Cowgill, March 13. 1850.
Coxcombs vanquish Berkeley, &c.—In Lewis's Biography of Philosophy (vol. iv. p. 7.) occurs the following quotation:—
"And coxcombs vanquish Berkeley with a grin."
Who is the author of this line? for I cannot find it in Pope, to whom a note refers it.
R.F. Johnson.
Derivation of Sterling.—What is the derivation of Sterling? Some authors say from "Easterling," a race of German or Dutch traders; but is it not more likely from "steer," a bull, or ox, viz. a coin originally stamped with a figure of that animal? Of this, and parallel cases, we have many instances among the ancients. I find also, that, in a decree issued in the time of Richard I., the word is used, and explained by "peny" as a synonym. Now peny or penny is clearly from pecunia, and that from pecus, so that we have the two words brought side by side, one through the Latin, and the other through the Saxon language.
R.F. Johnson.
Hanging out the Broom.—In some parts of England a singular custom prevails. When a married woman leaves home for a few days, the husband hangs a broom or besom from the window. When, how, and where did this originate, and what does it signify?
R.F. Johnson.
Trunck Breeches.—Barba Longa.—Mercenary Preacher.—In reading Smith's Obituary, edited by Sir H. Ellis for the Camden Society, I find the following entries:—