Page:A Glossary of Words Used In the Neighbourhood of Sheffield - Addy - 1888.djvu/20

 few of the words marked 'L' are, however, the contributions of a gentleman, now well known as a scholar and philologist, who wrote in the Local Notes and Queries above-named by the assumed name of 'Leofric.' These words are all valuable, and I only wish that there had been more of them. I hope that I do not divulge a secret when I mention the name of Mr. Henry Bradley as the writer who bore this assumed name. The Rev. William Doig, formerly a master in the Sheffield Grammar School, projected, whilst living in Sheffield, a glossary of words used in this district, and his manuscript has been put into my hands. He had, however, made but little progress with his work when he left the district. About half a dozen words have been obtained from this source. Mr. Doig had done little more than make a summary of Hunter's glossary, with the intention doubtless of afterwards adding other words.

It will be seen, however, that this glossary owes little to the collections of any previous worker in the same field. It is essentially the fruit of my own observation and research.

As the work progressed fresh words were constantly being found, and my own knowledge of the subject increasing. Hence it will be seen that some of the best words are thrown into the Addenda, and that I have there modified, enlarged, or corrected some of the opinions and statements given in the glossary. Work of this kind is necessarily progressive, and before judgment is passed upon any of the statements or opinions expressed herein, the Addenda should be consulted.

BOOKS WRITTEN IN THE DIALECT.

I am only aware of the existence of one book—there are a few unimportant pamphlets—written in the Dialect. A copy of Abel Bywater's Sheffield Dialect, 3rd ed., 1877, is before me. This contains a short 'Memoir' by Mr. Albert Middleton. In it Mr. Middleton tells us that Bywater was born in 1795, that he was 'apprenticed to an awl-blade maker,' that he afterwards became a chemist and druggist, and that he died in 1873 at the age of 78. This work has been read for the glossary, and numerous quotations will be found from it. Prefixed to it is a brief 'glossary' and a few