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start of addendum - Provincial Words |
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3rd edn addenda, page 299:-
[re]membered that they appeal to the only kind of evidence
of which they are capable; that they cannot all yield the
same degree of conviction, and that this sort of enquiry is
a matter of self-persuasion from a view of circumstances,
and not of demonstrative proof from undeniable principles.
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dess
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Dess, in this vulgar dialect, is to put in order. Hence a
writing-desk, in which are contained little cells, and other
conveniences of arrangement, has its name. Distaff is
consequently properly dess-staff, or a staff or rod on which
the flax is fitly disposed for spinning. It is also probable
that from this idea we have the word dress, both as applied
to the person and things, as dressing of victuals, &c.
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clever, to
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The endeavour of children to get upon any thing, is in this
country termed to clever. Hence the phrase of a clever
fellow primarily means, one who is capable of surmounting
any thing he undertakes.
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kink
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Kink, is to be thrown into the convulsions which we observe
in the highest degree of coughing or laughter. Hence the
cough in children which always put on this strained
appearance is called the Kink-cough. From an ignorance of
this etymology, though with some reference to the sound, we
find the word wrote chin, or king-cough. Also the loops
which twisted threads (or hairs for fishing-lines) are apt
to run into are sometimes called kinks. From which it
appears in both cases, that an idea of convulsion is implied
in the term kink.
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wee
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Wee, in Cumberland, signifies little. Hence wevel (the
insect in corn) is formed of wee and evil, and means, the
little evil. Wee combined with edge makes wedge, a
well-known instrument with a small or thin edge.
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hee
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Hee, is the term for high. Hence hedge is from hee-hedge, or
high-edge. At first this fence would be made of earth and
stones, and afterwards quick fences serving the same purpose
would have the same name.
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