E. B. U.
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Replies to Minor Queries.
Spick and Span New (Vol. iii., p. 330.).
—The corresponding German word is Spann-nagel-neu, which may be translated as "New from the stretching needle;" and corroborates the meaning given by you. I may remark the French have no equivalent phrase. It is evidently a familiar allusion of the clothmakers of England and Germany.
BENBOW.
Birmingham.
Under the Rose (Vol. iii., pp. 300.).
—There is an old Club in this town (Birmingham) called the "Bear Club," and established (ut dic.) circa 1738, formerly of some repute. Among other legends of the Club, is one, that in the centre of the ceiling of their dining-room was once a carved rose, and that the members always drank as a first toast, to "The health of the King," [under the rose], meaning the Pretender.
BENBOW.