Phrases and Names, Their Origins and Meanings

by Trench H. Johnson

Brief. A brief summary of all the facts of a client’s case prepared by a solicitor for the instruction of counsel.

Bristol. Called by the Anglo-Saxons “Brightstow,” or pleasant, stockaded place.

Britain. This country was known to the Phœnicians as Barat-Anac, “the land of time.” The Romans called it Britannia.

British Columbia. The only portion of North America which honours the memory, as a place name, of Christopher Columbus.

Brittany. The land anciently possessed by the kings of Britain.

Brixton. Anciently Brigestan, the bridge of stone.

Broadside. A large sheet printed straight across instead of in columns.

Broker. From the Anglo-Saxon brucan, through the Old English brocour, to use for profit.

Brompton. Anciently Broom Town, or place of the broom plant.

Brook Street. From a stream meandering through the fields from Tyburn.