Jailed. An Americanism for being put in jail, sent to prison.
Jalap. From Jalapa in Mexico, whence the root of this plant was first brought to Europe for medicinal purposes in 1610.
Jamaica. From the West Indian Caymaca, signifying “a country abounding in springs.”
Jamaica Road. See “[Cherry Gardens Pier].”
James Bay. After James I., in whose reign this arm of Hudson’s Bay was completely explored.
James River. After James I., in the fourth year of whose reign it was navigated, and the English settlement called Jamestown, thirty-two miles inland, formed.
James Street. In Covent Garden, in compliment to the Duke of York, afterwards James II. That on the south side of the Strand received the Christian name of one of the Brothers Adam, builders of the Adelphi.
Jamestown. See “[James River].”
Jamie Duff. The Scottish designation for a mourner or weeper at a funeral. So called after an Edinburgh eccentric of this name; nothing pleased him better than to attend a funeral, perhaps because he enjoyed the ride in the coach.
Jane Hading. This famous French actress was christened Jeanne, but, appearing on the stage while she was quite a child, her parents habitually called her Jane, because, as she has herself explained, being shorter, it would admit of the family name appearing in larger letters on the playbill.