Wayzgoose. A printers’ summer outing, so called from the wayz or stubble goose which, when the outing took place later in the season, was the invariable dinner dish. The term wayz is from the Dutch wassen and German waschen, to grow; hence a goose that has fattened among the stubble after the harvest has been gathered.
Wedding Breakfast. The nuptial banquet had in Catholic days a real significance, when, having fasted from midnight, the entire party attended Mass, and partook of the Communion. At the close of the marriage ceremony the priest regaled them with wine, cakes, and sweetmeats in the church porch by way of breakfast.
Wednesday. In the Scandinavian mythology this was “Wodin’s Day,” or that set apart for the worship of Odin or Wodin, the god of magic and the inventor of the Arts.
Wedgwood Ware. The style of pottery invented or introduced by Josiah Wedgwood in 1775.
Weeping Cross. A cross set up on the way to a churchyard where the coffin was rested for a brief space while prayers were offered up for the soul of the deceased. The wailing of the women generally interrupted the proceedings.
Weeping Philosopher. Heraclitus of Ephesus, who voluntarily embittered the declining years of his existence by weeping[weeping] over the folly of mankind.
Wedlock Street. After Welbeck Abbey, the seat of the Duke of Portland, the great ground landlord.
Wellingborough. Anciently “Wellingbury,” on account of the medicinal wells or springs which abound in its vicinity.
Wellington. This province and capital city of New Zealand received the name of the Duke of Wellington.
Wellington Boots. After the Duke of Wellington.