Finsbury. From the Anglo-Saxon Fensbury, the town among the fens or marshes.
Finsbury Pavement. The first London thoroughfare where the paving of the side walk with flagstones was introduced.
Fire dogs. These adjuncts to an old-fashioned fireplace received their name from the small dog that was anciently imprisoned in a wheel at one end of the spit. Three hours of this canine exercise were required to prepare the roast beef of Old England for the table. If the dog refused to exert himself a live coal was put inside the wheel to accelerate his movements.
Fire Water. The North American Indian designation of rum, and ardent spirits generally.
Fire Worshippers. The Parsees, who worship the sun as the symbol of the Deity.
First Gentleman of Europe. The complimentary sobriquet of George IV., owing to his rank, personal attractions, and the ability, as became a gentleman of the period, of telling good stories well.
Firth of Forth. Firth expresses the Gaelic for an estuary or arm of the sea. Forth is the name of the river.
Fish Street Hill. From the fishmongers who first congregated here in the reign of Edward I. The Hall of the Fishmongers’ Company stands at the foot of London Bridge.
Fit-up. In theatrical parlance the entire appurtenances of a stage, excepting the floor only, carried from town to town, and fitted up in Town Halls, Assembly-rooms, and Corn Exchanges.
Fitzroy Square. From one of the family names of the ground landlord.