A provincial glossary;
with a collection of local proverbs, and popular superstitions.
London, S. Hooper, 1790
Highlights include the Northern word 'Peef' to 'cough short, and faintly; as sheep', and the Exmouth expression 'Zowerswopped' meaning to be 'Ill-natured', in addition to proverbs such as 'England is a ringing island' — apparently so because we have 'more bells in number, greater in size, and better tuned... than any other country in Europe, Italy not excepted'. The final 57 pages are given-over to popular superstitions, including a fascinating description of witches ('almost universally a poor, decrepit, superannuated woman'), sorcerers, and local folklore.
Second edition; 8vo (20.5 x 12.5 cm); browning to title edges, occasional foxing; contemporary calf, green morocco label, spine extremities worn, lightly rubbed; viii, [324], 57, [3]pp.
ESTC T6207.
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