Scrape (Vol. viii., p. 292.).—I do not know when this word began to be used in this sense. Shakspeare says "Ay, there's the rub:" an analogous phrase, which may throw light upon the one "to get into a scrape." Both are metaphors, derived from the unpleasant sensations produced by rubbing or grazing the skin. The word pinch is, on the same principle, used for difficulty; and the Lat. tribulatio=trouble, and its synonym in Gr., θλιρσισ, have a similar origin and application.
"To get into a scrape" is, therefore, to get into trouble.
B. H. C.
Baskerville (Vol. viii., p. 202.).—
Among the articles consumed at Mr. Ryland's at Birmingham, was the body of the late Mr. Baskerville, who by his will ordered that he should be buried in his own house, and he was accordingly interred there. A stone closet was erected in it, where he was deposited in a standing posture. The house was afterwards sold with this express condition, that it should remain there."—Account of the Birmingham riots in 1791, from the Historical Magazine, vol. iii., where it is said the house was burned on Friday afternoon, July 15."
B. H. C.
A great-uncle of mine owned the Baskerville property (he, Baskerville, was buried in his own grounds) at the time of the Church and King Riot in 1791; but it was the recent growth of the town that occasioned the disinterment.
R.
Sheriffs of Glamorganshire (Vol. iii., p. 186.; Vol. viii., p. 353.).—Your correspondent Tewars is certainly wrong in ascribing to the Rev. H. H. Knight the list of Glamorganshire sheriffs inquired for by Edmund W. It is true this gentleman printed a list of them many years after the former, which was privately printed by the Rev. J. M. Traherne, and subsequently published a Cardiff Guide, by Mr. Bird of Cardiff. I have seen both copies, and the latter may doubtless yet be seen upon application to Mr. Bird. I have also seen the more recent list by my learned friend the rector of Neath.
Bibliothecar. Chetham.