Revels (H. VIII. i. 4) seems in this place to be what was called mixed dancing, in which both sexes partook. "Here they take forth the ladies and the revels begin" (Jonson, Masque of Lethe). Its general signification, however, was sports and amusement of any kind. It comes from réveiller, Fr.
Riming rats to death (As Y. L. iii. 2). There is abundant evidence of the belief that in Ireland rats could be killed by metrical charms. This notion would seem to have been common to the whole Celtic race; for M. Villemarqué (Barzaz Breiz, i. 1xx.) says that when some bad verses were made relating to the cholera in Bretagne, an old peasant observed "au fond, peu importe; l'essentiel était que le choléra fût chansonné. Il l'est; la chanson fera fuir la peste."
Roast. "Rule the roast" (2 H. VI. i. 1) was probably used originally of cocks, the proper term being roost, as it perhaps was here, where it is printed rost. It would thus be similar to Cock of the Walk.
Rosemary (W. T. iv. 3, Ham. iv. 5). This plant, for some unknown reason, was held to be a symbol of remembrance, and was used at weddings and funerals.
Rouse (Ham. i. 4). See [Carouse].
Rue (W. T. iv. 3, R. II. iii. 4, Ham. iv. 5) was called herb of grace, probably from its resemblance to rue, pity.
Sack (2 H. IV. 1, et alib.). There can be no doubt that this celebrated wine was nothing else but what is now called sherry, sherris-sack, as Falstaff terms it. Sack is seco, Sp., as it was a dry wine; sherry is from the town of Xeres, the guttural x being as usual pronounced sh. See Naress' long article Sack.
Sackerson (M. W. i. 1), a celebrated bear at Paris-garden, named, as was the custom, after the bear-ward.
Safe (Temp. iii. 1, M. for M. i. 1, K. John, iv. 2, Macb. i. 4), secure, from which there is no danger, that may be relied on.
Sanctify (Cor. iv. 6), to bless, make the sign of the cross.