17 JANUARY 1931, Page 30

Answers to Questions upon Familiar Terms ,

1. A wife whose husband is temporarily absent. Possibly "a widow de grcice," by courtesy ; or possibly, as resembling a horse temporarily "turned out to grass."-2. Greek, idiote.9. (a) A person not engaged in any public office ; (b) one intellectually incapable of useful public service ; (c) one mentally deficient.-3. A joint consisting of two sirloins left uncut at the backbone.- 4. At the age of 63. The ages 7, 9, and their multiples were supposed to be critical periods in human life-63 (7x 9) especially so.-5. The old Toll-gate consisted of a strong wooden frame, fitted with spikes or pikes, and turning on a stout post.-63 A horse let out for hire (cf. hackney-coach, a vehicle for public! hire.)-7. From Ang.-Sax. Uric, a thick stake or club—the origin of the bat.-8. (a) The wide-breeched Dutchmen who originally settled in New York (cf. Washington Irving's History of New York); (b) the present day baggy breeches.-9. (a) A hawker of costar& (apples); (b) any street hawker.-1O. Greek, pans, pherne, pherein : (a) The personal property which a bride brought with her over and above her dowry ; (b) trappings, accessories, odds and ends generally.----11. (a) Right-handed ; (b) skilful.- 12. (a) Left-handed; (b) inauspicious ; (c) evil.-13. Corruption of Girasole (Italian), because the vegetable resembles the Sunflower.