Hippodrome. Expresses the Greek for a race-course, from hippos, a horse, and dromos, a course.
Hippocras. A cordial of spiced wine, so called by the apothecaries because it was supposed to have been made from the prescription of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine.
His Nibs. A corruption of “His Nobs”; used ironically for “His Highness” in reference to a parvenu or a conceited upstart.
Hispania. See “[Spain].”
Hoboken. Indian for the “smoke pipe,” or pipe of peace. This was the place where the chiefs first met the white settlers, and while passing round the calumet entered into a friendly treaty.
Hobson’s Choice. In the seventeenth century Tobias Hobson kept a livery stable at Cambridge. When the students at the University wished to hire a horse for the day he led out the occupant of the first stall. If they demurred, he said abruptly: “It’s this one or none.” So Hobson’s choice settled the question.
Hock. The general name for Rhenish wines, but properly that made at Hockheim on the Maine.
Hockey. Expresses the diminutive of hook, the club used in this game being only slightly hooked at the end.
Hocking. See “[Hock Tuesday].”
Hockley. Anglo-Saxon for a miry field. Clerkenwell was at one time called “Hockley-in-the-Hole,” after a bear garden dating from the Restoration period.