Ukase. From the Russian ukasat, to speak.
Ukraine. Expresses the Slavonic for a “frontier country.”
Ultramarine. Another name for “Saunders Blue,” introduced to England from beyond the sea.
Umber. From Umbria in Italy, where this pigment was first obtained.
Umbrella. From the Latin umbra, a shade. The original function of such an article was to act as a shelter against the scorching rays of the sun, similar to those monster white or coloured umbrellas one sees in a Continental market-place. It was Jonas Hanway who first diverted it from its proper use. See “[Hanway Street].”
Uncle. How this name came to be applied to a pawnbroker was as follows:--Before the “spout” was introduced all those pledges which consisted of clothing were attached to a very large book, or uncus as it was called, conformably to the Latin description of the article, since the Lombards were the earliest pawnbrokers of history. When this uncus could accommodate nothing more, the rope from which it depended was unslung from the ceiling, and laid across the shoulders of an assistant, who then carried the whole collection to the store-rooms overhead. Hence an article which had been pledged was said to have “Gone to the Uncus,” or, as the modern phrase has it, “Gone to my Uncle’s.”
Uncle Sam. The national nickname of the United States. This arose out of the initials “U.S.,” which the Government caused to be painted or branded on all its stores just as the Government property in this country is marked with a broad arrow. Since it happened that the official whose duty it was to see this marking properly carried out was known among his numerous acquaintance as “Uncle Sam,” the general impression obtained that the letters really applied to him, as evidence that the goods had passed through his hands. In this way “Uncle Sam” bequeathed his name to a great nation.
Uncle Sam’s Ice-box. Alaska, so called on account of its northern situation. Prior to the year 1867 this territory belonged to Russia.
Undertaker. Specifically one who in former days undertook to be responsible for the custody of a corpse until the moment that it was lowered into the grave. This was the raison d’être of the two “mutes” stationed by him at the door of the house by day and by night as guards.
Underwriter. One who accepts the responsibility of insuring a vessel or its merchandise by signing his name at the foot of the policy.