156 BERKSHIRE WORDS.
STOORY."— To ** hev a stoory " with a person is to visit and hear the somewhat rambling account of aihnents and troubles.
STOPPLE. — The stopper of a Field beer barrel or earthenware jar.
STOUT.— The horse fly. A ^'stoutish lad*' is a well grown lad.
STRAAIN.— Breed.
STRAAITS. — In poor circumstances.
STRAAYGHT.— Soon.
- 'Thee had best stert on an' I'll voller straayght"
STRADDLE.— To get astride.
STRADDLE WISE.— With legs wide apart.
STRAKE.— Streak.
STRAME or STRE-AM. — A stream. Most of the streams in Berkshire cease to run at a certain time of year, and the '* old folk" have a good deal to say or prophecy on this matter.
They say of the Lambonrn, that *' the earlier it dries up, the higher will be the price of com." The reason for the saying no doubt is that dry weather is favourable for corn. *• Drought never bred famine in England."
The **Pang" which rises at Touchums Pond, at Hampstcad Norreys. never begins to rise much before the shortest day, nor to sink much before the longest day.
STRAP-OIL.— A beating with a strap.
STRAPPER. — A journeyman labourer coming for work at harvest time or hay making.
A big strong person.
STRAY, or STRAA.— Straw. /*Down in the s/rfly " refers to the time of an animal bringing forth young.
STRE-ANGER, or STRAAINGER.— The expression, ** we wunt maayke no sire-anger on *e" is the cordial invitation to a guest to feel himself at home, and indicates also that there is no extra preparation or ceremony on his account.
STRIDE. — To pace in order to ascertain distance. ** I stdded »it " is held conclusive with reference to assertion as regards
mice.
Ul be a smartish stride y e knaws, vrom my house up to verm."
