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42 A Dictionary of the Sussex Dialect.
Fetch. A trick; a stratagem; a false appearance.
"Mere fetches; The images of revolt and flying off."
—King Lear, Act ii. sc. 4.
Fid. To work too hard at anything. In Yorkshire the word foy has the same meaning.
Fight. To flog. A standing complaint of parents against a school-teacher is " I wants more learning and less fighting."
File. A cunning, deceitful person.
In the same sense the word is used in speaking of a hare running her file.
Fill-dick, m. The month of February.
" February fill the dick, Every day white or black."
—Sussex Proverb.
Fire-fork, w. An iron prong for raking ashes out of the oven.
Fire-spannel, m. A lazy person, who is always sitting by the
fireside. Firm, m. A form; a bench without a back.
Fitches. Vetches.
Fitting, m. Proper; right.
" I didn't think it was at all fitting that he should call me over, and bellick about house same as he did, just because his supper wasn't ready dracly minute."
Fitty. Subject to fits.
The following extract from the Selmeston parochial account-book shows how afflicted persons were dealt with in former times,—
" Ladiday, 1790. This is an agreement which is between the Churchwardens and Overseers and Parishioners of the Parish of Selmeston, in the County of Sussex.
" The said parishioners do agree that R. Hillman should take Jas. Norman at two shillings and sixpence per week so long as he continues in the fitty state, but when Mr. Hillman shall give it in that he can work well, and equal with other boys, he, the said Hillman, will do and keep him, the said boy, for as little and little money as any parishioner shall think proper."
Flake, e. Cleft wood.
Flam, w. A small net used in ferreting to cover the rabbit-holes.
Flap, w. A large broad mushroom. |
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