LITMIR.BIZ

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is an exclamation; a euphemistic shortening of “God’s hooks” (the nails on the cross). Gramercy – from Old French grand merci (thank you very much), expressing surprise or gratitude.

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Sandford and Merton – “The History of Sandford and Merton” is a didactic children’s tale (by Thomas Day, 1783–1789). There are two main characters there – goodwilled Sanford and unpleasant Merton, who gets upright due to moral instructions.

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dogdays – the hottest days of summer

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under laughinggas – a method of anesthesiology at that time

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old blue – 18th century English porcelain, mostly painted blue

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Sarah Janes – typical housemaids

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Yuise – “you is”, an illiterate form of address

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Pinafore – a light opera by Gilbert and Sullivan (1878)

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Trial by Jury – also a light opera by the same authors (1875)

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morceaux (sing. morceau) – short literary or musical compositions (French)

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Bradshaw – George Bradshaw (1801–1853) wrote the “Railway Guide”, while John Bradshaw (1602–1659) was the head of the council that condemned King Charles I to death.

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Cassivelaunus – British chieftain, leader of the Catuvellauni tribe that resisted Caesar’s invasion of Britain (54 bc)

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willo’thewisps – phosphorescent lights floating at night on marshy ground

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’Arrys and ’Arriets – evidently, “Harrys and Harriets”, pronounced in the way folk did

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Lor’ – Lord

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ain’t – isn’t

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’ere ain’t – here isn’t (illiterate English)

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’ware wheat – ware = beware; wheat = corn

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Angels and ministers of grace defend us – from “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare (Act 1, Scene 4)

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King John – (nick-name John Lackland, 1167–1216). John faced a rebellion by many of his barons who were not satisfied with his ruling. The following story in the book refers to how King John had to sign the Magna Carta (the document limiting his powers) in 1215

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billmen – foot soldiers armed with billhooks (originally developed from a farming tool, and consisting of an axe and hook on a long pole)

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yester eve – yesterday evening