E. D.
Lode (Vol. v., p. 345.).—It would not appear that this word means "an artificial watercourse," at least from its use at Tewkesbury, where there is still the Lower Lode, at which a ferry over the Severn still exists; and there was also the Upper Lode, until a bridge was erected over the river at that place. Will this help to show its proper meaning?
I. R. R.
"To try and get" (Vol. ix., p. 76.).—Uneda inquires the origin of this erroneous mode of expression? Doubtless euphony, to avoid the alliteration of so many T's: "to the theatre to try and get," &c. But evidently the word to is understood, though not supplied after the word and. Thus, "to try and (to) get," &c.
Celcrena.
Abbott Families (Vol. ix. p. 105.).—In reply to Mr. Abbott's Query, I have a pedigree of Samuel Abbott, born in 1637 or 1638; second son of Wm. Abbott of Sudbury, who was born 1603, and who was son to Charles Abbott of Hawkden and Sudbury, an alderman, which Charles was son to Wm. Abbott of Hawkden. This Samuel married Margaret, daughter to Thomas Spicer. Should Mr. Abbott wish it, I would forward him a copy of the pedigree. I can trace no connexion between this family and that of Archbishop Abbott, whose father, Maurice Abbott of Guildford, was son of —— Abbott of Farnham, co. Surrey.
I wish especially to know what became of Thomas Abbott, only son of Robert, Bishop of Sarum; which Thomas dedicated his father's treatise against Bellarmine in 1619 to his uncle the Archbishop, calling himself in the preface, "imbellis homuncio." His sister was wife to Sir Nathaniel Brent, whose younger son Nathaniel left all his property to his cousin Maurice Abbott, of St. Andrew's, Holborn, Gent., in 1688; which Maurice was possibly son to Thomas.
G. E. Adams.
36. Lincoln's Inn Fields.
"Mairdil" (Vol. viii., p. 411.).—Is there any affinity between the word mairdil, which is used in Forfarshire, to be overcome with fatigue for any oppressive or intricate piece of work, and the word mardel or mardle, which signifies to gossip in Norfolk, as stated by Mr. J. L. Sisson? What will H. C. K. say to this subject? Jamieson confines mairdil to an adjective, signifying unwieldy; but I have often heard work-people in Forfarshire declare they were "perfectly mairdiled" with a piece of heavy work, using the word as a passive verb. Trachled has nearly the same meaning, but it is chiefly confined to describe fatigue arising from walking a long distance.