A negro slave, noted for his fidelity, piety, and the faithful discharge of all his duties. Being sold, he has to submit to the most revolting cruelties. (Mrs. Beecher Stowe: Uncle Tom's…
Gone to my uncle's. Uncle's is a pun on the Latin word uncus, a hook. Pawnbrokers employed a hook to lift articles pawned before spouts were adopted. “Gone to the uncus ” is exactly…
When Washington was in want of ammunition, he called a council of officers, but no practical suggestion could be offered. “We must consult brother Jonathan,” said the general, meaning his…
In character. In harmony with a person's actions, etc. Out of character. Not in harmony with a person's actions, writings, profession, age, or status in society. Character (A ). An…
(A), in George III.'s time, meant a flannel petticoat. It was afterwards applied to what were called false shirts —i.e. a shirt front worn over a dirty shirt, or in lieu of a shirt. These…
Though respectably reviewed, Winfrey's cinematic endeavors were anything but Beloved by theatergoers. John Waters' Pecker Speaking of talk show audiences, that substantial demographic didn't…
