Robin Hood. The proper name of this renowned leader of the Sherwood Foresters was Robert Fitzooth. The first he euphonised into Robin and the second into Hood, leaving out the Fitz, which is Norman for “son,” altogether, since having been declared an outlaw, he was not unwilling to renounce his claims to Norman descent. Whether or not he was really Earl of Huntingdon, as some historians assert, cannot be proved.
Robinson. The French popular name for an umbrella, in allusion to Robinson Crusoe.
Rob Roy. The popular name of the Scottish outlaw Robert Macgregor, meaning simply “Robert the Red” on account of his beard.
Rochester. From Hrofoceaster, after Hrop, a Saxon chieftain, who built a castle on the site of a castra, or Roman encampment.
Rochester Row. A name which recalls the fact that, prior to the time of George III., the Deanery of Westminster was included in the Bishopric of Rochester.
Rock Day. Another ancient name for “Distaffs’ Day,” 7th January, the word rock being the Anglo-Saxon for a distaff.
Rogation Days. So called from the Latin rogare, to beseech, and also from the Greek litaneia, supplication. These being the three days preceding the Feast of the Ascension, the Litany of the Saints is chanted by way of preparation and supplication for the joyful event.
Rogation Sunday. That which ushers in the “Rogation Days.”
Roger de Coverley. The correct description of this surname is Roger de Cowley, or Roger of Cowley, near Oxford. The dance of this name was invented by an ancestor of the country squire, Sir Roger de Coverley, mentioned by Addison in The Spectator.
Rogues’ Gallery. The name given to the collection of criminals’ photographs in the State Prison of New York.