Page:A Glossary of Berkshire Words and Phrases.djvu/107

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berkshire words.

HEPPERN.—An apron. At old-fashioned village schools the usual punishment for a child was to be pinned to the "heppern" of the schoolmistress; when in this position a "thimble-pie" would be the punishment for levity or further misconduct.

HERN.—Hers.

HERRIOTT.—A fine, payable by a tenant of a leasehold property on succession at death of previous holder. As an example, in an indenture, dated 23rd December, 1743, between Mr. Joseph Lowsley and Mr. Thomas Horde lands were leased for 99 years or three lives on payment of

"One fatt capon at Christmas and Herriott upon decease of each life."

HEV AT.—To encounter, to undertake earnestly.

"I me-ans to hev at killin' down thaay rabbuts avoor long 'um be a-yettin all the young kern."

HEY.—Have. See also Ha, or Hev.

HIDE.—To whip, to beat.

HIDIN'.—A flogging; a beating.

HIGGLE.—To demur, to repeatedly raise objections.

To chaffer.

HIGH JINKS.—Vagaries, merry doings.

HIGHTY-TIGHTY.—Conceitedly proud, stuck up; also easily taking offence, huffy.

HIKE.—"Move off!" Always used peremptorily.

"What be you bwoys at ther, hike aff that ther ladder an' be aff."

HINDER.—To prevent.

"I me-ans to do't, an' who be a-gwaain to hinder muh."

HIPS.—The seed pods of the dog rose. Children thread these together to form necklaces and bracelets.

HIST-UP.—("I" pronounced as in "high.") A command given to a horse to lift up a foot for inspection; also shouted to a horse when it stumbles.

HIS-ZELF.—Himself. "A wunt go by his-zelf" (he won't go alone).