Mangold is here, then, a generic term, standing for other plants equally with the beet. One suggestion, however; I would recommend the generic term, when used at all, to be used alone, leaving the more familiar appellation as it stands, for the adoption of those who prefer the homely but suggestive phraseology to which it belongs.
E. L. H.
Devonianisms (Vol. vii., p. 630.).—Plum, adj. I am at a loss for the origin of this word as employed in Devonshire in the sense of "soft," e.g. "a plum bed:" meaning a soft, downy bed.
Query: Can it be from the Latin pluma? And if so, what is its history?
There is also a verb to plum, which is obscure. Dough, when rising under the influence of heat and fermentation, is said to be plumming well; and the word plum, as an adjective, is used as the opposite of heavy with regard to currant and other cakes when baked. If the cake rises well in the oven, it is commonly said that it is "nice and plum;" and vice versâ, that it is heavy.
Clunk, verb. This word is used by the common people, more especially the peasantry, to denote the swallowing of masses of unmasticated food; and of morsels that may not be particularly relished, such as fat. What is the origin of the word?
Dollop, subs. This word, as well as the one last-named, is very expressive in the vocabulary of the vulgar. It is applied to lumps of any substances, whether food or otherwise. Such a phrase as this might be heard: "What a dollop of fat you have given me!" "Well," would be the reply, "if you don't like it, clunk it at once." I should be glad to be enlightened as to the etymology of this term.
Isaiah W. N. Keys.
Plymouth, Devon.