spell

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Published: 1964
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/46877

spell n "The population is a mixed one, nearly half being the descendants of Irish settlers, the rest English; most of them sprung from progenitors who came originally from Devonshire, Dorset- shire, and Hampshire. The descendants of the latter retain many of the peculiarities of speech which still distinguish the peasants of Devonshire. They say, 'I's took no notice to _she_,' that is, no notice of her. 'Did 'ee want anything wi' it' They speak of their 'handses and postses;' of their cows being 'alossed,' and their bread 'amade.' They will say 'Mubbe I's goun home.' The parson is 'pareson,' and they ask him to 'bide a _spurt_' with them. A _'spell'_ is either short con- tinuance at labor or a time of rest. Short distances are, in common speech, measured as 'spells.' Thus 'two shoulder spells' is a distance a man would ordinarliy carry a burden on his shoulders, resting once in the midst. The word 'obedience' is sometimes used for 'obeisance.' Thus, chil- dren are directed to 'make their obediance,' that is, to bow courtesy. The inhabitants of a _settle ment_ are called 'liviers,' and if any district be uninhabited there are said to be no 'liviers' in it. PRINTED ITEM [-][1875] 1887 fisheries of U.S.[-] W Kirwin, 5/79 JH 5/79 =30 [check] Used I and Sup Used I and Sup 1 Used I Cited quotation only partially used in DNE.