Hasn’t a Leg to stand on. A figurative expression applied to one whose argument has no support or firm basis.
Has the true Ring. A phrase generally applied to poetry, in allusion to the common test of genuine or debased coin by “ringing” it on a board or table.
Hatton Garden. Laid out across the extensive grounds attached to Hatton House, in which resided Sir Christopher Hatton, the Chancellor of Queen Elizabeth.
Hauled over the Coals. An expression dating back to the Ordeal by Fire, where persons accused of a crime were made to walk barefooted over red-hot iron shares or glowing embers. If they did so unharmed that was considered a proof of their innocence.
Hautboy. From the French hautbois, literally “high wood,” being a high-toned reed instrument.
Havelock. The white cloth forming part of the military cap as a protection against the scorching rays of the sun, introduced by General Havelock during the Indian Mutiny.
Haversack. Provincial English for Oatsack, derived from the German habersack. The word hafre, oats, is Scandinavian.
Haverstock Hill. From a stockaded dwelling among the oats. See “[Haversack].”
Havre. Originally “Le Havre de Notre Dame de Grace,” the Harbour of Our Lady of Mercy, afterwards shortened into “Havre de Grace.”
Hawker. From the German hoken, to carry on the back. A pedlar who carried his wares in a sack over his shoulder.