[One] cannot fail to trace in Norna—the victim of remorse and insanity, and the dupe of her own imposture, her mind too flooded with all the wild literature and extravagant superstitions of the north—something distinct from the Dumfriesshire gypsy, whose pretensions to supernatural powers are not beyond those of a Norwood prophetess.—The Pirate (introduction, 1821).
Norris, a family to whom Martin Chuzzlewit was introduced while he was in America. They were friends of Mr. Bevan, rabid abolitionists, and yet hankering after titles as the gilt of the gingerbread of life.—C. Dickens, Martin Chuzzlewit (1844).
Norris (Black), a dark, surly man, and a wrecker. He wanted to marry Marian, “the daughter” of Robert (also a wrecker); but Marian was betrothed to Edward, a young sailor. Robert, being taken up for murder, was condemned to death; but Norris told Marian he would save his life if she would promise to marry him. Marian consented, but was saved by the arrest of Black Norris for murder.—S. Knowles, The Daughter (1836).
North (Christopher), pseudonym of John Wilson, professor of moral philosophy, Edinburgh, editor of Blackwood’s Magazine, in which appeared the “Noctes Ambrosianæ” (1805-1861).
North (Lord), one of the judges in the State trial of Geoffrey Peveril, Julian, and the dwarf, for being concerned in the popish plot.—Sir W. Scott, Peveril of the Peak (time, Charles II).
North Britain (The), a radical periodical, conducted by John Wilkes. The celebrated number of this serial was No. 45, in which the ministers are charged “with putting a lie in the king’s mouth.”
Northamptonshire Poet (The), John Clare (1793-1864).
Northern Harlot (The), Elizabeth Petrowna, empress of Russia; also called “The Infamous” (1709-1761).
Northern Wagoner, a group of seven stars called variously Charles’s Wain, or Wagon, i.e. churl’s wain; Ursa Major, The Great Bear, and The Dipper. Four make the wagon, or the dipper, three form the shaft, or the handle. Two are called Pointers because they point to the Pole-star.
By this the northern wagoner has set
His sevenfold team behind the steadfast star
That was in ocean waves yet never wet,
But firm is fixed, and sendeth light from far
To all that on the wide deep wandering are.
Spenser, Faëry Queen, I. ii. 1 (1590).