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sionnach commented on the word tailor's mense
food left on one's plate after a meal is finished.
January 7, 2010
Gammerstang commented on the word tailor's mense
(noun) - A small portion left by way of good manners. In some parts of the North it is the custom for the village tailor to work at his customer's house, and to partake of the hospitality of the family board. On these occasions the best fare is invariably provided; at least such was the case when I was a boy; and the tailor to shew that he has had enough, generally leaves a little on his plate, which is called tailor's mense . . . From mense, decency, propriety of conduct, good manners, kindness, hospitality.
--John Brockett's Glossary of North Country Words, 1825
January 16, 2018