[Loch-Ruadh] Word of the Day, March 8

[Cait O'Hara]

hippomachie

A fighting on hors[e]-back.

-- Edward Phillips's New World of English Words, 1658

Lenten War Games
About 1174, a Canterbury monk named FitzStephen described a custom practiced during Lent in the time of Henry II:  "Every Friday afternoon, a company of young men ride out on horses fit for war and racing, and trained to the course.  Then the citizens' sons flock through the gates in troops, armed with lances and shields, and practice feats of arms.... When the king lieth near, many courtiers and young striplings from the families of the great, who have not attained the warlike girdle, resort to these exercises.  The hope of victory inflames everyone.  Even the neighing and fierce horses shake their joints, chew their bridles, and cannot endure to stand still."





---
Never meddle in the affairs of dragons;
For you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.
-- Acacia



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