P.E 2051 C7 CO] w .#£ CC$at!e£ Xofin ^Kfiittmggam. J A GLOSSARY PROVINCIALISMS IN USE IN THE COUNTY OF SUSSEX. BY WILLIAM DURRANT COOPER, 1 Juvat hac obsoleta servari, aliquando profutura."— Wachter. Printed, for private distribution, by W. FLEET, PRINTER, HERALD-OFFICE, BRIGHTON. 1836. ■ w 0,7 'PL A GLOSSARY, &c. There are two dialects used in Sussex: the Eastern and the Western. — The former bears a close resemblance to the dialect of trie weald of Kent, while the latter is nearly allied to the phraseology of Hants, Dorset, and other Western counties.— Both possess a striking affinity to the Saxon. — In both many words of pure Saxon origin, such as Ely, Stade, Shade, Sec, unknown in other places, are in frequent use and well understood, whilst others, such as Crocke, Rath, Shaw, &c.; known indeed in the English lan- guage, but elsewhere seldom used, are constantly employed. Throughout the county the Saxon plural is not unfrequently used, especially in words ending in st 9 as blast, post, ghost, &c. — the plurals of which are made blastes, posies, ghottes. In words ending in asp, as hasp, clasp, wasp, &c, the two last letters are transposed in the pronunciation— an e final is added, and they are pronounced hupse? elapse, \ wapse,% &c. Instead of the word neck the people usually pronounce it nick; again, for " throat they say throtte ;§ for choak,|J * Haeps, (Sax.) t Ghepse, (Teut.) % Waeps, (Sax.) { Throt. (Sax.) || Ceocan, (Sax.) A GLOSSARY OF THE chock. 11 * Indeed, the Sussex pronunciation of many words- derived from the Saxon is superior to that generally received ; thus earth, from card (Sax.), to plough, (in Anglo-Saxon books written e-orth,) is still correctly pronounced as a word of two syllables — e-arth. Again, laths are correctly pro- pounced hits; lath being derived from the Saxon, latta — h is a redundant letter. In the Eastern rapes the letters th are not sounded at the beginning of a word, but d is used instead ; as dis, dat, dew, dese, for this, that, &c. ; the mode of pronouncing these consonants being evidently retained from the Saxon idiom. It is, however, in the names of places that the retention of the Saxon words is most evident — a very large proportion of the names of the villages in the county having one or more Saxon words in their composition ; the meaning of these words agreeing precisely with the situation of the places thus named. In this manner the words Beck (Sax.), a small brook ; Brede (Sax.), broad ; Bur (Sax.), a place of shade or retirement ; Burg (Sax.), a town ; Burn (Sax.), water; Comb (Sax.), a valley; Den (Sax.), a valley or woody place; Dun (Sax.), a hill; Fa (Sax.), a river; Feld (Sax.), a field ; Fold (Sax.), from Faran, to pass ; Ham (Sax.), a house, farm, or village; Holt (Sax.), a wood ; Hofa (Sax.), a low scite; Hurst (Sax.), a wood ; Jg (Sax.), an island ; Ing (Sax.), a meadow ; Lcag (Sax.), a pasture, a plain ; Ling (Sax.), heath ; Litling (Sax.), little; Mere (Sax.), a pool, or lake; Mastene (Sax.), a forest, a grove of oaks ; Bade (Sax.), a road; Sa (Sax.), * " A collection of English words not generally used, &c#, by John Ray, F.R.S.;" written at the instance of and dedicated to " Peter Courthope, of Danny, in Sussex, Esq t ;" and printed by " H. Bruges, for Thos. Burrell, at the Golden Ball, under St. Dunstan's Church, Fleet Street." PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 5 the sea ; Sted (Sax.), a place ; Stade (Sax.), a shore ; Stoc (Sax.), a place ; Tun (Sax.), a hedge or wall ; Weorth (Sax.), a farm, court-yard, street, or vill ; and Wic (Sax.), a village, a bay made by the winding of the banks of a river ; — with their compounds, are all used in the names of places : and of so frequent occurrence are they, that there are not more than 21 parishes in East Sussex, and only 20 in West Sussex, in which one or more of these words do not occur, The Saxon words occur also in the names of particular spots and farms ; thus the long line of remains on the hills end in bury ; as Chanctonbury , Cisbury, Hollingbury, Saxonbury, Wolstonbury, &c; whilst Courtivick, Buckhurst, Wake- hurst, &c, are the present names of many parks and farms. The names of places within the county illustrate also the retention of purely British or Celtic words ; thus lse, or Ease, (a river,) is retained in North Ease and South Ease, without admixture; whilst in others, such as Easebourne, Isfield, &c, it is still retained at the beginning of the name, having appended to it a Saxon termination ; — and the British Glyn, a vale, is preserved in the modern name, Glynde. And although the names of many places are solely Saxon, as Ardingly, Ashburnharn, Beckley, Ber- wick, Bolney, Burton, Denton, Litlington, &c. ; yet the names of other places, as Cuchfield, from Coc (British) Princeps., Penhurst, from Pen (British), a head, &c, shew that the British names were not unfrequently retained by the Saxons, who added some designation from their own language applicable to the particular locality. In the German language, in adjectives ending in en, an r is often inserted between the noun and the affix en; ancf this peculiarity is preserved in Sussex— thus earthen is called earihern, and many others. 6 A GLOSSARY OF Tflt Owing,, probably, to the contiguity to the French coast, and the frequent communication which is kept up between the two countries, many words of French origin, such as Brittle, Rut, &c, little used elsewhere, are common ; whilst others, such as Bruss, Futy, &c, not elsewhere used, are well known. la the Eastern division, also, many words have a French pronunciation ; thus the word Day is pro- nounced in East Sussex Dee ; Mercy? as the French, Merci. The word Bonnet is at Rye generally pronounced Bunnet, and Mermaid Street is called JHflremaid Street. The inhab* itants of this district are not, perhaps, so remarkable for the number of their provincialisms as for a broad strong mode of speaking; thus Yeast is pronounced Yust, and Yes Yus— Mister and Mistress are pronounced Muster and Mistus. The comparative of the adjective soon is converted into soonder ; and instead of grew, knew, &c., growd, knowd, &c, are substituted.— Will is pronounced wool ; and the country people invariably say " let it be how t'wool," instead of 4i be it as it may/' There are districts in the rapes of Arundel and Chichester in which, in some instances, the labouring portion of the inhabitants are not . understood with less difficulty than those of Somersetshire. Ray cites the following example as appropriate to this district: " Set'n down, and lefn stand; come agin, and fet'n anon." We may here remark a peculiarity in the West Sussex pronouns; en, erwtt,an*d urn.— En and un (best expressed by an apostrophe and n, thus — ? n) are used for he or it ; and um for them. Her being sometimes used for he or she ; thus: — " I see un." — I saw him. " A blackbird flew up,, and her hilVd 'n."~ He killed it. " Let'n bide." — Let it remain. *< Let um coo."— Let them go. PROVINCIALISES Op SUSSEX* / "Hedin'tgit up lull laik". — He did not rise till if was late. " Caftnt her see'\— Cannot she see, In both divisions of the county the inhabitants pro- bounce ow final, as e r ; thus— Tallow is called Toller; Tallow, V oiler y &c. They a&o not unfrequently introduce an r before the letters d and t ; thus they call evidence evirdence, piety pierty, &c. The termination e&Sy in adjectives, is changed into some $ thus, instead of dubious?- tiimerous, Sec, the words duhers&me and tbnersome are used. An 5, final is also frequently added to the compound's of where, which are thus made any-wheres, no-wheres, and some-wheres*— Throughout the county the word be is substi- tuted for am and are. Although the majority of the words in this collection- are' evidently of Saxon origin, yet there are Teutonic, British, Latin, French, German, and other words/ occasionally to be met with as— Steale— (the handle of an agricultural instrument)— Teut,, Sites. Bosky — (elated with liquor) — Copt., Bouza*. Coombe — C. Brit., Comp — also $~az. } Comb. Fitten— (proper)— Flemish, Vitten. Floush-hole— (a hole to receive water) — Latin? Fluere, to flow. Flit — (to skim milk) — Danish, Flytter, to remove. Cant— (a corner of a field) — Dutch, Kant. Travis— (a place for shoeing horses)-- ^attis^TRAV as. Bruss — (proud)— French, Brusque. Strand — (a withered stalk of grass)— German f Strang* Several words marked with an asterisk are to be found ira Todd's Johnson ; but they are of such unfrequent use else- where, that they may still be included among the provinci- alisms of Sussex^ A GLOSSARY OF Tin NAMES OF PARISHES IN SUSSEX DERIVED FROM THE SAXON. B. Beck . Bexhill. Beck-leag . Beckley. Brede .... Brede. Bur Bramber, Newtimber. Bur-leag.. Amberley. Bur-tun . . Burton, Edburton, Walberton. Bur-wic . . Berwick. Burg Bury, Pulborougb, Shermanbury, Wisbo- rough Green. Burg-hurst Burwash, or Burghersh. Burn ...... Albourne, Easebourne, Eastbourne, New- fishbourne, Westbourne. C. Comb Balcomb, Barcombe, Coomb, Piecombe, Seddlescomb, Telscombe. D. Den Eastdean (2), Egdean, Iden, Playden, Mar- den (3), Westdean (2). Den tun . . Denton. Dun . . .Vv. Findon, Slindon. E. Ea Bolney. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX, Feld* .... Catsfield, Cowfold, Cuckfield, Framfield, Hartfield, Heathfield, Henfield, Ifield, Is- field, Lindfield, Maresfield, Mayfield, Mountfield, Ninfield, Rotherfield, Slin- fold, Uckfield, Westfield, Wivelsfield. H. Ham Ambersham, Ashburnham, Barnham, Bird- ham, Bodiam, Bosham, Burphara, Chid- ham, Clapham, Cold Waltham, Eartham Eelphara, GrafTham, Greatham, Hailsham, Hardham, Horsham, Icklesham, Nortb- mundham, Northiam, Pagham, Parham, Patcham, Selham, Shoreham (N. and O.), Slaugham, Stedham, Stopham, Thakeham, Twineham, Upwaltbam, Warnham, Wi- thyham. Ham-ea .... Hamsey. Holt Wiggonholt. Hofa Hove. * Mr. Elliot, m a Letter to Sir Wm. Burrell (Burr. MSS., Brit. Mus.), says, "I am inclined to think that most of the places and parishes now beginning or ending in Field were anciently written and pronounced Wold, Weald, Wald, Weld; and the oldest map of Sussex we have, by Speed, writes Cow- fold, Covewald. There are several places in the weald ending in Fold, but more in Field ; and all had their origin, as I con- ceive, in Weald, being the old Saxon name of the great woody track, extending through the whole county, the change of the W into F being very common and natural." This ingenious theory does not militate against our present position, the reten- tion of the Saxon, but we have adhered to the more generally received opinion, B 10 A GLOSSARY OF TM« Hofa-ing. . Oving. Hofa-ing-den. . Ovingdean. Hurst ... # Ashurst, Chithurst, Crowhurst, Ewhurst, Farnhurst, Hurst-monceaux, Hurst-per- point, Lamberhurst, Madehurst, Midhurst, Nuthurst, Penhurst, Salehurst, Ticehurst, Wadhurst. I. Ig • Ing Ing-burn, Xng-den ., Ing-dun . Ing-feld , Ing-ham , Ing-hurst Ing-leag . Ikg-tun. . . West-Thorney, Selsey. . Beeding (2), Climping, Cocking, Ferring, Fletching, Fulking, Goring, Halting, Iping, Lancing, Meeehing, Patching, Piddinghoe, Poling, Poynings, Sompting, Southmal- ling, Steyning, Tarring (2), Warning- camp, Wittering (2), Woolbeeding. . Aldingbourne. . Rottingdean. , . Funtingdon, Willingdon. . Itchingfield. . Beddingham, Etchingham. • Billinghurst, Warminghurst. . Chiddingly, Hellingly. . Aldrington, Arlington, Ashington, Barlaving- ton, Blatchington (E. and W.), Chalving- ton, Chiltington (E. and W.), Dallington, Donnington, Durrington, Folkington, Hol- lington, Jevington, Lullington, Rusting- ton, Storrington, Sullington, Tillington, Tortington, Washington, Whatlington, Wilmington, Woolavington. Leag . e t . . « Ardingley, Chailey, Crawley, Earnley, East- PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 11 Leag-fold.. Diddlesfold. Leag-ham . . Sidlesham. Leag-tun . . Middleton, Singleton, Warbleton. Ling Brightling, Didling, Ditchelling, Wartling. Litling-tun Litlington. Mere Falmer, Keymer, Linchmere, Ringmer, Stan- mer, Tangmere. Mere-ing. . Angmering. M(estene . . Selmeston, Westmeston, R. Rade Rodmill. S. S.£ Pevensey, Winchelsea. Stade Elsted, Southbersted. Sted Binsted, Buxted, Grinstead (E. and W.), Horsted Parva and Keynes. Stoc Northstoke Weststoke. T. Tun , Alciston, Alfriston, Bepton, Binderton, Bish- opstone, Brighthelmstone, Clayton, Dune- ton, Friston, Hangleton, Heighton, Hough- ton, Hunston, Kingston (2), Laughton, Littlehampton, Merston, Plumpton, Pres- ton (2), Racton, Stoughton, Sutton, Trot- ton, Wiston, Yapton. W. Weorth . . . Fittlewortb, Lodsworth, Petworth, Worth. Wic , Newick, Rudgwick, Rumboldswyke, South- wick, Terwick, I 12 A GLOSSARY OF THE GLOSSARY. Note.— -At the end of the definitions, E . denotes that the word is peculiar to Eastern and W. that it is chiefly used in Western Sus- sex — S., words common to the whole county— R., words in Ray's collection. At the end of the derivations, Sax. shows that the word is Anglo-Saxon— T., Teutonic— F., French or Norman — L., Latin— C. B., Cambro-British— Du., Dutch— G., German— Dis., disused since the time of Ray—* that the same words, with the same meaning, are in Todd's Johnson.f A. Abouten, prep. [Abutan. Sax.] About. E. Adin, pr. [Corruption of Within.'] S. Adle, v. [Corruption of Addle.] E. Afeardt, adj. \Afyrht. Sax.] Afraid. E. Aitch-bone, s. [Corruption of Edge-bo?ie.] Part of a rump of beef. E. Amper,* s. [Ampre. Sax.] A tumour or swelling; a flaw in a woollen cloth. S. R. Ampery, adj. Beginning to decay, especially applied to cheese. E. Anewst,* adv. \On-neaweste. Sax.] Nigh, almost, near at hand. W. R. t The late Mr. Clio Rickman contributed a List of many Sussex Provincialisms to the Brighton Herald, in his usual weekly article headed The Reflector; his collection related, however, more to mispronunciations, or corruptions of words in general use ; than to words peculiar to the county. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 13 Appleterre, s. [Apple and Terre. F. Land.] An or- chard. E. Apse. s. [Espe. Du. JEspe. Sax.] Aspen-tree. S. Arguify, adj. Signify. E. Arter, adv. [Corruption of After,'] S. Ax, v. To ask. S. " Our host him axed, what man art thouV Chaucer's Ploughman's Tale, B. Bait,* s. [Bagan. Sax] Luncheon. E. Barton,* s. [Beorgan. Sax.] A yard or enclosure near a house. Dis. R. Batter, s. [Abattre. F.] An abatement. A wall which diminishes upwards is said to batter. S. Beck,* s. [Sax. T. Sec.] A small brook. E. R. Behither, adv. On this side. S. R. * The 51st mile stone stands behither the village, and the 52nd beyond" Bine,* s. Bind. The hop-stalk so called because it binds round the pole. E. Bishop, s. A Lady Bird. E. Blighted* v. [Bleych. T.] Blasted. S. R. Bly, s, [Blee. Sax.] Likeness, similarity. E. " This man has the bly of his brother" i. e. is much like him. Bonker or Bunker, v. [Bon caur. F. Good heart.] To outdo another in feats of agility, such as to jump better over a gate, ditch, wall, or hedge, a good heart or cou- v age being necessary. E. Bosky, adj. [Bouza. Copt, an intoxicating drink.] Elated with liquor, tipsy. E. Bostal or Borstal, s. [Bishop Green says from Bous and stello, i. e. a way in which oxen are driven in or 14 A GLOSSARY OF THE out of wain. But may it not more properly be derived from Borste, G., a cleft or crack, and hyl, Sax , a hill.] A winding way up a hill, generally a very steep one, as White Bostal, Ditchelling Bostal, &c , South- downs. R. Bother,* v. [May not this word be corrupted from Botha, the old Latin term for Booths or Stalls, such as are set up in common fairs, and from which dealers in various wares solicit custom in a loud and impertinent manner, and almost lead us to exclaim, " Do not bother (Botha) us so ? v ] To talk impertinently or incessantly, to ask foolish questions. S. Boulder-head, s. A work against the sea, made of small wooden stakes. E. Boulder or Bowlder, s. A stone worn round by the sea, probably from the similarity to Bowls, or perhaps from the sea's rolling or bowling them round. S. Brakes, s. \Brachan. Sax.] Common fern. S. R. Breachy, adj. [Breche, F., a Breach, because the sea has broken in.] Brackish, applied to water. E. Bread and Butters, s. Slices of bread and butter. S. Bren, s. A contraction of Bread and, as " Bren cheese/' " Bren butter," &c. S. Bruss, adj. [Brusque. F.] Proud, puffed up, upstart. E. Brutte,* v. [Brouter, F., to brouse.] To brouse or feed upon. S. R. Buck, s. The breast. Dis. R. Bud, s. [Bouten, F. Bette, Du.] A calf of the first year, so called because the horns then begin to appear or bud. S. Budge, s. [Bouge. F.] A water cask on wheels. E. Bundle, v. Used with off, to set off in a hurry. E. Bunger orBuNJER, v. [Bourgonner. F.] To do anything awkwardly. E. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. IS Burgh, s. [Probably from Burg, Sax ; but Wachter de- rives the German Bourg from Bergen, to cover, &c.] A rising ground, a hillock. The term is frequently applied to the Barrows or Tumuli on the Downs, S. c. Cant, v. To let an object slip or fall, used with off. S. Cant,* s. [Kant* Du.] A portion or corner of a field. A wheat field divided into slips for reaping is said to be divided into Cants. E. Catering, adv. Slanting, oblique. S. Champ, adj. Hard, firm. E. " The river has a champ bottom" Chavish, s. A chattering of many birds or noisy persons. Here the word has its origin in the sound ; the notes of several kinds of birds being very similar to this, word. S. Chequer-tree, s. A Service-tree. E. Chivy, v. To chase or pursue. E. Used als© as a sub- stantive. " Ovr dog gave that rabbit a good Chivy. '* Chizzel, s. [KiesalL T.] Bran. W. R. Christmas, s. Holly with berries, so called because houses are bedecked with it at Christmas. S. Chuck,* v. [Choc, F.} To toss or throw. S. " Chuck it away? Chucks, s. Large chips of wood. S. R, Chuckle-headed. W. Grout-headed. E. Adv. Stu- pidly noisy. Church-litten, s. [Church and Lictun, Sax., a burying- place.] A church-yard or burying-ground. W. Cist-pool, s. [Ciste, Sax., a receptacle, and Pul, Sax., a pool.] A receptacle for dirty water. S. 16 A GLOSSARY OF THE Clod-hopper,* s. A ploughman, or clownish fellow. S. Closh, s. [Claus, Du , abbreviation of Nicholas, a common name in Holland.] A nick-name for a Dutchman, as " Mynheer Closh." E. Clout, s. A blow, as " I gave him a clout on the head. 77 S. Clutch, adj. Close. " He holds it quite clutch" S. Coager, s. [Corruption of Cold Cheer ?] A meal of cold victuals taken by agricultural laborers at noon. E. Codger,* s. [Cod, a case or husk in which seed is en- closed.] A miser, a stingy old fellow. W. Cole, s. Sea kale, a herb peculiar to the sea coast. E. 11. Coomb or Combe, s. [Comb, Sax. Comp, C. B. Kum, Cromm, Gallic] A valley, S. 11. This word is also used in the same sense in Devonshire. Cope, v. [Cop, Sax., a top.] To put a finish to the top . of a wall, for which purpose half-circular bricks are used. S. Court, s. [Corruption of Cart.] A manure cart. E. Crank,* Cranky, adj. [Kranck, T. and BeLr.] Brisk, merry, jocund. A frolicsome horse is said to be cranky. S. Crap, s. Darnel, buckwheat. S. R. Crock,* s. [Crocca, Sax. Krug, T. Krogh, Belg. Crocha?i 7 C. B. Kruck, Danish.] An earthern vessel. S. " Go to the end of the rainbow, and you 11 find a crock of money," — Sussex Proverb, Croft,* s. [Croft, Sax.] A little meadow near a house. S. Crummy, adj. [From Crumb.'] Fat, fleshy, corpulent. E. " A fine crummy oF feller" Crusty, adj. [From Crust, or from Crouchy, cross ] Hi- tempered. S. " The old man was very crusty." Culls, s. [From Cull, to choose ] Inferior sheep sepa- rated from the rest of the flock. W. and Southdowns. Cute,* adj. [Cud, Sax.] Sharp, clever. S. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 17 D. Dang, v. Corruption of Damn. S. Dead-horse, s. To work out a dead-horse is to work out an old debt. S. Dee, s. and to Dee. [Dies. L.] Day and to day. S. Dell, s [Dal. G.] A small dale. E. Dezick, Des'ork, s. Day's work. S. Dibble,* s. An instrument used for making holes in which to plant beans. S. R. Die, s. [Die. Sax.] A dike. E. Dight* or Tight, [Dihtan. Sax.] To dress. S. " She is gone up stairs to dight." Dimsel, s. A piece of stagnant water. E. Dolling, s. [Darling] The youngest of a family, the youngest pig, &e. E. Doole, s. [Dalan, Sax., to divide, to mark out.] A coni- cal lump of earth, about three feet diameter at the base and about two feet in height, raised to show the bounds of parishes or farms on the downs. S. Dormar,* s. [Dormant. F.] A window in the roof of a house. S. Dosser * Dorsel, s. [Dorsale, L., a pack saddle.] A pack saddle, panniers in which fish are carried on horse- back. E. Dozzle, s. A small quantity. E. Dredge,* s. Oats and barley mixed. W. Used also in Norfolk and Essex. Drudge, v. [ Draghen, Du. Tragan 9 T.~\ To harrow with bushes. E. Duffer, s. A pedlar ; applied only to a seller, or rather hawker, of women's clothes. E. Punch, adj. [Dumpt, G., deaf.] Slow of comprehension, deaf. W. 18 A GLOSSARY OF THE Dunnamany and Dunnamuch. [Corruptions of 1 doni know how many or much.] E. E. Earth or Ash, v. [Eordigan. Sax.] To turn up the ground as a mole. It is sometimes used substantively for a ploughed field or stubble lands. S. Ersh. R. E'en-a'most. [Corruption of even almost, nearly.] S. " J ha'e e'en-a'most done wimming " (winnowing). Ellet, s. The elder tree. Ellinge,* adj. [JElenge, Sax, long. Ray says from Elongatus, L. Elend, G., miserable, wretched.] Lonely, solitary, far from neighbours. E. R. "A very ellinge old house, 17 Ether, Eder, s. [From Tether, to fasten.] A piece of pliant undervyood, wound between the stakes of a new-made hedge. S. F. Fan, v. [Derived by some from the substantive Fan.] To teaze or banter. S. Fay, v. [Faire, F., to do.] To act or work. " It fays well" is synonimous with " It works well/' W. Fegs,Fags, inter). [Corruption of Faith, or I have faith.] As " It rains hard, fegs!" i. e. I believe it rains fast. It is also used instead of certainly, undoubtedly, with- out a question, as " That horse trots well, fegs !" &c. S. Fitten, adj. [Vitten. Flemish.] Fit, proper. S. Flapjack,* s. A turn-over apple-pie. E. Fleet* v. [Flieffen, T. Vlieten, Du., to remove from place to place.] To float. E. " The tide comes in and the vessels fleet." PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 19 Fleet or Flit, v. [Flytter, Danish, to remove.] To skim milk. Flit milk is milk from which the cream has been skimmed. S. Flick, v. [Flicken 9 G., to tear in pieces.] To strike as with the end of a whip. W. Slkk. E. Flick, adj. [Fltick, G,, fledged.] The down of rabbits. E. Flit, adj. Shallow. S. Floush-hole, s. [Fluere, L., to flow. Fluyssen, Belg., to flow violently.] A hole that receives the waste water from a mill-pond, and into which it flows with great violence. S. Flue, adj. [Fluss, G., state of flowing.] Washy, weakly, liable to catch cold, tender. E. " That horse is very flue." FluttermouseW. Flindermouse* E. Flittermouse* E. s. [Vliddermuys, Du.] A bat. Fly-goldinc, s. A lady-bird. E. Fob, v. To froth as beer. W. Fogey, s. [Fougeux, F., fiery, passionate.] An eccentric or irascible old man. S. Fogo. See Hogo. Fostal, s. [Corruption of Forestall^ A paddock near a farm-house, or a way leading thereto. S. R. Frith, s. [Frith, Sax., a holy wood.] Young underwood growing by the side of hedges, hence the names of farms Friths, Frithlands, &c. S. Windings of Hedges. E FuTYor Phooty, adj. [Fuit, F. Futilis, L.] Silly, fool- ish, beneath notice. S. " What a futy dozzle" i. e. what a small quantity, it is beneath notice. G. Gaffer* and Gammer, s. [Corruptions of grandfather and grandmother.'] S. 20 A GLOSSARY OF THE Gacy, adj. Showery. E. Galley-bikd, s. A wood-pecker, Ganse or Gants, s. Merriment, hilarity. E. u He jumped about and had sich ganse.' r Gaunt, adj. Thin, lean, long-legged. S. Ganty, adj. Having ganse. E. " A ganty horse" Gate, s A farm-yard. W. GaZles, s. Black currants. S. Gill,* s. A kind of ravine formed by the constant flowing of water. E. R. Glincy, adj. [Corrupted from Glance.] Smooth, slippery, applied only to ice. E. Glum, adv. [Glumm, G., not clear.] Dull, heavy, out of spirits, sulky. S. " 1 think Hwool rain, it looks vast (i.e. very) glum." " He seems very glum about it" Goyster or Yoyster, v. To frolic, hallow, and laugh ; to act tumultously. S. R. Grab, v. [Graben, G., a ditch.] To rake up with the hands so as to soil them. E. GratteNj s. [Grater, F., to scratch.] A field of stub- ble ; because after the corn is cut it is customary to turn in sheep, pigs, geese, &c, which scratch for the grain that may have been left in the field* E. R. Gratten, v. [From the same.] E. As u De geese be gone a grattening." Grip,* s. [Grip. Sax.] A small ditch or drain. E. Grom, v. To soil or make dirty. E, Grumpy, adj. [Grim. Sax.] Sulky. S. u The eld gal was very grumpy." Gubber, s. Black mud. E. Gull, v. Spoken of the washing away of earth by the violent flowing of water. W. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 21 Gull, s. A gosling, a young goose. S. The bloom of willow. E. Guts, (Gouts, R ), s. [Gouttes, F. Gutfa, T,.] Under- ground channels for taking away waste water, &c. S. Guzzle, s. [Guss, G., a drain or sink.] A narrow ditch for running water. E. H. Haggle,* v. \_Bagen. G.] To stand hard in dealing. S. Haitch, s. A slight passing shower. E. Haitchy, adj. Misty. E. IIamwood, s. A hoop fixed round the collar of a carl- horse, to which the chains are affixed. S. Hansel,* v. [Hand-syllan ?f Sax.] To use the first time. W. Haum* s. [Healm, Sax.] The straw of beans, peas, tares, &c. S. R, Heal,* v. [Helan, Sax.] To cover with bed-clothes, to cover seed. S. R. Heirs, s. Young timber trees. W. Helon, v. [Helan. Sax] To cover, to hide. E. Helve, v. To gossip. E. Hem, adj. Very. E. "Hem ritm oV feller dot" Hem-a-bit, adv. Certainly not. S. Hike, v. [Corruption of to hoist. ] E. Hob, s. The side of a grate, or the space between that and the chimney. S. Hob-lamb, s. [Heber, G , to remove, imperfect tense hob.] A pet lamb, a lamb removed from its mother. S. f Perhaps of Hand and Syllan, Sax., to give, or Handsel, a new year's or day's gift. The money taken upon the first part sold of any commodity or first in the morning.— Bailey, 22 A GLOSSARY OF THE Hogo,* s. [Haut gout. F.] A disagreeable scent. W. In Eastern Sussex Fogo is its synonyme. Holl, v. To hurl or throw. E. Holt, s. [Holt, Sax., wood.] A little grove or wood on the Southdowns, especially on a side hill, thus Jevington Holt, Wilmington Holt, &c. E. R. Holt, interj. [Corruption of Halt.'] To stop. S. Hornicle, s. [Corruption of Hornet.] S. R. Horsebeech, Husbeech, s. [Hurst, Sax., a wood, and beech, a timber tree.] The hornbeam. S. Hort, v. [Corruption of Hurt.] S. Hotagoe, v. To move nimbly, spoken of the tongue. R. (I believe, Dis.) " You hotagoe your tongue" Hover,* adj. [Heafian, Sax., to heave up.] Light, spoken of the ground or soil. S. R. Huck, s. Corruption of Husk. S. Huckle-my-buff, s. Beer, eggs, and brandy mixed. E. Hull * s. [Hulse. T.] The husk or chaff of corn. W. Hunk, E. Hunch, W. s. A solid piece of bread, meat, or cheese. "A gurt hunk 6* bre'n cheese" i.e. a large piece of bread and cheese. Hurst,* s. [Hurst. Sax.] A wood. S. I. Ile, s. [Ml. Sax.] Oil. E. In, v. To enclose. E. Not much used. " I inned that piece of land from the common" J. Janty,* adj. [Corruption of GentiL] Showy. E. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 23 Joss, v. Jossing-block, s. A block by which a rider mounts his horse after waiting. E. K. Keeler, E. Kiver, W. s. [Kuhlen, G , to cool.] A shal- low tub used for cooling beer. E. Kell, s. [Corruption of Kiln.'] As lime-kell, brick-kell, &c. S. Kelter,* s. [Kilter, Dan., to gird ; or Cultura, L.] Frame , order, condition. S. R. 6C The house is in a sad kelter." Kerf,* s. [Ceorran, Sax., to cut] The furrow made by a saw, a notch in wood. R. Little used at present. Kex* or Kix, s. The stalk of hogweed, hemlock when de- foliated and dry. S. Kid, s. The pod or shell of beans, pease, &c. W. Kilk, s. Charlock, a weed growing among corn, with yellow flowers. S. Knabbler, s. [Knappen, Du., to bite.] A person who talks much to no purpose. E. Knittle, s. [From Knit.] A string used to tie the neck of a sack. E. Knucker, v. To neigh. E. Synonymous with Whinny. L. Lades, s. [ILladian, Sax., to load.] Rails or boarding places round the top of a waggon, to enable it to bear a greater load. E. Larrup, v. To beat. E. Lats, s. Laths. S. [In this, and many other Sussex words, the provincial pronunciation is superior to that generally received ; lath being derived from the Saxon Latta, h is a redundant letter] 24 4 GLOSSARY OF THE Lawrence, s. A kind of imaginary saint or fairy, whose influence produces indolence, thus, " I caunt get up, Jor Lawrence hae completely got holt an me" — u I hue got a touch o' oV Lawrence to-dee, I be troubled to git ane wud me work" This personage is also kuown in Dorsetshire. Leah,* adj. [Leer, G, empty.] Empty, as " A lear wag- gon" " A lear stomach" &c. W. Lease,* v. [Lesan, Sax., to gather, to collect. Lesen Belg.J To glean corn. S. R. Leasing, part. Gleaning. S. Let,* s. [Leag, Sax., a field.] A recently mown clover field is called a clover ley. W. Lew,* adj. [Lauw, G. Liew, Du.] Sheltered from the wind. S. Libbet, s. A billet of wood, a staff about two feet in length, used in various games, Sec. E. Link, s. [Gelenche, G.] A green or wooded bank, always on the side of a hill between two pieces of cultivated land. Southdowns, Lip, Seed-lip, or Seed cord, s. [Seed-leap, Sax.] A wooden box of a peculiar shape, which is carried by persons when sowing the ground. E. Lithy,* adj. [Lithe.] Pliant, supple. S. Litten,* s. See Church-litten. Liversick, s. A hang-nail on the finger. E. Lizend, adj. [Leesened?] Blasted and lank ears of corn. R. Dis. Lob, v. To throw gently. E. Long-dog, s. A greyhound. S. Lourdy, adj. Sluggish. R. Not much used. J.uton, s. [Corruption of let on.] A projection from a house, as a bow-window, &e. E. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 25 M. Mawk,* s. A slattern, an awkward woman. S. Maxon, E. Mixen,* W. s. [Mixen. Sax.] Aheap of dung, or rather a heap of dung and lime, or mould, mixed together for manure. Misagaft, adv. Mistaken, misgiven. R. Dis. Mith, v. [Corruption of Might.] E. " I mith have done it" Mokes,* s. The meshes of a net. It. Mommick, v. To cut or carve awkwardly or unevenly, E, Mort,* s. [Morgt. IceL] A great quantity. E. Mothery, adj. [Moeder, Du., mud.} Mouldy, generally applied to liquors, as mothery ale, mothery wine, &c. S. Much one. Much the same. S. N. Nab,* s. [Cnap, Sax.] The summit of a hill. S. Nail, s. Eight pounds of beef or cheese. S. Nan, interj. What. S. Neb, s, [Neb, Sax. Nebbe, Du., the bill or beak.] The poll of an ox-cart. E. Nonce,* s. Purpose, intent, design, S. Still in frequent use. Nover, s. High land above a precipitous bank, E, Nudge, s. A push. E. Nunting, adj. Awkward looking, E, o. Oast-house, or Haust, s. A place for drying hops, E, Used also in Kent. As hops were introduced into "England from Flanders^ probably person? who under" 26 A GLOSSARY OF THE stood the culture and cure of the article were brought with them ; hence the word Heuse, a house, was ap- plied by these foreigners to the building where the hops were dried ; subsequently Heuse was corrupted into Haust, or Oast, and the word House very impro- perly appended by those who did not know the im- port of the original. Otherwhile,* adv. Sometimes. E. Owl, s. A moth. E. p. Pandles, s. Shrimps. E. Patherish, adj. Silly, applied to sheep which have the disease known as " water on the brain." S. Pells, s. [Diminutive of Pools. Palus, L., a lake.] Holes of water, generally very deep, beneath an abrupt water-fall. S. Pen nock, s. A little bridge over a water-course. E. Penstock,* s. [From Pen, to coop up, and Stock, a store.] A flood-gate erected to keep in or let out water from a mill-pond as occasion may require. S. Pett, s. A pit with water in it. E. Pharisees,! s. Called also Farish and Farishes. [Cor- ruption of Fairies.] S. f A belief in -the freaks of Puck, Robin Good Fellow, and their " ryght merrie " colleagues, was formerly very prevalent in Sussex, particularly on the Southdowns, where the Hag*tracks 9 or Phari-rings, were considered positive proofs of their exist- ence. Demi-centenarians well remember the marvellous tales with which their aged gaffers and gammers, " seated in high- backed chairs/' used, during their childhood, to edify them. Happily, however, that age has passed away. Ignorance and superstition have been supplanted by the diffusion of know- PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 27 Pickisii, or Picksome, adj. Dainty. S. Pilrag, s. A field ploughed up and neglected. E. Pinnold, s. A small bridge. S. Platty, adj. Uneven. E. Pookneedle, s. Cocle, an injurious weed. S. Poud, s. A boil or ulcer. R. Dis. Pourd, orPoAD-MiLK, s. The first milk after caking. E. Puckets, s. Nests of caterpillars. R. Dis. Q. Quest, v. [Quero, L., to seek.] To give tongue as a spa niel does on trail. E. Quotted, adj. [Quota, L. ? a share.] Satiated, cloyed E. R. u I have eaten so muck that I am quite quotted m " R. Raddles, Raddle-fence, &c, s. [Reed, Sax., a band.] Long pieces of supple underwood, twisted between upright stakes to form a fence. E. Hollinshed says, " Our fathers did dwell either in houses of stone or in houses of raddles." Rap and Run, v. [Ropio, L., to steal.] To procure all one can by any means in his power. S. Rape,* s. A division of land, peculiar to Sussex, compre- hending several hundreds. S. ledge among the lower orders of the community. At the pre- sent day our children know no more of Pharisees than of mer- maids and dragons. Fairies, witches, and the whole herd of spirits, " white, blue, and grey," have betaken themselves to lome remote region : the schoolmaster is abroad, and has visited even Sussex, and fearing, doubtless, the stroke of his wand, this community has thought it prudent to disappear. 28 A GLOSSARY OF THE Rath,* adv. [Rath, Sax.] Early ripe, soon. E. R. " I got up rath this morning." a The July-friend is a rath ripe apple" Raves, s. See Lade. W. Reafe, v. [Raffen, T. Reafan, Sax. To snatch.] To anticipate pleasure in, or long for the accomplishment of a thing. To speak continually on the same sub- ject. E. Refuge, adj. [Corruption of Refuse.] Inferior, unsale- able — as refuge bricks, refuge-sheep, &c. S. Rice, s. [Corruption of Rise,] Small wood, or the tops of trees. W. Ricksteddle, s. [From Rick and Stead.] An enclosure for corn or hay ricks. S. Riddle,* s. [Hriddle, Sax.] An oblong sieve. W. R. Rill, v. [Corruption of Rail.] To ruffle one's temper. W. To climb. E. Ripiers,* s. [Ripa, L., a shore.] Men from the sea-shore who sell fish. E. R. Roke, s. [Corruption of Reek.] Steam from boiling water. S. Round-frock, s. A gaberdine, or upper garment, worn by the rustics. S. Roupey, adj. [Hroop, Icel., vociferation.] Hoarse. E. Rowings, s. [Corruption of Roughings.] The latter pasture, which springs after the mowing of the first crop. E. Rum,* adj. Eccentric, queer, as a "rum oV feller" E. Rut,* s. [Route, F., a track.] The mark left by a wheel. S. s. Salts, s. Marshes near the sea flooded by the tides. E. Scaly, adj. [Sceller, F., to cramp.] A scaly fellow is gynonimous with a mean person. S. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 29 Sclat or Slat, v. To beat upon with violence. W. " The rain sclats agin de winders" Scorse* or Scose, v. To exchange ; probably from the fact of discoursing previously to the exchange. E. Scrouge, v. [Corruption of to crowd ] S. Scupfle, s. An outer garment worn by children to keep the clothes clean, an apron to do dirty work in. E. Seam, s. A horse-load. R. Dis. Sew, adj. [Spoken of cows.] To go sew is to go dry. E. Shard,* Shade, s. \Sherd i a broken vessel.] A piece of broken tile or pottery; also a gap in a fence. E. Shaw,* s. [Scurva, Sax., a shadow.] A little wood — "A wood that encompasses a close." — ~Ray. S. Shawle, s. A shovel to winnow withal. W. R. Sheat or Shut, s. [From the verb to shoot or grow up ] A young growing pig. S R. Shelve, v. To turn manure, &c, from a cart by raising its front part and causing it to lie obliquely. E. Shift, v. [Scyftan, Sax.] To divide. E. Shim, s. An instrument for hoeing up weeds. S. Shimper, v. [Corruption of Shimmer.'] To shine brightly. E. " How the carriage-wheels shimper in the sun" Shindy, s. [Schinden, G., to do any thing beyond reason.] A disturbance. •' He kicked up such a shindy." S. Shire-way, s. A bridle-way. S. Shirk y, adj. [From the verb Shirk.] Deceitful. E. Shrape, v. To scold. E. Shrievy, adj. Having threads withdrawn. S. Shuck, v. [Corruption of to Shake.] S. " Doarit shuck de table so" Shuck, s. A husk or shell, as a " bean-shuck." E. Shuckish, adj. Unpleasant, unsettled, showery; as a u shuckish journey," " shuckish weather," Sec. S, Shun, v. To push. S. R. 30 A GLOSSARY OF THE Shy, v. To fling or toss at any thing. S. Sidy, adj. Surly, moody. S. It. Sippets, s. Small thin pieces of bread mixed with milk or broth. S. Sizzing, s. Yeast or barm, so called from the sound made by beer or ale in working. S. R. Skade, s. [Scade, Sax.] Harm, mischief. E. Skaddle,* adj. [Scade, Sax.] Mischievous, often applied to a dishonest cat or dog. S. R. Skeeling, s. The bay of a barn. S. R. Skid, v. To affix a hook to the wheel of a waggon to pre- vent it descending a hilly road too rapidly. S. R. Skrow, adj. Surly, dogged. Most used adverbially, as " he looks skrow," i. e. he looks sourly. S. R. Slappel or Slavven, s. A large piece, synonimous with hunk. S. R. Sleech, s. Mud or sea sand used as manure. The sedi- ment deposited by the sea in the river Rother is called sleech. E. Slick, v. See Flick. Slick, v. [Slicht, T.] To sleek, to comb the hair. E. See also Flick. Slim, v. [Schlim, Sax., naughty, crafty.] To do any work in a careless or deceptive manner. S. Sung, v. This word is applied to cows, ewes, &c, which bring forth their young prematurely. S. Slock, adj. Loose. E. Slocksey, adj. Slovenly. S. Slub, s. Wet and loose mud. E. Snack, v. To share or be in partnership with. S. Snagge, s. [Snaegl, Sax.] The common snail. S. Sneyd, s. The handle of a scythe. S. Snoule, s. A small quantity. E. Snudge, v. To hold down the head, to sneak. S. PROVINCIALISMS OF SUSSEX. 31 Sossle, v. To make a slop. E. Spene, s. [Spana, Sax.] A cow's teat or pap. E. R. Spice, s. [Corruption of Species.] A slight attack of any disorder. S. " J ha got a spice o* de toothache" Spilwood, s; Wood thrown by the sawyers. E. Sprong or Spronk, s. The stump of a tree or tooth. E. Squab,* s. An unfeathered bird. S. Squat,* v. To bruise or or lay flat. S. R. Stade, s. [Stade, Sax.] A shore or station for ships. E. Used constantly at Hastings. Stamwood, s. [From Stem wood.] The roots of trees re- moved from the earth. S. R, Steale, s. [Stiel, T.] The handle of several agricultural implements, &c. S. R. Stoach, v. To make an impression on wet land, as oxen do in winter. E. Stoach y, adj. Dirty, as " a stoachy road." E. Stockey, adj. Iritable, headstrong, and contrary, com- bined. E. Stolt, adj. Strong. E. Strand, s. [Strang, G,, a rope or string] One of the twists of a line of horse-hair. S. R. A withered stalk of grass. E. Strig, s. The foot-stalk of a flower, leaf, or fruit. S. Stuckling, s. An apple-pie. W. R. Stusnet, s. A posnet or skillet. S. R. Sussex Pudding, s. Boiled paste. S. Swank, [Corruption of Swamp. ] A bog. W. Swap,* v. To exchange. E. Sweale,* v. [Swelan, Sax., to kindle.] To burn the hair, as from a pig, or from the head. S. R. Swimy, adj. [Corruptiou of Swimming.] S. Swod ? s, A basket for measuring fish. E, 32 A GLOSSARY OF THt Swolk, t. [Probably from Sulky.] To be angry. E. Sworle, v. To snarl as a dog. S. R. T. Tack, s. A nasty taste* E. Tawer,* s. tXWe7',Sax.J A fell-monger, leather dresser. S a Tegious, adj. Much, a great quantity. Sometimes used for tedious. E. Tightish, adj. Well, in good health. <• Pretty tightish " is pretty well. S. Timersome, adj. Timerous. S. Tip up, v. To cause to fall down. E. Toller, s. [Corruption of Tallow.], S* Tol-lol, adj. Tolerably well. S. Tot, s. A bush . S. T other day. Not indefinite; but the day before yester- day. S. Tovet, s. A measure of two gallons. E. Trade, s. A road. E. Travis, s. [Travas, Span.] A place adjoining a black-* smith's shop where horses are shod. S. Trig,* v. [Trucken,^ ., to press.] To place a stone behind a wheel to prevent a carriage from slipping. W. Trug-basket, s. [Corruption of Truck.] A wooden basket for carrying chips or vegetables. E. R. Trull, v. [Corruption of Trundle.] To bowl a hoop* S. R. To underdrain. E. Tuck, s. [luck, T., cloth.] An upper garment worn by children. S. Tug, s. [From Tug, to draw.] A timber carriage. E. Twitten, s. An alley or narrow passage, S. R. u. Unked,* adj, [Uncuth, Sax,, unknown] Bad looking; PROVINCIALISMS OP SUSSEX. 33 having the appearance of evil, betokening bad weather E. Dull, lonely. S. V. Valler, W. Voller, E. s. Fallow. R 9 Also used in E. for a large wooden dish used in dairies, Voore, s, A furrow. S. R. w. Wabble, v. fCorruption of Waddle} To shake from side to side, to vibrate. S. Warp, s. ["From the verb warp, to turn aside] A piece of land included between two furrows ; also four herrings. E. Wase, s. A small bundle of straw. S. Water-table, s. A small embankment made across a road, especially on a hill, to carry off the water. E. Wattle, s. \Watelas, Sax.] Hurdles. S. R. Whacking, adj. Fat, lusty, hearty. E. Whapper,* s. Any thing uncommonly large. S. Whapple-way and gate, s. A way or gate through which carriages cannot pass, but only horses. W. Whiddle or Whittle, s. [Hwitel, Sax.] A garment be- tween a shawl and a blanket. S. R. Whilk, v. To howl like a dog. S. Whinny, v. [Corruption of whine ?] To neigh. W. Wimme or Wim, v. [Corruption of Winnoiv.'] To clean corn. S. Wint or Went, v. [Wenden G,, logo] To go to and from. E. s. Two furrows ploughed by the horses going to one end of the field and back again; E, Wrockled, adj s Wrinkled, E, 34 A GL0SSART Y. Yapfel, s. A woodpecker. E. Y anger, adj. [Corruption of Yonder.'] E. Yet-near or Yet-ner, adv. Not nearly. E. " I be'ant 20 yur ol } yetner." Yow. [Corruption of Ewe.] FINIS, FLEET, PRINTER, HERALD -OFFICE, BRIGHTON. •ffla