Page:A Glossary of Berkshire Words and Phrases.djvu/173

 156 BERKSHIRE WORDS.

STOORY."— To ** hev a stoory " with a person is to visit and hear the somewhat rambling account of aihnents and troubles.

STOPPLE. — The stopper of a Field beer barrel or earthenware jar.

STOUT.— The horse fly. A ^'stoutish lad*' is a well grown lad.

STRAAIN.— Breed.

STRAAITS. — In poor circumstances.

STRAAYGHT.— Soon.

STRADDLE.— To get astride.
 * 'Thee had best stert on an' I'll voller straayght"

STRADDLE WISE.— With legs wide apart.

STRAKE.— Streak.

STRAME or STRE-AM. — A stream. Most of the streams in Berkshire cease to run at a certain time of year, and the '* old folk" have a good deal to say or prophecy on this matter.

They say of the Lambonrn, that *' the earlier it dries up, the higher will be the price of com." The reason for the saying no doubt is that dry weather is favourable for corn. *• Drought never bred famine in England."

The **Pang" which rises at Touchums Pond, at Hampstcad Norreys. never begins to rise much before the shortest day, nor to sink much before the longest day.

STRAP-OIL.— A beating with a strap.

STRAPPER. — A journeyman labourer coming for work at harvest time or hay making.

A big strong person.

STRAY, or STRAA.— Straw. /*Down in the s/rfly " refers to the time of an animal bringing forth young.

STRE-ANGER, or STRAAINGER.— The expression, ** we wunt maayke no sire-anger on *e" is the cordial invitation to a guest to feel himself at home, and indicates also that there is no extra preparation or ceremony on his account.

STRIDE. — To pace in order to ascertain distance. ** I stdded »it " is held conclusive with reference to assertion as regards

mice.

Ul be a smartish stride y e knaws, vrom my house up to verm."