He’s joined the Majority. See “[Gone over to the Majority].”
Hessel Street. The recent change from Morgan Street to Hessel Street in Stepney is accounted for by the discovery that here a celebrated character, in the person of Phœbe Hessel, was born. For many years she served as a private soldier in the Fifth Regiment of Foot, and fought at the Battle of Fontenoy, in which engagement she was wounded. A long inscription on her tombstone in Brighton churchyard would have us believe that she was at the time of her death, 21st December 1821, no less than one hundred and eight years of age.
Hessian. An Americanism for a hireling, a fighter for pay, a mercenary politician. The Hessian soldiers have always been ready to enlist in a foreign service for pay.
Hessian Fly. An insect which has caused the utmost destruction among young wheat in North America, so called because it was said to have been introduced by the Hessian troops in their horse straw during the Revolution.
Hetman. The Russian title of the general or headman of the Cossacks, derived from the Tartar Ataman. This too supplies the origin of the German Hauptmann, captain, chief, or headman of a village.
Hibernia. See “[Ireland].”
Hickory. See “[Old Hickory].”
Hicksite Friends. An American offshoot of the Society of Friends or Quakers under Elias Hicks in 1827.
Highbury. From the bury or enclosed land belonging to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem in Clerkenwell. In 1271 they built a priory here, of which the barn remained standing until modern days. Compared with the low-lying district round about, this was elevated ground.
Highbury Barn. Originally a cake and ale house contiguous to the ancient barn of the Clerkenwell Priory. This place of public resort developed into a theatre in 1865; subsequently it degenerated into a dancing saloon, and was finally abolished in 1875.