Unionists. Those who are opposed to Home Rule for Ireland; now identified with the Conservative Party.
Union Jack. The first part of this name has, of course, reference to the Union of England and Scotland in the person of James I., but the application of the word “Jack” to our national flag is not so easily disposed of. Nevertheless, reference to our note on “Jack-boots” will afford the reader a key to the question. Twenty-six of such “Jacques,” emblazoned with the arms of St George, were ordered by Edward III. for one of his warships. Designed primarily for the defence of his soldiers when in fighting array, they were placed in a row along the low bulwarks while the vessel was sailing, just as the Romans and the hardy Norsemen disposed of their shields at sea. After this statement it should not be difficult to see how the Cross of St George displayed on a jacque lent its name at first to the staff from which the English flag was flown, and later to the flag itself.
Unitarians. Those who are opposed to the doctrine of the Trinity, denying, as they do, the Godhead or divinity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. This tenet was promulgated by Lælius Socinus, an Italian theologian, in 1546.
United Brethren. Another name for the religious sect styled the “Moravians.”
University. From the Latin universitatis, the whole. This word expresses the various distinct colleges and halls at Oxford, Cambridge, and elsewhere, incorporated by a royal charter as one great educational centre.
Unlearned Parliament. See “[Parliament of Dunces].”
Unready. See “[Ethelred the Unready].”
Up a Tree. Completely cornered, yet defiant; the allusion is to the refuge of a tree-branch against the attack of a bull stationed beneath it.
Upper Berkeley Street. See “[Berkeley Street].”
Upper Crust. A modern term for the aristocracy, because it was formerly considered a mark of high honour to allow the most distinguished guest to cut off the top of the loaf at table.