Lifting. This technical term in the printing trade, because type is lifted out of the columns prior to distribution, or, as may happen in a newspaper, to be held over until the next issue for want of space, has come to be applied by journalists to literary theft. Facts, anecdotes, or jokes stolen from a contribution submitted to an editor on approval are said to have been “lifted.” One newspaper, too, often “lifts” matter from another without acknowledgment.
Light. A journeyman printer’s term for “credit.” Derived from the old saying: “He stands in a good light with his neighbours.” The boast: “My light is good,” has about it little to find fault with.
Liguorians. Another name for the Redemptorists or Preachers of the Redemption, an Order founded by St Francis Liguori in 1732.
Like a Thousand of Brick. An Americanism for very heavily, as if a waggon-load of bricks had been dumped down on one.
Lille. Properly L’Isle, the island.
Lima. A Spanish corruption of the Peruvian Rima, the name of the river on which it is situated.
Limavady. From the Irish Leim-a-madha, “The Dog’s Leap.”
Limehouse. A corruption of Limehurst, or wood of lime-trees.
Lime Street. Where lime was sold in ancient times.
Limoges. Anciently called “Lemovica,” from the Lemovices, the people who settled in this portion of Gaul.