfield.
Smart, = good or well. ' A smart lot.'
Smock frock, = :a labourer's strong hempen garment with shoulder lappels much
gathered in and plaited.
Rapidly falling into disuse.
Smoozed, = smoked, as ale by fire side. /
Snack, = slight repast. ^
Snaggle, = to notch or cut badly. ' He snuggled it something awful.'
(Eardisland).
Snawp, = a smart tap on the head or other part. ' Snatt'p I had him my lord.'
Sneed or Snid, «. = the long handle of a scythe.
Sniping, = sharp or biting, as ot frost or wind.
Snirpt, = : pinched. 'AH snirpt with the^^^^^,,^^-^ y.^'^j^^ cold.' '
Snyrbynge' in Prompt Pav. j.Ljl*'^'* reprehendere, vol. III. 461.
Snob, = a cobbler.
Snobbing, = shoe mending. 'Feather's gone a stiobbing.'
Snoosling, = creeping. ' ^ Snoosling to me.' (Eardisland). Or rather,
nestling. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Snorty, = proud, haughty (? sniffing).
N. Her.
Snug, = comfortable, easily pleased. 'A very j«?/^ child.' Archenfield.
Snowier, = a heavy blow, as on the head.
Sock. See Plough.
Solid, : = solemn.
Sollar, = :an upper floor room.
Kentchurch.
Sore, = very great in bad sense. 'A sore torrel, a sore oaf.' N. W. Her.
Sough, — a small boggy spot, generally covered with green moss, on the eye of
a spring. Lanwarne.
Sould,: = soul.
Spaggled, = ript or torn; as the branch of a tree. (Eardisland).
Spare rib or Sparrib, = piece of bacon pig, including the hinder or false
ribs.
Spawl, v.^^io split off in wood or stone. «. = a splinter of wood.
Kentchurch.
Spet, = spit. 32
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 (delwedd B3645) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Spit, = depth of a spade in digging, hence double digging is 'two spit deep.'
Spittle, = spade tree — spade handle.
Spittle making is a Herefordshire trade. ' Spittle deep,' as applied to
digging.
Splite, = a laughing stock. 'You are making a splite of me,' /. (?., making
game. Kentchurch.
Splotches, = blotches. W. Her.
Sporrocks, = steel sprigs in boots.
N. Her.
Spotting, = as of rain when slight. ' It's spotting.'' (The city of Hereford
and vicinity).
Spreed, = : spread.
Spreeder, i = :a stick placed horizontally to keep the traces from horses
legs.
Sprowse, = loppings of branches, &c., used to mend a glat. W. Her.
Spry, = active.
Spud, = a grafting or draining tool.
Spurt, «. = a shoot or sprout, as of potatoes. -?'. = to take off such
sprouts or spurts. Lanwarne.
Spurtle, = sprinkle. (Eardisland).
Squat, «. = an oblong piece of wood with a handle, carried in wagons to
scotch the wheel. Also as a verb, to ' squat the wheel.'
Squawk, = to squeal or cry out.
Squilt, = a little pimple or raw wound.
Kentchurch.
Squob, = settled down, as a rick. 'All in a sqjiobJ (Eardisland).
Sriek or Skriek, = shriek. N. Her.
Srink, = shrink.
Stammerer, «. = one who has a lattige (or lettage) in his speech. Pixley.
Stand to a child, = to be sponsor.
Stank, = to dam or block up water.
Hampton Stank. Old saying, ^ stank afore it,' /. ^., eat before drinking.
Starky or Starchy, = said of stuff hard to work with a needle. Archenfield.
Starve, = to be cold. N. Her.
Steamer, = a traction engine. Pronounced Ste?nmer.
Steen,^an earthen pan used for washing or baking. Ashperton.
Steeve, = an ox. Also name of Pole (attached to collar) between the oxen when
at work. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Steere, = a starling. Sometimes Black
Steer.
Stemming, = said of boys or others employed with agricultural steamers. *■
Gone stetJiming.' Linton.
Stick, = a piece of timber. A general term. A tree often called a ' good
stick.' (Eardisland).
Stither, = a small bit of anything. 'Not a stick nor a stit/ier.' N. Her.
Stived, = kept in too close a place.
Stock, = to peck as a bird. To grub up a hedge is to ' stock it up.' Said of
a pigeon, ' 'er stocks the cat.'
N. Her.
Stockaxe, n. = Si mattock.
StOckeagle, = the Green Woodpecker.
Probably from Hickol or Eqwal, a bird that ' stocks ' the trees.
StOggle, = :an old gnarled tree with a large mis-shapen head. Orcop.
StOgwell, 5. = a pollard tree, as in case of sallies, and hence is not
timber, and belongs to the tenant, not to the landlord. Llanwarne.
Stonen, = made of stone. 'A stonen floor.' Tretire.
Stop-glat, = stop gap.
Storier, = story telling. Lady V. H.'s copy assigns this to Aymestrey. I
think it is commonly used among children.
Straddling, = a term of dislike or contempt. To ' go straddling about.'
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 (delwedd B3646) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 35
Strike or Strike-less, = a piece of wood for striking level the contents of a
bushel measure, in distinction to heaped measure. In Flintshire this strike
is a measure of corn or potatoes.
Stripe, = strip.
Struck all of a eap, = too much astonished to act or speak. x'Vylton.
Stub, = I. the butt of a tree m the ground, or a prop at the bottom of a
post. 2. z'. = to stock up.
Stump, = square iron implement made of parallel bars close together, with
wooden handle, used to separate awns or iles of barley from the seed.
Stun, = stone.
Successfully, = excessively. ' It rained successfully J
Sufferable, = painful. Archenfield.
Sugger, = sugar.
Suity, = pretty regular, as a farmer travelling about to local fairs, or as
plants in a garden, 'pretty j'z^'/y.' Orleton.
Summut, = a small thrashing. ' You say that again, you shall have summut, or
one or two.' A N. Her. man observed that 'summat be summat, but nuffin ha got
no smell to't.'
Sump, = to push along a heavy weight.
Kentchurch.
Sup, :: = I. «. = a drop. 'A sup o' cider.' 2. z'. = To swallow. 3. z'. = To
supply with supper.
Suppose. An expression usual when the speaker is describing what he knows for
certain. ' What is your name?' 'John Price, I suppose.'
Tretire.
Surbated, = foot sore, as a woman said of her daughter who had walked 30
miles to see her. 'When her came her was fine surbated.'
Sure to, = sure to be.
Swarm, = climb up.
Sweetly, = : well, as when a knife has been sharpened, it 'cuts sweetly.'
Swill, = :to cleanse a barrel by water, or a ditch by flooding.
Swapson, = i. sprawling. ' A great wide swapson of a rick.' (Eardisland). 2.
A bad woman. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Swealing, irrguttering of candle when burning.
Swinge, = pron. of singe.
Tack, = I. hired pasture for animals. 2. Worthless stuff. 'Its wretched tack:
N. W. Her. spoken of cider when it has some particular taste about it.
Orleton.
Tag, ?'. = to make brown, the effect of high wind and rain on hops. Aylton.
Tagged, = out of condition as a horse, unhealthy looking. Tretire.
Tagraling, = courting. (Eardisland). Abusing. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Tail-cratch, = the rack at the back of waggons.
Tail wheat, = broken or small grains of wheat used as food for poultry.
Taken, = for took. ' I taken it away.'
Take on z'. = to pretend or feign. Aylton.
Take to, = to like, as school, trade, master, &c. after, = to resemble an
ancestor. for, = to go towards, e. g., 'The fox took for Westhide Wood.
Taking, = a whitlow is called 'a taking:
Tallat, Tallet, Tollit, or Tallant, = a loft used for hay.
Tally, = a piece of wood by which account is kept of each hop-picker's work,
notches being cut thereon. 34
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 (delwedd B3647) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Tang, = :to beat pans when bees swarm.*
Tansel, = to beat. ' I'll ta?isel your hide for you.' (Eardisland).
Tansilooning, = beating. (Eardisland).
Tap shoes, = to put new soles on old shoes. (The city of Hereford and
vicinity).
Taunt, = to beg for, to tease. Archenfield.
Tay, = :tea.
Teart, = sharp, smarting, painful.
Teater, = not steady. ' All on the tenter.''
E.
Ted, = to toss and spread mown grass for hay.
Tempest, = storms or thunder.
Terrify, = to irritate (as of flies).
N. Her..
Thank you, = an expression brought in when narrating stories, making a denial
more emphatic. Orleton.
That, = so, so much. ' I was that glad.' ' I was that ill' ' E's got that fat
I must be to kill 'im soon.'
That's all about it, = that is the very point in question.
The, = used as for the demonstrative pronoun //«>? ' T' year,' lately or
this year. ' T' week.' ' T' day.'
G. V. and Archenfield.
Them, = for those.
Thern or Theirn, = 'Are all these your children ? ' ' Och, not all on 'em,
our naibour, him's got a lot, most on 'em be theirn.'' When a recent Bishop
of London, with a family, married a widow also with a family, and there came
yet another family, the juveniles were distinguished as
His'n, Her'n, and Theii-'n.
Llanwarne.
These, = this.
Thesun, = : these.
Thickun, = :for this or that one.
Canon Pyon. = this one. Th soft as in
Thee.
Thiller, ^the shaft horse in a team.
Things (meaty things), = ra term applied to cattle and sheep.
Think on, = to remember.
Thrashel, = a flail. (Eardisland).
Thrape, = to kill small birds. Of an absent Sunday scholar. ' He's gone thr
aping: N. Her.
Thrave, = :tvventy-four boltings of straw.
See Drave.
Thripples or Riples, = moveable rails on a cart or waggon. Lit. Three poles.
Aylton.
Throck. See Plough.
Thunder Berries, = the large heavy drops that fall from a thunder cloud.
Sutton St. N.
Thurn, = thorn.
Tice, : = to entice.
Tid, : = a horse who prances about, is restive. Also of a child who will not
sit still. A Pixley woman said to her child, ' Don't be tid:
Tiddle, = i. to make much of, to fondle. 2. To kick gently, as at football.
Tidier, «., or Tiddly, adj. = z. tiddly lamb — one brought up by hand.
Common.
Tidy, = respectable; also good or well. 'A tidy chap.' 'A tidy lot o'
currans.'
Tilter, : = a form of tilt, 'as a tittering table.' Archenfield. ' Tilth, = a
freshly turned furrow.
I
Note * Tanging Bees. At the time of swarming it is usual for the owner to
tang his bees. This performance is supposed to confer upon the owner a right
to follow them should they migrate. " I could follow them," said an
Ashperton man lately, " even if they went into the Queen's drawing
room." — J.M. But if this noise be not made the claim of the loser is
not admitted by others on their own premises. This old practice is rapidly
passing away.
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 (delwedd B3648) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 35
Time a orone, = : common expression.
(The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Tine, v. = lo mend a gap or glat, or bind up a hedge. G. V.
Tines, «. = teeth of harrows.
Tinnit, ;z. = stuif to mend a gap in a hedge. G. V.
Tissucking or Tussiky, = :dry and hacking, as applied to a cough.
Archenfield.
Tisty tosty, = child's ball of cowslips on worsted.
Titter, = to be shaken up and down as on the bough of a tree, or to totter.
Titterstone, Totterliill.
Tittering, = a swing (the act of). 'Come and have a tittering.' Sutton St. N.
Tommy, = food, lunch. 'Bill, what ha' you got in your frail ? ' ' My tommy. '
Of Welsh 'tamad,' a bit. Pronounced tz^mmy.
Tomsarah or Timsarah, «. = a light gambo or cart. W. Her.
Top-and-tail,: = to take off roots and tops from turnips, &c.
Top Up, = to finish a rick at the top.
Torrel, = a simpleton, same as cadow.
E.
Tosticated, = intoxicated, puzzled, or confused. Tretire. Also tossed about,
disturbed in mind.
Tot, ^a small niug or cup.
U. B. and Sollershope.
Towtree, = horse chestnut. The Toivtree is the sign of an inn at Burghill.
Towardly, = :well behaved. ' A uncommon towardly pony ; some is so frangy and
untowardly.' G. V.
Traffic, = a track or passage made by rats or game.
Traipse, = : tread in, tramp. Hence a dirty tramping woman.
Tram or Tramming, = a framework for supporting casks.
Tremenduous, = tremendous. (The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Trig, = a gutter or small ditch. N. Her.
Trig out, = to mark out as in defining boundaries.
Trolly, = a low four-wheeled waggon, without sides.
Trow, = a pig's trough.
Trowse, «. = loppings of trees, hedge stuff with which to mend a hedge. ^V.
Her.
Tugers, = rods used in thatching.
Kentchurch.
Tump, n. and ?^ = a heap of anything, as tumps of soil on the road side ; or
earthworks of considerable size, as the Tumps at Wormbridge, Backbury, King's
Caple, or Callow's
Tump near Belmont. There is also a place called Turkey Tump at
Llanwarne.*
Tun dish, = :a funnel or tun pail.
Tup, = a ram.
Turmits, = turnips.
Turn, = ' to get the turn^ to pass the crisis or shew signs of amendment. '
'Er's got the turn on it now.'
Hence they say 'to be on the mending hand.'
Tush, = to drag or push along with difficulty, as timber. Bredwardine.
Tussock, = a tuft of dry or coarse grass.
Twerten,: = stir up. 'Get a bit of a twig and twerten him up. (Eardisland).
Note * There are some old traditionary lines Also another set-
Luston short and Luston Long, At every house a tiiinp of dung,
Some two, some three.
The dirtiest place you ever did see.
Hope under Dinmore and if Dinmore should fall,
The Devil will have Hope and Dinmore and all. 36
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 (delwedd B3649) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Tweselty, = poor looking. (Eardisland).
Twirty, = : saucy. 'He was quite twirty about it.' (Eardisland).
Twivelling, = ploughing for the first time. Tretire.
Twy-bill, = a tool like a pick axe, cutting two ways with ends three inches
broad ; one cuts in a line with the handle and the other at right angles to
it. Ashperton.
Twy-fallow, = cross ploughing.
Orleton.
Tyndton, = :a place bound up, fenced in. Archenfield.
Ulster throat, ^ulcerated throat.
N. Her.
Unaccountable, = very, uncommonly, surprisingly. The first syllable is pronounced
07i.
Uncommon, = very much. A boy remarked of a girl whose charms he felt, 'She
takes my eye uncof?imon.^
Sutton St. N.
Undeniable, = excellent, good.
Underminded, = apparently a combination of the two notions of underhanded and
evil minded. Archenfield.
Unforbidden, = wilful, unruly, 'An unforbidden child.' ' The most
onforbiddenest ronkest young rascal as ever was.' (Ledbury and vicinity). and
(The city of Hereford and vicinity).
Ungainly, = unhandy, inconvenient, awkward. Lady V. H.'s copy.
U nhonest, = dishonest.
Unket, = lonely, solitary. L,
Unkind, = bad, unfavourable. Specially as of crops or fruit.
Unlucky, = troublesome, mischievous.
N. Her.
U nproper, = indecent.
Untidy trick, = a dishonourable action.
Up, = to get up; signifying activity or vigour. ' He upped and got him a
stick.' ' He up and hit him.'
L. and N. Her.
Up-hill, = north, specially applied to wind.
Upperter, = taller, as of women.
Canon Pyon.
Upon times, = : now and then.
Uprit, fl'^'. = upright, i. e., a proud man.
Upsides with, = tit for tat.
Urchin, = a hedgehog.
U vvermost, = uppermost. Vally, = I. the felloe of a wheel. 2. A litter of
pigs. Clodock. Vails, = perquisites. In former times when a man was hired as
a cowherd, he arranged with his master to have a fee or tip (vail) when he
took a cow or a pig from home ; it was his recognised perquisite. (Ledbury
and vicinity). Veldey-bird, = a field fare.
Sutton St. N. Vessel, = a cider cask. Vitrous, = inveterate, bitter,
implacable. Void, = empty, of a vacant house.
N. Her. Ventur'some, : = adventurous. Wad, = a small heap or cock in the hay
field. Wallies orWollies, bridges into which hay is raked before being put in
cocks and then carried. Possibly from ' Vallum.' Upper Sapey. Wallowish, =
faint or sickly tasted. Wankling, = : weakly. 'A little wankling child.'
Tretire. Warm, e' = to beat. Pronounced like arm. Warmship, = warmth.
St. Michael's, Tenbary.
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 (delwedd B3650) (tudalen )
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WORDS
AND PHRASES. 37 Warned, : = warrant. ^ 1 ufarn'd you.^ (Eardisland). Wassail,
= messing; spoken of fowls messing mowing grass. (Eardisland). Water-sweet, =
washed clean. Tretire. Wave, z^. = to fail. 'The poor 'ooman do tvave sadly.'
G. V. Weany, = i. said of a sick, weakly child. Archenfield 2. Weeny from
Scotch wee. (The city of Hereford and vicinity). Welk, = withered. 'The baby
seems very poor and welk.^ Heref Well-ended. A term applied to hay ricks
which have been closely pulled and neatly finished. Hay of the best quality
is usually described thus in Western Counties. Welly, = well nigh or nearly.
'The field is 13 acres welly. ^ Weobly and N. Her. Wench, ^ a girl. In
general use. Went, = gone. ' I'd a' ivent myself.' Werrit or Worrit, : = one
of an anxious fidgetty disposition. W'esh beetle, = a wooden article, spade
shaped, used to beat wet linen with on washing block. W. Her. Wesh, = wash.
The receptacle for pig's food is usually called 'the wesh tub.' Tretire and U.
B. What for, = :a sound threshing. Used as a substantive. ' If ever thee dost
that again, depend upon 't I'll give thee ivhatforJ Llanwarne. (Eardisland).
Whipstitch, = as when apples or quick are planted in a careless irregular
manner. U. B. and (Ledbury and vicinity). Whisket, : = a gardening basket.
White fellums (a disease) = : white films. Kentchurch. Whosen, = whose.
Whossuck, = :cough. '■Yiox whossucked and ridded wonderful, /. ^.,
coughed up.' Heref Wig. An old fashioned cake or bun.
Leominster was famed for wigs. * Wik, = week. 'Last Wednesday was a wik.'
Wild, trough; said of a rough coarse-grained lump of stone. Orcop.
Windering,^not doing well. 'The onions come thin and windering.^
E. Winnow, = a sound given forth by a horse when expecting or wishing for
food or water. Winter stuff, = borecole, savoys, and other greens. Wires, =
the runners of strawberry plants or of hops. Withies, = osiers or cuttings
from willow trees. In some parts withies mean bands cut from the Mountain Ash
for thatching or tying up faggots.
Orleton. Wollop, = to beat. Lacing or belting also in use. Woolly-bears, : =
caterpillars; bears or oollies if hairy, and 'grubs' if smooth. W^ombling, =
clumsy and irregular motion in walking. Archenfield. Woont, Want, or Hoont, =
a mole. Woot, = wilt thou. ' Lend me thy knife woot^ or 'oot, or 'ootl. W.
Her. Word, = to ^word a person over' is to reprove him. Tretire. Worsen, = to
grow worse. Wound, = a sore on the body. Pronounced as round. Wozzle, = to
twist. ' Wozzled d^ionX..' (Eardisland). Wum or Oaum, = home. Wyzzel, = :top
ridge of straw in thatching a rick. Kentchurch.
Note * IVig; Cakes. These cakes are still made at Hereford and Leominster.
Formerly they were held in great repute, but are now enquired for only by
old-fashioned folk. Messrs. Bomford and Lee (formerly Alcott, or Husbands),
46, Commercial Street, Hereford, make them. Also Mr. Beard, School Lane,
Leominster. 38
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 (delwedd B3651) (tudalen )
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HEREFORDSHIRE WORDS AND PHRASES.
Y. is very commonly prefixed as Yap = heap ; Yent = are you not ; Yent it? =
is it not.
Eardisland = :Yersland.
Eardisley = Yersley.
Eardishope = Yarsop. (Eardisland).
Yander, = yonder.
Yar, = hair.*
Yarb, v. = X.o cut roughly. ' Its badly yarVd.' (Eardisland).
Yarbs, «. = :herbs.
Yarning, = staring. 'Stand yarning there.' (Eardisland).
Yars, = hares.
Yat, = a gate made of interlaced twigs.
Thus a local riddle, —
It opens like a barn door, And shuts like a yat.
You may riddle all the day, And canna riddle that. Answer — A pair of stays.
Yaup, = to yelp as a dog.
Yen't, = are you not. Yent it? = is it not ? (Eardisland).
Yocksing, = : stomach heaving. 'He suffers so from yocksing. '
Sutton St. N.
Yon, = that or yonder. 'Turn down by yon house.'
Yonk, ?'. = to skulk, sneaking off as a fox. (Eardisland).
Yop, = nape. ' He's got the dog by the yop of his neck.' (Eardisland).
Yow or Yoe, = pron. of Ewe.
Yud or Yead, = head.
Yumbuk, = hymn book.
Zeedum, = I saw them. W. Her.
Zummut, : = something. ^.
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 (delwedd B3652) (tudalen )
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71
I (r
Note * From High Lane, Bromyard. A person in this neighbourhood told me that
he was once so frightened by a Ghost while going through a Churchyard at
night that every " Yar on his yead stud an ind." The ghost turned
out to be a sheep.
Eppenbiy. Also, : = all but. 'Have you finished'? Fear, = to frighten, E,
'Yes also that,' / ^., all but that. FlIdReter, = ' going a flidgeter,' i.
e.,
Used ^frequently in W. Her. and ^taking a flying leap. W. Her. „ Ford, =
words terminating thus are pro- Buti, = ito stammer. ' Buffing Billy.' ' 'Er
nounced as ' fut,' thus :— buffs a bit.' (Ledbury and vicinity). Hereford
Herefut. Blouse, = pollen of grass, or the mites Mordiford Mordifut. in old
cider. Kentchurch. Ludford Ludfut. Blunderbush, = a stumbler. 'I am Whitefoot
Whitefut such a blunderbush in the darL^^ ^^^^ heads, = burnett, a plant. ^ '
' Kentchurch. jDraPfeant, = bombastic, a whiffling fel- tt j- . , /• , , x
low. 'A mighty whiffler goes HardlStraw, = ashrew(^. earth shrew.) before.'
Shakespeare. Kentchurch.
Hard nap, = a shrewd, clever fellow.
Caffle, = a ravel of silk or worsted. p^ Town of Hay is frequently spoken
Kentchurch. ^ of as 'the Welsh Hay.'
Caof = z: the broken stump of a bough. -.^ ,, , ..17 >•
Kentchurch. ^one, = thee hast got the hone, t. e., you „,. , are lazy. Heref
Lhiming, = of a barrel, the projecting ends. Kentchurch. Kippin Crows, = is
sometimes called
Chin-cough, = : whooping cough. 'bird squelling.' (Eardisland).
N. Her. Leathering bat, = the general name for A Chip OUt, = :a quarrel, a
fall out. 'A the common bat. drop out.' N. Her. t . , ^ , . , Liars, =
lawyers.
Lompayable, = 'Your dog isnt com payable till Jan. i.' N. Her. Lout, = a
lazy, drunken, scampmg, good /^ J Ji r 1 1 1 c A for nothing fellow.
Lruddly, = :as ot a mackerel sky. 'A ^ cruddlv sky means twenty-four
Lukestet, = iLuke's-tide. The season of hours neither wet nor dry.' St.
Luke's Day in October. Lukestet
Monnow Valley. Fair at Bridgnorth. N. Her.
Cutten, : = :a^'. of cut. ' A cutten foot.' Lunge, = to ill-treat animals by
throwing
N. Her. stones or beating with sticks.
N. Her.
Dwarfs' money, = term applied by the Nibby, = a foal or colt. (Eardisland).
common people to ancient coins _ ■" found at Kenchester and elsewhere.
Ninetedum,: = corruption of Anointed W. Her. one, as applied to a 'gallus'
fellow.
False, : = not good bottomed. ' K false horse that sweats at the sight of
Nogman, = clumsy, awkward, fumbling, the collar.' (Eardisland). Also of a
lazy man. when at work.
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 (delwedd B3653) (tudalen )
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40
APPENDIX.
Oaf sometimes means merely stupid.
There is an amusing local story of a young man who walked a considerable distance
to see his sweetheart; she failed to keep his appointment.
He was wearing a pair of creaking boots, and when describing his return
journey said ' I did fancy as um kept a saying Oaf ! Oaf ! all the very way.'
Overlight and Overnight, = the night before, between the evenings, /. <?,,
at the close of afternoon yet before twilight has fairly commenced. U. B.
Overlight, = to descend from a vehicle or horse's back, to alight.
Peerk. The true perch is 5 J^^ yards, yet local hedgers reckon seven yards,
even at the ploughing matches.
U. B.
Polly Ann, : = polyanthus, a common flower in cottage gardens
Poultnessing, = poulticing. N. Her.
Punks, = knots cut from crab trees. (Ledbury and vicinity).
Ran thread, = whitey brown thread used in strong sewing
Roosling, = 2. of partridges dusting on the road or hedgeside.
Skip,r = also means a beehive.
Sprite, = as of a dog, lively. U. B. An old woman who had been harshly
treated by her landlord, on being advised to keep in with him, observed
" yes you mast hold a candle to the devil if you burn your
fingers." Another who thought she would be a loser by leaving her
lodging and taking a cottage, said " a little house has a large
mouth."
In the neighbourhood of Ledbury it is said that cows are never named until
after the arrival of the first calf — hence, perhaps, " Fill-pail,"
&c.
In this collection "Tretire" has contributed a fair number. These
contributions have been derived not from any person now in that parish, but
from the MS. notes of the late Rector, Rev. John Webb, ob. 1869, or those of
his son, Rev. T. W, Webb, Vicar of Hardwick and Prebendary of Hereford, ob.
May, 1885. Both these learned men contributed largely to the collection
formed by Sir G. Cornewall Lewis in 1839.
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 (delwedd B3654) (tudalen )
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1
IRames of ifarm Iborece in Ibercforbsbirc* ->otX.^>oo<-
The following list contains the names of horses which are in general use.
Every team in the County has some of them. Blackbird Bonny Bounce Bowler
Boxer Brandy Burt (Albert)
Captain
Charley
Darby
Diamond (pronounced Diament)*
Dobbin
Dragon
Duke
Flower
Gilbert
Jerry
Jolly
Lion
Lively
Short
Smiler
Snipp
Spanker
Surley
Tommy Venter Whitefoot
The following names are not so generally used : — Alexander Mettle Ball
Miller Beauty Piert Blossom Poppet Brawn Prince * Buck Punch Buntin Queen Ann
Butter Ranter
Chieftain Rattler
Colonel Rock
Doctor Rose
Farmer Rufus
Goodbird Scot
Jack Sharp
Julia Strawberry
Jarbie Tippler
Jewel Traveller
Lester Virgin
Major Willing
Merryman
Note
See Dr. Trench "English PaU and Present, diamond. 1859." Diamant is
the old spelling (and preferable) to the modern
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 (delwedd B3655) (tudalen )
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42
fIDi9ceUancou6 pbrasce aa^ Savings.
Local Sayings.
Dirty Cowarne, Wooden Steeple,
Crack'd bell, Wicked people.
Lusty Tarrington, Lively Stoke, Beggars at Weston, Thieves at Woolhope.
There is another version : — ^
Dirty Tarrington, Lousy Stoke, &c. Acton Beauchamp, the poorest place in
all the nation, A lousy parson, a nitty clerk, and a shabby congregation.
Bells. " A Dish and a Spoon," say the bells of Bish Frome. "
Trip a Trap a Trencher," say the bells of Lemster. " Come old man
and shave yer beard," say the bells of Bromyard.
Poor Weobly, proud people, low church, high steeple. A Herefordshire
comparison — " Shines like Worcester agen Glos'ter."
There is a saying formerly used at the time of the Triennial Festival
Meetings, to the effect that each city is distinguished for —
Gloucester .... Rank. Worcester .... Wealth
Hereford Good Music. A burden mother is better than a golden father. Hurden,
a coarse holland.
So = a rough hard working mother.
May day — pay day. As long as the Oak and Ash grow. Proverbially, Always.
Let Easter come early or let it come late.
It 'uU sure to make the old cow quake.
Proverbially, Easter a critical time. " Give the time of day," or
" pass the time of day." A common expression, denoting that the
speaker had merely wished "good morning or evening," or used a few
civil words without further parley.
Expressions from Orcop. A murrainous smell — observation made to a medical
man.
They're sore scholars — said by an old woman who had been teased by the
school children.
Hark at she — said to a young lady who had been telling a ridiculous story.
He's a romancer — spoken of a butcher who praised his meat extravagantly.
Its gone abroad — spoken of a carriage, the head of which had given out.
We're all in a mullock — house dirty and disorderly.
MISCELLANEOUS PHRASES AND SAYINGS. 43 An old woman in Pixley was asked how
her daughter was going on. She replied, " I think she's on the mend, for
the doctor's drugs are beginning to embrace her."
In thanking one for their hospitality they say " thank you for my good
place."
Rowlston.
Old phrase — "Such an one would cut big thongs out of another's leather,"
/. <?., be generous out of the Parish Rates, or out of another's pocket.
This refers to times before the introduction of the new Poor Law. C. C. P.
Old saying at Upton Bishop with reference to the short days getting longer
after Christmas, that on New Year's Day the increased length is only a cock's
stride, but at Candlemas an hour's tide. James Webb, Crossington, ob. Jan.,
1886.
Proverb — The earliest crow sometimes gets the latest breakfast.
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Proverb
— A thin dog for a long hunt. P. W. Ledbury.
Rain on Good Friday or Easter Day, A good crop of grass but a bad one of hay.
Proverb. " A good contriver is better than an early riser." This
proverb well illustrates the primitive idea of a good rhyme which still
prevails. Compare the host's answer after a public dinner, "If you are
satisfied I am gratified." This sentiment is always regarded as more or
less of a pun.
To man re-stacking a mound of earth (overheard) — " What are you doing
there ? ' " What be I at? What says Tommy, the whistler, turning a bury
o' sale," /. e., of soil.
To woman — "What are you doing?" " Widdocking the wit."
Weed-hooking the wheat. " Sure as lection " — possibly survival of
Puritanical phrase. "Man appints, the Almighty disappints."
Might be had for the picking up — Of a person who has fainted, swooned.
One sided — Like the Bridgnorth election. An old lady 96 years of age in
Ledbury Union has more that once said that she expected a visitor because her
eyebrows itched.
The late Mrs. Webb, of Ledbury, who lived to be more than xoo years old, used
for many years to have an extra knife, fork, and plate placed on her table
for "the Lord whose coming she looked forward to daily." H. V. A
lady with poor figure and plain face, was described as "a bad 'un to
meet or to foller." A Herefordshire joke — of a boorish husband — "
Her'l never want for bacon for her's alius got a "hog" in the house."
To illustrate quickness of quotation in the way of proverbs. A local postman
to children who jumped out of a hiding place hoping to startle him, " I
was born too near a 'ood to be frightened of such little owlets as you."
To illustrate popular prejudice against —
Conjuring, "It's very wicked."
Photography, "It's all a charm." Works of Fiction, When Charles
Dickens died — "Well, William!
Dickens is dead." " He's a many lies to account for ! "
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44
MISCELLANEOUS PHRASES AND SAYINGS.
Misuse of Personal Pronouns. A schoolboy at Upton Bishop met with a slight
accident through climbing a tree after a bird's nest, and on being asked for
an explanation of the cause of the accident, reported : — " We had fund
a blue Isaac's (hedge sparrow's) nest in the hedge, and then Bill G y see a
mistletoe thrush's in a tree, and him did want 'un but durstna get un, so him
told I as him 'ud give we three mar'les if we ud."
Misuse of Word. "The pedigree of the Clock." Archenfield. A
Gloucestershire Bunch of Negatives. At Arlingham, in 1S70, a boy was raising
potatoes, when a crusty old gardener kept on telling him he was doing it all
wrong. The "bunch" was the boy's reply, which was overheard by the
Curate. " If no feller had'nt never taught no more nor you, did'nt no
feller w'dnt never had'nt known nothing." A. D. S. Sutton St. N.
There is a familiar story illustrating the rudeness of Herefordshire boys. A
lady, riding, came to a gate. A little boy ran forward and opened it.
"Thank you, my boy. I'm sure your'e not a Herefordshire boy."
"Thee'rt a Hard, I be ! "
To illustrate the few and far between nature of Herefordshire conversation. A
gentleman was driving from Croft to Coombe's Moor, when he picked up a lad
into his dog cart. Only two remarks were passed the whole way, with nothing
to lead up to or explain them, (i.) " Measter's got 17 on 'em out a
yacorning," /. e., pigs in the woods. Then after several miles in
silence, (11.) "Them be hard dogs, them down in Combe's Moor's
bottims." (The inhabitants of Coombe's Moor are said to be long lived.)
A certain mother thought her son should be a butcher because he was "so
fond of animals." " Can you tell me of any one who would mend my
watch here ? " " Well there's ould Green. He's reckoned a pretty
good 'un up agin a clock. I dunna know what a' might be agin a waatch."
Cholera. " What to you remember of the Cholera ? " " Well my
son-i-law was took, well and hearty, and died in 13 hours, and they buried
him afore ever pullin' his shoes off. Them as lived over 12 hours was mostly
right." No case of cholera has occurred in the County of Hereford. There
were a few cases at Worcester and other towns when it was prevalent about 40
years ago.
Old Saying. "The Cuckoo always comes to Orleton fair." Thirty years
ago when curate of Pipe and Lyde, I heard this saying. I was told that the
first sound of the cuckoo in Herefordshire was generally heard near
Wellington or Dinmore Wood, because he was sure to be at Orleton on the next
day. On enquiry in 1886 at Orleton it was found that the saying was well
known, and that the fair is still held on St. George's
Day which is the 23rd of April. F. T. H. A learned Q. C. of this County,
lunching many years ago at a London Coffee
House, demanded another supply of bread. "Robert" brought a loaf in
his hatids, much to the customer's distaste. The learned gentleman thus
reproved the astonished waiter: — "Waiter, if it was in my county we
should say, 'Dunna gorm the loaf" According to Sir Cornwall Lewis, to
"gorm" means to smear, to dirty. A worthy peasant who had worked
all his life on the same farm, touched his hat to his master and mistress,
wore the old elaborately worked smock frock, and evinced many qualities which
a modern school of politicians would denominate serfdom, took
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MISCELLANEOUS
PHRASES AND SAYINGS. 45 unto himself a wife of full age. Collins always spoke
in a gruff independent way, and scraped his throat before making a lengthened
observation. The parson asked as usual "Wilt thou have this woman to thy
wedded wife?" Collins, wuth the preliminary scrape, replied, " Hw'm
I b'liv' I brought her heer with that intenshun." On the bride being
asked a similar question, " Wilt thou take this man," &c. She
appearing to hesitate, Collins, to hasten matters, exclaimed, '"Sa-ay I
wool, wench, and a'dun 00th it!"
Orcop and Pershore. " Orcop God help us." A saying based on the
poverty of the district referred to, and'analogous to " Pershore God
help us," w^hen there has been a bad year of plums. Whereas in a good
year of cherries or plums an inhabitant of Pershore, on being asked where he
comes from, says, "Pershore, where d' ye think." An old man used to
come to the Savings Bank at Hereford, who, when asked where he came from, in
winter would reply, "from Orcop God help"; but in the summer his
reply would be "from
Orcop the Lord be praaysed."
Old Saying. "A Plum year is a dumb year. A Cherry year is a merry
year."
Superstitions anb Customs.
Doing the Churches. A man had iinished a year's imprisonment for
manslaughter, when, on coming out of gaol he went the round of all the
Churches, probably some 8 or 10 within a few miles of his own parish, and it
is said to the Chapels also ! This must have been meant as a kind of public
expiation, or to publish the fact that he had finished his year's
imprisonment. A relic evidently of some old custom.
Holy Thorn.
In Ledbury Union, several of the inmates have assured me that a shrub, which
they call the Holy Thorn, and which has a little pink blossom, on the 4th of
January (old Christmas day) blossoms at twelve o'clock at night for one hour,
and at this hour and on this day only. One man assured me that he had been to
Colwall and had witnessed the phenomenon. A parishioner at Pixley tells me
that the shrub is to be seen at Stoke Edith. [Local adaptations of the
Glastonbury legend.]
Cure for Warts. A parishioner has assured me that when about 14 years old,
his right hand was covered with warts, that a "gipsy woman"
volunteered, for a small sum, to cure him. That his mother having given her a
trifle, she gathered some ears of wheat ripe, and with her hand full of corn
crossed the warts several times. This done she wrapped up the corn into a
packet, like a one oz. packet of tobacco, and dropped it where three roads
met. He is certain that the warts disappeared at once, and that the person
who picked up the packet of wheat is now the sufferer. An Eastnor man tells
me that he cured his warts by first rubbing them with a large black slug, and
then fixing the slug on a thorn in a bush. As the slug pined away so his
warts disappeared. I may add that I remember, as a boy, hearing of a similar
cure in Shropshire, on the borders of Hereford.
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46
SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS.
Charms. P. W, questions J. M., of Pixley.
P.W. — "Well, J., what can you tell me about charms?"
Jane. — " My mother charmed for burns. It was Thomas PuUen who could
charm for bleeding of the nose."
P.W. — "What did she do? Did she read anything over the patient?"
Jane. — "O lor, Sir, why she was no scholar. She couldna read her book.
She wasna an aged ooman. It was all sayings."
P.W. — " Did not you or your sister try to pick it up?"
Jane. — "No, her never would let us learn it off her. Her said we must
learn t as she learned it — off a man. Her did chiefly do it in the way among
children."
P.W. — "What was the usual result?"
Jane. — " It did backen the fire."
Charm for Toothache. A charm for the toothache, given in r886, in the parish
of Crasswall, written on a small piece of paper and sealed with pitch. "
Crist met with Peter and saide unto him Peter what is the mater with the.
Peter saide lorde I am tormented with the paine in the tooth the worme shall
Die and Thou shalt live and thow that shalt have this in wrightin or in
memory shall never have the Paine in the tooth the worme shall
Die and thou shalt live and thou that shalt have this in memory or wrightin
shall never have the paine in the tooth Therefore believe in the lorde youre
God." The charm did not take effect as money, 6d., was paid for it.
(Eardisland). W. C W.
Charm for Fits.. In three separate cases in two years the writer was asked
for a Sacrament Shilling, to be made into a ring, to be worn as a charm
against fits. A cure for Fits. Sacrament shilling ring to cure fits. The
shilling melted down. A sick child made healthy by Baptism. Archenfield.
Cure for Toothache. A favourite remedy for tooth-ache is a little bag of unts
feet (mole's feet) hung up over the mantel-piece. Thence in case of
tooth-ache they are fetched down and worn round the neck.
Funeral Fees. If the parish clerk is asked at a churchyard for change by the
undertaker or other person in paying the funeral fees, it is believed that
there will be a second death in the family of the deceased within a year.
New Moon.
The nearer to twelve in the afternoon the drier the moon ;
The nearer to twelve in the forenoon the wetter the moon.
Never kill your pig in the waning of the moon, or the bacon will waste away
with the moon. Keep your pig till the new moon. When the Harvest Moon is
high, the price of bread will be high. When the
Harvest Moon is low, bread will be cheap.
Lanterns.
No farmer ever puts his lantern on the table, else their cows will cast their
calves. The lantern must always be put underneath the table. " The
reason our cow calved a month too soon was because the master puts his
lantern alway on the table."
The old-fashioned lanthorns, made of tin with horn plates for the sides, are
falling into disuse. They were very generally used in stables and farm
buildings.
Smoking Chimney. To put a bottle in a smoking chimney. (Perhaps the idea is
taken from the Psalms, " I became like a bottle in the smoke.")
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SUFERSTITIOA'S
AND CUSTOMS. 47 Wassaling. Ancient custom observed at Tretire.
During the twelve days of Christmas the bows (yokes) were never put upon the
necks of the oxen, in commemoration of our Saviour's birth in an ox stall.
Then upon twelvth eve at night, the servants of the family repaired to the
stalls provided with a large cake and ale. In the centre of the cake was a
hole through which it was placed on the horn of one of the favourite oxen. If
the beast became restive and dislodged it, provided he threw it behind him,
the cake was said to belong to the boys ; if he cast it to the ground in
front of him, it was reputed to belong to the bailiff. But in any case,
whether thrown off or not, it was shared among them. They then drank the
health of each ox severally, reciting the following stanzas (not recorded).
J. Webb.
Two other accounts of VVassaling at Bishop's Frome and elsewhere have come
before me. The stanzas referred to by my old friend Mr. Webb, consisted of
aspirations for the welfare of the Master, Mistress, and family, and also for
a fruitful harvest of corn and apples. F. T. H. Wassaling.
It was also customary on 12th Night, 70 years ago, to burn small bundles of
straw at the end of twelve ridges in the corn field. The workmen sang a bit
of a ditty, in which they would put the Master's or Mistress's name. Cider
was always provided for the assembled persons. P. \Y.
Eclipse of the Sun. — Old Custom. It was formerly the custom to fill a bucket
with water, place it where the sun's reflection could be seen, and thus watch
the course of the eclipse.
New Year's Day. — Old Custom. It was the custom to strike work on the
afternoon of New Year's Day. No one was permitted to carry on his avocations
then. He who persisted was forcibly interfered with by the idle gang, raised
on a ladder, and carried shoulder high to the nearest public-house, where
release was obtained by spending a fine of sixpence in drink. Collins loved
his work and his duty. One wintry New Year's Day he was at his usual calling
in the farm cider cellar. It was in vain that he hid himself among the large
hogsheads and remonstrated with his pursuers. They pulled him forth, chairing
and fining him in the usual way.
Scottering. Old Herefordshire Custom. At the termination of harvest it was
customary to carry lighted wisps of straw or pessum round the ricks. This was
done by one, four or six lads (unmarried only) who danced round the ricks,
crossing each other on right and left sides alternately, accompanied by
singing. This seems to point to some ancient rite.
Cider cups with pins or pegs inside. The use of these large goblets or cups
gave rise to several expressions. A man who would take his utmost share of
cider would be said to " nich the pin " ; while a quiet person who
took less than his share would be described as "a man who will let you
go under the pin." This information was derived from a fine specimen of
an English yeoman who died in 1883, aged 95 years.
C. C. P.
Hoving. Easter Monday and Tuesday were called " heaving Monday and
Tuesday," because on those days they would go round "hoving."
On Monday they hove the women. A party would go round to the farm houses and
cottages, the youngest wench carrying a bunch of flowers. Entering the house
the party would sing "Jesus Christ is risen again." Then seize the
women one by one, and putting them in a chair turn them round, while the girl
with the flowers would dip them in a basin of water and sprinkle with them the
women's feet. On Tuesday the men were " hove." The custom, however,
degenerated into wickedness and is now discontinued.
See Shropshire Folk Lore, by Miss Burne.
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48
SUPERSTITIONS AND CUSTOMS.
Cowsing.
The thorough going fox hunter looks upon his sport as the noblest of
amusements. Accordingly any slight cast upon it is peculiarly grating to his
feelings. In the Herefordshire vernacular '■^cozvsing" means
driving or scaring away, as pigs out of a garden or a donkey from forbidden
pasture. A country squire and devout follower of hounds meeting a citizen
friend (who usually rode a more intellectual hobby) proceeded to enlarge on
the sport of the previous day. " Found Reynard at home in the C-^ Woods,
and a capital run we had," " Indeed," said his friend ; then
raising his voice to ensure a good hearing from one somewhat deaf, continued,
"and where did you cowse him to ? " The indignation of the sporting
man may be pictured.
New Year's Day Custom at Eardisland as late as ten years ago.
The people at Eardisland, and throughout Herefordshire, it is said, are still
wont to usher in the New Year with an ancient and curious custom. On the
first of January, very early in the morning, between five and six o'clock, or
even sooner, the labouring men and boys employed at the different farm houses
meet together in some field upon the farm, and having tied some bundles of
straw together on a high pole, set the straw on fire, and while it is in full
blaze the bystanders shout aloud, " Old Cider !
Old Cider ! ! Old Cider ! ! ! Brave Old Cider ! ! ! ! Three times three.
Hurrah ! " A man then runs over twelve lands of growing wheat with the
pole and stops on the thirteenth ; cider is then drunk. Should the straw
cease burning before the man who runs with it reaches the thirteenth ridge of
land it would be considered a bad omen for the crop. It is also customary the
same morning to take down the mistletoe bough and hawthorn bush which have
hung in the farm houses during the last year, and put fresh branches of each
to remain for the next twelve months. Care is always taken in procuring and
preparing the mistletoe, and the hawthorn branch is made round by being burnt
in the fire. Of course men and boys are afterwards entertained at breakfast
and no work usually is done that day.
Twelfth Night Custom at Eardisland in olden times. A cake was made and placed
on a bullock's horn in the stall, and, on the bullock being pricked with a
prong and tossing his head, if the cake was thrown into the boosey , before
him it became the property of the bailiff, but if it fell behind the bullock
then i it belonged to the boys. A bucket of cider was then drunk and
wassailing held, each 1 drinking the master's health in the following verse
:— " " Here's to the champion, to the white horn.
Here's God send the master a good crop of corn.
Of wheat, rye, and barley and all sorts of grain.
If we live to this time twelvemonth we'll drink his health again."
Comnumicaied by old John Roberts., of Eardisland.
I have also an addition to these verses— " Thee cut thy oats and I'll
drink my cider, And God send us all a Happy New Year." Mr. Bray, Haven.
Another toast — ■ " Here's to the plough, the fleece, and the
pail.
May the landlord ever flourish, And the tenant never fail."
Sometimes the cake would be placed on a heifer's horn, then the verse ran : —
" Here's a health to the heifer (or Darling), And to the white teat.
Wishing the mistress a house full of meat. With cruds (sic), milk and butter
fresh every day. And God grant the young men keep out on her way."
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SUPERSTITIONS
AND CUSTOMS. 49
Local Sayings. " Pencombe God help ! " A local expression relative
to the unfortunate position of the place. " Heart of Oak is stiff and stout,
Birch says, if you'll keep me dry I'll see it out." " Who sets an
apple tree may live to see its end, Who sets a pear tree may set it for a
friend." A labourer drinking my health said — " My best respects,
Sir." " Bread when you're hungry, drink when you're dry,
Rest when you're weary, and heaven when you die." "A February
spring is worth nothing." " Never come Lent never come Winter
" ; that is, not sure of Winter being over till Lent was." "
Easter come soon, or Easter come late, it's sure to make the old cow quake
" ; that is, cattle will always be affected by the season, and often
weakly in spring time. " March will search, April will try. May will
tell if you'll live or die." " If the birds sing before Candlemas,
they will cry before May." " The Cuckoo comes to Orleton Fair to
buy a horse, and goes to Bron (Brampton Bryan) to sell him." "They
are gone to Bron Fair," when peas and other crops look weakly or not
doing well. " If Christmas Day is bright and clear.
There'll be two winters in the year." (Eardisland).
Hop Sayings. " If it were not for the hops, the farmers would have to
hop themselves." " Hops are a constant care but uncertain
profit." A N. Herefordshire Pauper. An old man who thought he had been
badly treated by the Relieving Officer expressed himself thus : — (') "
I'se sure I dunna wish no 'arm to no mon (2) But I do ope as the Lord 'ooU
pinch 'im 'ard. (3) And 'ur ooll too ! "
Observe here not only the peculiarly strong sentiments expressed, but also
the logical position on which the whole pious wish is based. 1. The general
justification of life and heart. 2. The real wish of the heart asserts
itself. 3. The expression of feeling is justified by the prospective fact.
Or, as another correspondent remarks : be pleased to follow the sequence of
thought, 1. Self assertion of Christian Charity. 2. Real outcome of the mind.
3. Retreat under the shelter of Divine Omnipotence.
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50
proposed ]8noU0b Bialcct Bictionari^.
In bringing this compilation to a close I cannot do better than draw the
attention of my readers to a letter which has just appeared in London Papers
from Professor W. Skeat, recommending a scheme for the production of a
magnificent work at the
Cambridge University Press. See London Standard, April 9, 1887. A leading
article on this subject expresses so well the value and use of humble
collections, such as the *' Herefordshire Words," that I gladly record a
portion of that article in this place. " The dialects of these Islands
form a curious and interesting problem, and they have hardly received all the
attention they deserve from English scholars. A French Prince and a couple of
German professors have devoted some study to them, but there remains a great
deal to be done in classifying and elucidating the whole subject. • Such
books as Mr. Smythe-Palmer's " Folk Etymology " and Canon Isaac
Taylor's " Words and
Places " have been multiplying of late years ; but they are only
preliminary exercises for the full and scientific examination of our
dialects, which will not become possible until the new Dictionary has been
compiled. Still, they have served to bring home, even to the general reader,
the extent and influence of provincial and local differences in grammar and
vocabulary. They have, it may be hoped, dissipated the old notion that every
kind of departure from the recognised standard of literary English can be
contemptuously dismissed as a mere vulgarism. Nothing, of course, can be more
erroneous. Professor Freeman and Dr. Morris, and Mr. Skeat himself, with many
other etymologists, have taught us that the conimon speech of the common
people is often no more than good old English, which has been preserved
substantially unchanged for centuries. The real vulgarisiii is frequently the
locution or the gramatical usage which has been adopted by "
society," because it seems more respectable and distinguished, and so
has become stereotyped in literature. Sometimes the older expression, which
retains its hold outside books, schools, and drawing-rooms, is the more
exact, as well as the more energetic and lifelike variety. The Oxford
Professor of History has taken some trouble to point out that the particular
form of dialect which we call "Americanism" is often only a
reproduction of the English which was current over a large part of Southern
Britain two centuries and a half ago, and is still familiar enough to those
who mingle with the peasantry of East Anglia. And everybody knows that
certain of the grammatical errors, which half the School Board teachers in
the country find themselves constantly called upon to correct, are to be
found in Chaucer, and even in Shakespeare. The dialects, indeed, are in most
cases nothing but survivals of the successive languages which have been
spoken in these Islands ; or, if we like to look at them in another way, they
are examples of the linguistic results which can be obtained by mixing, in
varying proportions, the ingredients out of which modern classical EngUsh has
been compounded."
Extract from Schlegel's History of Literature, Sec. 10. " The care of
the national language I consider as at all times a sacred trust and a most
important privilege of the higher orders of society. Every man of education
should make it the object of his unceasing concern to preserve his language
pure and entire, to speak it, so far as is in his power, in all its beauty
and perfection A nation whose language becomes rude and barbarous, must be on
the brink of barbarism in regard to everything else. A nation which allows
her language to go to ruin is parting with the last half of her intellectual
independence, and testifies her willingness to cease to exist."
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51
1RotC6 on Dictionaries* (Blossarice, dc
It may be useful to give some information in these pages relating to the
English language past and present. 1. Rev. J. Bosworth, 1868, Anglo Saxon and
English Dictionary. 2. Mrs. Chamberlain, 1882, Glossary of West
Worcestershire Words, with glossic notes by T. Hallam. Published by Triibner
& Co., Ludgate Hill, as No. 36 of
Original Glossaries for the English Dialect Society.
Rev. T. Lewis Davies, 1881, Supplementary English Glossary. Published by
Bell,
London, large 8vo.
Ducange Anglicus. The Vulgar Tongue, being two Glossaries of Slang, Cant, and
Flash. Quaritch, 1857.
Fairford Windows. Description of Gloucestershire Dialect by the late old
Parish
Clerk. Scarce, very humorous, 1873. Published at Cirencester.
J. O. Halliwell, Dictionary of Archaic and Provincial Words, in 2 volumes.
Published by J. R. Smith, 1847. Later Edition 1865.
C. H. Hartshorne, Salopia Antiqua, 1841, London. W. Hone, Table Book, 2
vols., 1827-28.
Rev. R. W. Huntley, Glossary of Cotswold Dialect. Published by Russell Smith,
1868.
Miss Jackson, 1879, Shropshire Word Book. Published by Triibner, London. A
splendid and valuable work.
Rev. R. Lawson, 1884, Upton-on-Severn Words and Phrases. PubHshed by English
Dialect Society, No. 42.
G. Cornewall Lewis, 1839, Glossary of Provincial Words used in Herefordshire
and some of the adjoining Counties, 8vo. Published by J, Murray. This appears
to be the earliest publication of this scholar and statesman, who was
Chancellor of the Exchequer 1855-58. He died April, 1863. See public Memorial
in front of Shire Hall, Hereford. He states in his Preface : — " The
Herefordshire dialect is not so remote from the literary language, and does
not contain so many provincial expressions as some other local dialects, as
Lancashire or
Exmoor. It contains few words borrowed from the Welsh ; though it contains
more words of Welsh origin than the dialects which are altogether removed
from this contact, as Norfolk or Suffolk." His Glossary contains 132
pages and about 720 entries. 13. Archdeacon Nares, Provincial Glossary,
several editions, 1790. Also a Supplement by Samuel Pegge, 1814. 4th edition,
1822. Also 2 thick volumes, 1859.
This is said to be " by far the best and most useful work we possess,
explaining and illustrating obsolete language, customs, and manners,"
and is full of " fast fading recollections of bygone days." 14. T.
(Ledbury and vicinity). K. Oliphant, 1878, Old and Middle English. Published
by Macmillan and
Co. In this volume we have information about one of the earliest local
authors. In the chapter on East Midland Dialect, about a.d. 1280 (pages 349 —
352), we read, "The first Mercian poem that I shall notice is the piece
called the 'Harrowing of Hell,' the earliest specimen of anything like an
English dramatic work. There are three different transcripts, one a
Herefordshire, A.D. 13 15." On page 478 a specimen is given of a
Herefordshire poem, circa 1300, in ten lines, and reference made to Percy
Society, vol. IV., 26.
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52
NOTES ON DICTIONARIES, &^c.
See preface to this volume, where the writer of this poem is proved to be a
Herefordshire man who mentions the AVye. In this MS. there are some
Herefordshire poems which seem to belong to 1270, and some Lyric poems and
Political Songs, a.d. 1290. Piers Ploughman wrote not far from Hereford. 15.
T. K. Oliphant, 1873, Macmillan, small 8vo. The Sources of Standard English.
This work has many references to the Hereford MS. of 13 10. 16. Rev. A.
Smythe Palmer, 1882, Folk Etymology, 8vo. Bell and Sons, Covent
Garden. 664 pages. 17. Rev. A. Porson, 1875, Notes of quaint Words and
Sayings in the dialect of South Worcestershire. James Parker & Co. The
title of this curious and scarce work is misleading, the author being the
Rev. Charles Allen. 18. Quarterly Review, No. no for February, 1836. 19.
Ray's Collection of English Words not generally used. Newly edited by Rev.
Walter Skeat, 1874. Published by English Dialect Society. 20. Dr. Peter
Roget, 1863, 15th edition. Thesaurus of English Words. Longmans. 21. C. H.
Savoury, 1877, Cirencester. Legends, Tales, and Songs in the dialect of the
Peasantry of Gloucestershire. 22. Rev. Professor Skeat, 1884, 4to. The
Etymological Dictionary of the English
Language. This fine work contains a comprehensive list of Dictionaries and
Glossaries. Page 25. 23. Albert Way, 1865, 4to. Promptorium Parvulorum.
Published by Camden Society. 24. H. Wedgwood, 1872, Dictionary of English
Etymologies. 25. Thomas Wright, 1857, 8vo. (1040 pages). Dictionary of
Obsolete and Provincial Words. Published by Bohn, London. 26. Herbert
Coleridge, Dictionary of the oldest words in English Language, London, 1862.
There is an interesting local w'ork worthy of mention in this place, and of
notice by local book collectors. Glossographia : or a Dictionary Interpreting
Hard Words, by
Thomas Blount, of the Inner Temple, Esq. London, 1674. He resided at and was
owner of a good estate at Orleton. He was buried there, and his neat
inscribed tablet remains. Many other members of his family are buried there,
and his descendant,
Mr. Archibald Blount, is the present possessor of the estate and Manor of
Orleton.
In bringing these pages to a close, the compiler desires to thank all those
who have so kindly assisted in contributing information. Special thanks are
due to the following who have taken a deep and practical interest in the
present record of local expressions : —
Rev. Joseph Barker, M.A., Vicar of Eardisland.
P Rev. F. W. Joyce, M.A., Rector of Burford First Portion. ! Rev. Philip
Whitefoord, M.A., Rector of Aylton.
E. W. Colt- Williams, Esq., M.A., H.M. Inspector of Schools.
Henry Vevers, Esq., M.R.C.S., Hereford. Bnno Jncarnationis Jtt.
M ♦ D ♦ CCC ♦ LXXXVII *
IDivat IRegina.
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