"Imprest" and "Debenture" (Vol. ii., p. 40.).—Imprest is derived from the Italian imprestare, to lend, which is im-præstare, (Fr. prêter). Debentur, or Debenture (Lat. debeo), was originally a Customhouse term, meaning a certificate or ticket presented by an exporter, when a drawback or bounty was allowed on certain exported goods. Hence it seems
to mean a certificate acknowledging a debt, and promising payment at a specified time on the presentation of the certificate. Debentures are thus issued by railway companies when they borrow money, and the certificates for annual interest which accompany them are, so to speak, sub-debentures. Perhaps this may throw some light upon the matter.
E. S. Jackson.
Charade (Vol. i., p. 10.).—The charade cited by Quæstor is on my "Notes" as the "Bishop of Salisbury's," and the following answer is said to be by a clergyman:—
"Firm on the Rock of Christ, though lowly sprung,
The Church invokes the Spirit's fiery Tongue;
Those gracious breathings rouse but to controul
The Storm and Struggle in the Sinner's Soul.
Happy! ere long his carnal conflicts cease,
And the Storm sinks in faith and gentle peace—