Morganatic Marriage (Vol. ii., p. 72.).—According to M., Ducange has connected this expression with morgingab; but I have looked in vain for such connection in my edition of the Glossary (Paris, 1733). The truth most probably is, that morganatic, in the phrase "matrimonium ad morganaticam," was akin to the Gothic maurgjan, signifying, "to procrastinate," "to bring to an end," "to shorten," "to limit." This application of the word would naturally rise out of the restrictions imposed upon the wife and children of a morganatic marriage.
C.H.
Umbrellas (Vol. i., p. 415. 436.; ii. 25.).—In Swift's description of a city shower (Tatler, No. 238., October 17. 1710), umbrellas are mentioned as in common use by women:
"Now in contiguous drops the flood comes down,
Threatening with deluge the devoted town;
To shops, in crowds, the daggled females fly,
Pretend to cheapen goods, but nothing buy;
The Templar spruce, while every spout's abroach,
Stays till 'tis fair, yet seems to call a coach;
The tucked-up sempstress walks with hasty strides,