Poulster (Vol. iv., p. 152.).
—The meaning of this word is undoubtedly as D. X. surmises. The original term was upholder, which is still in occasional use; next upholster; and, thirdly, upholsterer. In Stowe's Survey of London, it appears in the second form: and so also poulter, which still exists as a surname. "Mr. Richard Deakes, Uphoulster," was buried at St. Dunstan's in the West, London, in 1630. (Collectanea Topog. et Geneal., v. 378.) It would be worth inquiry when the incorrect duplication of termination first produced our modern words upholsterer and poulterer? Mr. Pegge remarks, that "Fruiterer seems to be equally redundant;" and that "cater-er is written cater in the margin of the Life of Gusmand de Alfarache, folio edition, 1622, p. 125. (Anecdotes of the English Language, edit. Christmas, 1844, p. 79.)"
J. G. N.
Judges styled Reverend (Vol. iv., p. 151.).
—Your correspondent. F. W. J., before he receives an answer to his Query, "When did the judges lose the title of Reverend and Very Reverend?" must first show that they ever bore it. By the example he quotes he might as well argue that they bore the title of "Très Sages," as that of "Très Reverend." The fact is, that, as a title, it was never used by them, the words quoted being nothing more than respectful epithets applied to eminent men of a past age, by the editors or publishers of the work.
I very much doubt also whether the style of "The Honorable" is properly given to the judges.
It would be curious to trace the commencement of the practice of addressing a judge on the bench as "My Lord." In the Year Books are numerous instances of his being addressed simply "Syr." Off the bench the chief alone is entitled to the designation "My Lord," and that address can be properly given to the puisne judges only when they are on the circuit, and then because they are acting under a special royal commission.
EDW. FOSS.
The Ring Finger (Vol. iv., p. 150.).
—In the ancient ritual of marriage, the ring was placed by the husband on the top of the thumb of the left hand, with the words "In the name of the Father;" he then removed it to the forefinger, saying, "and of the Son;" then to the middle finger, adding, "and of the Holy Ghost;" finally, he left it as now, on the fourth finger, with the closing word "Amen."