Iron Duke. The Duke of Wellington, distinguished for his unbending will.
Ironmonger Lane. Where the artificers in iron congregated during the reign of Edward I. Later they removed into Thames Street.
Ironside. The surname of the Anglo-Saxon king, Edmund II., on account of the iron armour that he wore as a preservative against assassination.
Ironsides. The name given to the Cromwellian soldiers on account of their heavy armour and iron resolution.
Irrawaddy. Hindoo for “the father of waters.”
Irving. The patronymic of the late Sir Henry Irving was Brodribb. When he went on the stage he took the name of Irving, out of his admiration of the writings of the American author, Washington Irving. Half-a-century ago no one ever thought of entering the dramatic profession under his own name. Now that the stage has become fashionable actors need no longer be actuated to select a nom de theatre out of regard to family pride.
Irvingites. The followers of the Rev. Edward Irving, who maintained the sinfulness of Christ’s nature in common with that of ordinary mankind. Deposed from his living by the Presbytery of the Church of Scotland in 1830, he founded the “Apostolic Catholic Church.”
Isabel. The name given to a yellowish brown colour from the circumstance that at the memorable siege[siege] of Ostend in 1601 Isabella, the wife of the Duke of Austria, vowed she would not change her linen until the town was taken. Unhappily for her, it held out nearly three years. Rash vows are always followed by leisurely repentance.
Isis. From the Celtic uisg, water. The word enters into many English river names, notably the “Thames.” The University of Oxford is called Isis from the river upon which it stands.
Islam. From the Arabic islama, to bend. This term expressed an entire submission or resignation to the will of God. By the Mohammedans “Islam” is described as the true faith.