Phrases and Names, Their Origins and Meanings

by Trench H. Johnson

MEANINGS

BY

TRENCH H. JOHNSON

“How did such and such a country, city, town, street, river, natural curiosity, or world-renowned edifice obtain its name? Whence arose a particular sobriquet, nickname, byword, epithet, or slang term? What was the origin of the thousand-and-one phrases and expressions engrafted upon our vocabulary which would appear to have no meaning whatever? These things are worthy of investigation.”

PHILADELPHIA

J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY

LONDON

T. WERNER LAURIE

PREFACE

Few words are necessary to introduce this work to the reader. It partakes of the nature of an encyclopædia, with the saving clause that the information it sets forth is confined to a plain statement of facts. Verbal embellishments have been studiously avoided. Those who seek for additional intelligence may easily obtain it from ordinarily available sources. To account for the origin of popular phrases and names has been the author’s sole design. To the best of his knowledge, no other work of the kind exists. From the stores of his own knowledge, acquired through many years of omnivorous reading, patient inquiry, and investigation, he has been enabled to bring together an Olla podrida which should go far towards supplying a want.