P. J. F. Gantillon, B.A.
"Rather" (Vol. vii., p. 282.).—The root of the word rather is Celtic, in which language raith means "inclination," "on account of," "for the sake of," &c. Thus, in the line quoted from Chaucer,
"What aileth you so rathè for to arise,"
it clearly signifies "what aileth you that you so incline to arise," and so on, in the various uses to which the comparative of the word is put: as, I had rather do so and so, i. e. "I feel more inclined;" I am rather tired, i. e. "I am fatigued on account of the walk," &c. I am glad that you are come, the rather that I have work for you to do, i. e. "more on account of the work which I have for you to do, or for the sake of the work," &c. Any obscurity that is attached to the use of the word, has arisen from the abuse of it, or rather from its right signification being not properly understood.
Fras. Crossley.
Lady High Sheriff (Vol. vii., pp. 236. 340.).—Another instance may be seen in Foss's Judges of England, vol. ii. p. 51.—In speaking of Reginald de Cornhill, who held the Sheriffalty of Kent from 5 Richard I. to 5 Henry III., he says:
"His seat at Minster, in the Isle of Thanet, acquired the name of 'Sheriff's Court,' which it still retains; and he himself, discontinuing his own name, was styled Reginald le Viscount, even his widow being designated Vicecomitessa Cantii."
D. S.
Nugget (Vol. vi., p. 171.; Vol. vii., pp. 143. 272.).—Nugget may be derived from the Persian, but it is also used in Scotland, and means a lump,—a nugget of sugar, for instance. And as Scotchmen are to be found everywhere, its importation into Australia and California is easily accounted for.
R. S. N.