[Ansteorra] More on 'Smalls'

[Stefan li Rous]

Not too long ago there was a discussion on whether the term 'smalls'  
should be used in the SCA or not, and if so, was it really used in  
period to denote a child or underclothes.

I just finished editing tonight an article on this subject and it is  
now online in the SCA-SOCIOLOGY section of the Florilegium.

Smalls-art        (10K) 11/28/09  "'Smalls' in period: children or  
underwear?" by Lady Wenyeva atte grene.
http://www.florilegium.org/files/SCA-SOCIOLOGY/Smalls-art.html

Among her conclusions:
"It appears as though calling children smale -- which is a plural noun  
-- is perfectly period for Middle English and possibly Early Modern  
English. Smalls with the -s is a 20th century usage when referring to  
children, and most likely no earlier than 19th century when referring  
to underclothes."

Stefan
--------
THLord Stefan li Rous    Barony of Bryn Gwlad    Kingdom of Ansteorra
    Mark S. Harris           Austin, Texas          StefanliRous at austin.rr.com
**** See Stefan's Florilegium files at:  http://www.florilegium.org ****