Kentish Man. A native of the county of Kent, west of the Medway.
Kentish Town. A corruption of “Kantelowes Town,” built upon the manor of the same name. The modern spelling of this family name is “Cantlowes,” which is that given to a street on the south side of Camden Road.
Kent Street. Leads out of London to the great Kentish highway to Dover. At one time the landlords in this street took away the front doors of tenants who were more than a fortnight in arrears of paying their rent. This, styled a “Kent Street Ejectment,” was found effectual in getting rid of unprofitable tenants.
Kentucky. Indian for “long river.”
Keppel Street. From the “Admiral Keppel” at the corner of this street and Fulham Road.
Kerchief. See “[Handkerchief].”
Kersey. From Kersey, in Suffolk, once famed for its woollen manufacture.
Kettledrum. A rounded drum, so called from its shape; also the name given to a tea party, both on account of the noise made by the guests, and because the hostess metaphorically beats them up at the time of sending out her invitations. See “[Drum].”
Kettle of Fish. See “[Pretty Kettle of Fish].”
Kew. Styled in ancient documents Kay-hoo, meaning a quay on a hoo or oe, which expressed the Danish for an island; also a spit of land at the mouth of a river or creek.