Notes and Queries, Number 15, February 9, 1850 by Various
page 40 of 71 (56%)
page 40 of 71 (56%)
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lighted upon a curious specimen of domestic hieroglyphics, the
notice of which recalls to mind the quaint marginal symbols scattered over the inventories of the Exchequer Treasury, at a much earlier period. They are not devoid of information or interest. The word of which he requests explanation, is, indeed, of too base Latinity to be found in the _Facciolati_, or even in the _Auctarium_; but in our old Latin dictionaries, sources of abundant information on obsolete expressions, the word is readily to be found. Old Gouldman, for instance, whose columns are replete with uncommon and local English terms, gives "_Pandoxor_, to brew," citing Alciatus as authority, and "_Pandox_, a swill-bowl," apparently a word used by Statius. It is obviously a barbarous derivative of the same Greek words as _Pandocium_ or _Pandoxarium_ ([Greek: pan] and [Greek: docheion]), the hostelry open to all comers. If, however, a more recondite authority for the explanation of the word, as formerly used in England, be desired, I would refer your querist to the pages of the _Promptorium Parvulorum_, where may be found--"Bruwyn ale or other drynke, _Pandoxor_. Browstar, or brewere, _Pandoxator, Pandoxatrix_", the medieval Bass or Guinness having been, most frequently, a female. And, having cited the primitive lexicographer of Norfolk, I would seize the occasion to offer a note, in response to the numerous queries regarding the too tardy advance of the work in question, and to assure your readers, who may be interested in the publications of the Camden Society, that a further instalment of the _Promptorium_ is in forwardness, so that I hope to complete a considerable portion, in readiness for issue, early in the current year. ALBERT WAY. |
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