Phrases and Names, Their Origins and Meanings

by Trench H. Johnson

Kyrle Society. A modern society having for its aims the improvement of the homes of the poorer orders. It originated with the Misses M. and O. Hill in 1875, and was formally inaugurated by Prince Leopold a couple of years later. The title of the society was derived from John Kyrle of Ross, Herefordshire, whose artistic tastes and benevolent disposition contributed to the happiness and well-being of the people on his estate and all the country round about.

L

Labadists. A sect of Protestant mystics founded in the seventeenth century by Jean Labadic of Bourg, Germany.

La Belle Sauvage Yard. The yard of the famous coaching inn of the same name. The history of this sign was curious. Kept by Isabelle Savage, it bore the name of “The Bel Savage”; but its sign was a bell suspended within an iron hoop at the top of the usual “Ale Stake.” Hence its proper name was “The Bell in the Hoop.” When in the year 1616 John Rolfe brought his Virginian bride Pocohontas to London, the story of his remarkable adventures had anticipated his arrival, and people spoke of this Indian heroine as “La Belle Sauvage.” It was odd that these strangers within our gates should put up at the “Bell Savage,” and the association resulted in the change of title on their account.

Labrador. Called by the Portuguese navigators Tierra Labrador, “cultivatable land.”

Lackland. The surname of King John, who, owing to his thriftlessness, was left entirely without provision at the death of his father, Henry II.

Laconics. Terse and pithy replies, so called from the Lacons, which was the name applied to the Spartans, from the country whence they came. When Philip of Macedon sent this message to the Spartan magistrates: “If I enter Laconia I will level Lacedæmon to the ground,” the reply was briefly: “If.”

Lacrosse. This name was given to the game by Charlevoix, who, seeing it played by some Alonquin Indians with a stick between Quebec and Three Rivers, called it le jeu de la Crosse.

Ladbroke Grove. This, with the square of the same name, was built upon by the Ladbroke family, who acquired the lease of the land for the purpose.

Lad Lane. A name frequently met with in connection with the old coaching inn, “The Swan with Two Necks.” It was a corruption of “Our Lady Lane,” so called from a statue of the Virgin.