Huron. This lake was so called by the French settlers on account of the profusion of hair of the Indian tribe, the Wyandots, whom they encountered on its shores. Hure is French for “head of hair.”
Hurrah. This exclamation is from the Scandinavian Hurra, said to have been originally Thor-aie, an invocation to the god Thor for aid in battle, just as the battle cry of the Normans was Ha-Rou, in honour of Rollo.
Hurricane. From the West Indian urican, “a violent wind.” The word was introduced to Europe by seamen, and so became incorporated in various languages.
Hurry up. An exclamation derived, both in England and America, from the custom of eating-house keepers anxious to expedite the service from the kitchens below stairs.
Husbands’ Boat. The steamboat by which city men and others go down to Margate for the week-end holiday in order to join their families who are staying there for the season.
Hussar. Expresses the Hungarian for a “twenty-paid soldier”--husz meaning twenty, and ar the price of. When Matthias Corvinus ascended the throne of the Magyars he decreed that, in order to provide a regular cavalry, each twenty families must enrol and equip one mounted soldier free of all cost to the State. An interesting point in connection with the uniform of the Hussar regiments everywhere was that they always allowed the right sleeve of the upper jacket to hang loose on their backs. This was only in keeping with the general custom of the Magyar peasantry, who had the right arm free on all occasions.
Hussites. The Protestants of Bohemia, after John Huss, the Reformer.
Hussy. A corruption of “housewife.” The epithet now implies a slatternly sort of woman.
Hustings. The ancient name for the Court of Aldermen in the city of London. In modern days it came to imply the platform from which candidates for election delivered their addresses to the populace. The word Husting expressed the Anglo-Saxon for a council-house: from the Scandinavian hus, house, and thing, an assembly.
Hustler. An Americanism for a smart, energetic tradesman, more especially a caterer or restaurateur, who hustles about and never keeps his customers waiting. The word “Hustle” comes from the Dutch hutselen, to shake together or to and fro.