ChatterBank0 min ago
FT Polymath
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3d Member of a 17th century brotherhood of aristocratic hooligans
T?T?R? - T?
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Definition here: http://www.absp.org.uk/publications/chamdefs.html
tityre-tu
A member of a 17c fraternity of aristocratic hooligans [Opening words of Virgil's first eclogue, Tityre tu, Tityrus, thou (lying under the spreading beech) conjectured to indicate the class who had beech trees and the leisure to lie under them]
The Tityre Tus were 'dissolute young scapegraces of the late 17th century (similar to the Mohocks) whose delight was to annoy the watchmen,upset sedans,wrench knockers off doors and insult pretty women.The name comes from the first line of Virgil's first Eclogue,Tityre,tu patulae recubans sub tegmine fagi,because the Tityre Tus loved to lurk in the dark night looking for mischief.' (Source:-Brewer's)
They sound as if they were absolute pussycats compared with the modern breed!
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