Out of Collar. Out of harness and the working habit. A horse has the collar slipped over its neck when put to work.
Out of Sorts. A technical phrase in the printing trade. “Sorts” are the different sizes and kinds of type used by a compositor. At times he runs short of “sorts,” so that the composition of the particular work in hand has to be suspended until the required sorts are obtained, either by distributing old matter put up in paper or sending to the typefounder’s for a new supply. Hence a person indisposed for work confesses to being “out of sorts.”
Ovidius Naso. See “[Naso].”
Oxford. Cited in Domesday Book as Oxeneford. Literally a ford for the passage of oxen across the River Isis.
Oxford Blues. The Royal Horse Guards, from their dark blue uniforms and the circumstance that this regiment of horse was first raised by Aubrey, Earl of Oxford, soon after the Restoration.
Oxford Movement. The great Catholic revival in England, which, midway in the last century, resulted in the passing over of many of the most eminent Oxford scholars to the Church of Rome.
Oxford Street. After Edward Harley, Earl of Oxford and Mortimer, landlord of the estate north of this principal thoroughfare.
Oyez, Oyez. The old French ceremonial exclamation (“Hear ye, hear ye!”) to enjoin silence. This obtained in our own country when French was the language of the Court. In modern times it has been corrupted by Court criers and town bellmen into “O yes, O yes.”
Oyster Part. In theatrical parlance a part which contains only one line or speech; like an oyster, the actor opens his mouth but once.