Alter Ego. Expresses the Latin for “my other self” or “double.”
Amadeus. The family name of the House of Savoy, from its motto: “Love God.”
Amain. A nautical phrase meaning suddenly, at once--e.g. “Strike amain,” “Lower amain.”
Amateur Casual. The literary sobriquet of Mr James Greenwood, who in 1866 spent a night in Lambeth Workhouse, and wrote his experiences in The Pall Mall Gazette. Within the last few months he has undertaken a similar up-to-date commission for The Tribune.
Amati. A violin of rare excellence made by Andrea Amati of Cremona.
Amazon. The Spaniards first called this river the Orellana, in honour of their countryman who navigated it, but after hearing accounts of the fighting women on its banks they gave it the name of the fabled African tribe of warlike women who cut or burnt off the right breast in order the better to steady the bow. The word Amazon is Greek, from a, without, and maza, breast.
Ambrosian Chant. Ascribed to St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan in the fourth century.
Ambuscade. From the Italian imboscata, concealed in a wood.
Amen. Hebrew for “Yea,” “Truly,” “So be it.”
Amen Corner. Old Stow tells us this lane was suddenly stopped up in his time, so that people said “Amen” on finding they had to turn back again. There may be something in this; but the greater likelihood is that it was here where the monks finished the recital of the Paternoster before they took up the Ave Maria while on their way in solemn procession to St Paul’s at the great Church festivals.