Chapter Aberdeen Philosophical Society to Accidente of A by Brewer's Readers Handbook

ensign; but when he finds that ensign Beverley is captain Absolute, he declines to fight, and resigns all further claim to the lady’s hand.—Sheridan: The Rivals (1775).

When you saw Jack Palmers in “captain Absolute,” you thought you could trace his promotion to some lady of quality, who fancied the handsome fellow in his top-knot, and had bought him a commission.—Charles Lamb.

Abudah, in the Tales of the Genii, by H. Ridley, is a wealthy merchant of Bagdad, who goes in quest of the talisman o f Oromanês, which he is driven to seek by a little old hag, who haunts him every night and makes his life wretched. He finds at last that the talisman which is to free him of this hag [conscience] is to “fear God and keep His commandments.”

Abudah, in the drama called The Siege of Damascus, by John Hughes (1720), is the next in command to Caled in the Arabian army set down before Damascus. Though undoubtedly brave, he prefers peace to war; and when, at the death of Caled, he succeeds to the chief command, he makes peace with the Syrians on honourable terms.

Abydos (Bride of). (See Bride.)

Academus, an Attic hero, whose garden was selected by Plato for the place of his lectures. Hence his disciples were called the “Academic sect.”

The green retreats of Academus.
   —Akenside: Pleasures of Imagination.

Acadia (i.e. Nova Scotia), so called by the French from the river Shubenacadie. In 1621 Acadia was given to sir William Alexander, and its name changed; and in 1755 the old French settlers were driven into exile by George II. Longfellow has made this the subject of a poem in hexameter verse, called Evangeline .

Acasto (Lord), father of Serino, Castalio, and Polydore; and guardian of Monimia “the orphan.” He lived to see the death of his sons and his ward. Polydore ran on his brother’s sword, Castalio stabbed himself, and Monimia took poison.—Otway: The Orphan (1680).

Accidente! , a curse and oath used in France occasionally.

Accidente! ce qui veut dire en bon français: Puise-tu, mourir d’accident, sans confession, damne.—Mons. About: Tolla (a tale).