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Dictionary definition: ‘PIG’. taboo word
- Article from:
- A Dictionary of Superstitions
- Author:
Copyright© A Dictionary of Superstitions 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information)
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‘PIG’. taboo word
1726
C. ELLISON
Benwell Village
20 [Northumb.]
Neither did here, In sight appear Of Swine, foul, dreadful Nomen; Which common Fame, Will oft proclaim Of Luck, dire, wretched Omen.
1861
E. B. RAMSAY
Scottish Life
31–2 [E. coast, Fife]
It was arranged that his friend [a visiting minister who could not believe the taboo] was to read the chapter relating to the herd of swine into which the evil spirits were cast. Accordingly, when the first verse was read … a slight commotion was observable among the audience, each one of them putting his or her hand on any piece of iron—on a nail on the seat or back-board, or to the nails on their shoes. ...
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Dictionary definition: ‘KNIFE’. taboo word
A Dictionary of Superstitions;
274 words
...‘KNIFE’. taboo word 1883 J. R. TUDOR Orkneys and Shetland 166 [Shetland] When setting their lines they avoided, and do still, mentioning certain objects, except by certain special words or phrases. Thus a knife is called skunie , or tullie .
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