autumn, in allusion to the fall of the leaves.
Fallopian Tubes. Said to have been discovered by Gabriel Fallopius, the eminent Italian anatomist of the sixteenth century. They were, however, known to the ancients.
Falls City. Louisville, in the state of Kentucky, because it overlooks the falls of the Ohio River.
Falmouth. A seaport at the mouth of the Fale.
Family Circle. This expression had a literal meaning in the time of the Normans, when the fire occupied the centre of the floor, and the smoke found its vent through a hole in the roof. In Germany and Russia the domestic apartments are economically warmed by an enclosed stove in the centre. Amongst ourselves the phrase “sit round the fire” only conveys a half-truth.
Fancy Drink. An Americanism for a concoction of various spirits, as distinguished from a Straight Drink of one kind.
Fandago. Spanish for a “lively dance.”
Farmer George. George III., on account of his dress, manners, and bucolic sporting inclinations.
Farm Street. From an old farm, on the land of Lord Berkeley of Stratton in the time of Charles I.
Faro. So called from a representation of Pharaoh on one of the cards originally.
Farringdon Road. After William Farringdon, citizen and goldsmith, who, for the sum of twenty marks, in 1279 purchased the Aldermanry of the ward named after him.
Farthing. From the Anglo-Saxon feorthling, a little fourth. In olden times penny pieces were nicked across like a 95Good Friday bun; so they could be broken into halves and fourths as occasion required.
Farthingale. A corruption of Verdingale, from the French vertugarde, a guard for modesty. Queen Elizabeth is said to have introduced this hooped petticoat in order to disguise her figure.
Farthing Poet. The sobriquet of Richard Horne, who published his chief poem, “Orion,” at one farthing, so that it should not want for buyers.
Fastern’s E’en. The Scottish description of Shrove Tuesday, being the eve of the Lenten Fast.
Father of Believers. Mohammed, because he established and promulgated the faith of the Moslem, or “true believers.”
Father of the Music Halls. The late William Morton, manager of the Palace Theatre of Varieties, and founder of the earliest London Music Hall, “The Canterbury,” in the Westminster Bridge Road, which dates from the year 1848.
Fathers of the Church. The great doctors or theological writers of the period from the first to the seventh centuries of Christianity. See “Apostolic Fathers.”
Faugh-a-Ballagh Boys. The 87th Foot, from their battle cry.
Feast of Lanterns. A Chinese festival which occurs on the fifteenth day of the first moon of the year. Walking by the side of a beautiful lake one night the daughter of a mandarin fell in, and was drowned. When her father heard of the accident he, attended by all his household, carrying lanterns, rushed to the spot. On the anniversary he caused fires to be lighted beside the lake, and invited all the people of the country round about to offer up prayers for the safety of her soul. In course of time the solemn character of the gathering was forgotten, and the day has ever since been observed as a national holiday.
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