Royal Oak. An inn sign which had its origin during the Restoration period, in compliment to Charles II. See “Oak Apple Day.”
Royal Oak Day. Another name for “Oak Apple Day.”
Rufus. The surname of William II. on account of his florid complexion; rufus is the Latin for “ruddy.”
Rugby. A corruption of the Saxon Rothby, “red village,” in allusion to its soil.
Rum. A West Indian word for spirit distilled from cane juice.
Run. An Americanism used as a verb for “finance,” whether in relation to a person or a business enterprise. “Who’s running him?” means who is it that keeps him going, or on his feet?
Run Amuck. To run foul of a person or thing. The phrase is derived from the Malays, who, while under the influence of opium, rush through the streets with drawn daggers, crying: Amog! amog! (“Kill! kill!”), and threaten the lives of everyone they encounter.
Running Footman. A tavern sign in Mayfair, reminiscent of the days when running footmen, carrying a short staff of office, preceded the carriages of the wealthy. The object of this custom was to give timely notice of the impending arrival of their masters. The tavern in question, situated in Hayes’ Mews, was formerly the regular resort of running footmen and sedan chairmen.
Rupert’s Land. After Prince Rupert, one of the founders of the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Rupert Street. After Prince Rupert, who introduced his invention of “Prince Rupert’s Drops,”[“Prince Rupert’s Drops,”] or glass bubblers, into England.