[Ansteorra] Period furs- long

[David Hughes]

David Hughes wrote:
>
> Alexandria Doyle wrote:
> >
> > > > In the inventories of Queen Elizabeth, there are records of rabbit fur
> > > > being used for linings and trimming for her gowns.  Sable, ermine and
> > > > varieties of rabbit were the most common, also used were mink and
> > > > squirrel, with lettice, lamb and wolf used infrequently.  There is also
> > > > mention of sable being used for tippets which were worn around the neck
> > > > and shoulders.
> > >
> > > Thanks for the info, Alexandria.
> > >
> > > But what is a "lettice"? I don't think it is something you put
> > > in your salad... :-)
> > >
> > > Stefan li Rous
> > > stefan at texas.net
> >
> > uhm, it's a beastie with a really nice fur?  Sorry, I haven't a clue and
> > the resources I have don't have any information regarding them.  I seem
> > to recall seeing the name in a period cookbook, but of course I can't
> > find it now.  I tried a web search and it seems this is a really popular
> > lady's name, it's period even (see Lettice Knolly), but no matter how
> > ruthless Queen Elizabethan may have been, I don't think it's likely that
> > she was wearing the skin of some woman named Lettice...
> >
> > Alexandria
> > ____________
>
> Did a little searching.
> One source says " a pale gray fur"
> Another suggests weasel.
> A third a fur similar to ermine or powdered ermine
> A fourth the underbellies of squirrels (Which could be pale gray).
> Still another suggests that the term might be used in error, and not
> describe a fur, but rather a style.
> Ah, the joys for the Web <G>
>

Checking the OED, "a grayish white fur", references back to the
14th-17th centuries, more modern usage, a polecat (which has black or
dark brown fur in the Eurasian and African mammal)
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