Chapter Cataian to Cathos of C by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Cataian to Cathos

Cataian, a native of Cataia or Cathay, the ancient name of China; a boaster, a liar. Page, speaking of Falstaff, says—

I will not believe such a Cataian, though the priest of the town commended him for a true man [i.e. truthful man].—Merry Wives of Windsor, act ii. sc. 1 (1601).

Cateuclani, called Catieuchlani by Ptolemy, and Cassii by Richard of Cirencester. They occupied Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. Drayton refers to them in his Polyolbion, xvi.

Catgut (Dr.), a caricature of Dr. Arne in The Commissary, by Sam. Foote (1765).

Catharick (Anne), “the Woman in White,” in Wilkie Collins’s novel (1860).

Catharine, queen-consort of Charles II.; introduced by sir W. Scott in Peveril of the Peak. (See Catherine, and also under the letter K.)

Catharine (St.) of Alexandria (fourth century), patron saint of girls and virgins generally. Her real name was Dorothea; but St. Jerome says she was called Catharine from the Syriac word Kethar or Kathar, “a crown,” because she won the triple crown of martyrdom, virginity, and wisdom. She was fastened to a wheel, but was beheaded November 25, which is her fête day.

To braid St. Catharine’s hair means “to live a virgin.”

Thou art too fair to be left to braid St. Catharine’s tresses.
   —Longfellow: Evangeline (1848).

Cathay, China or rather Tartary, a corruption of the Tartar word Khitai, “the country of the Khitaians or Khitans.’ The capital was Albracca, according to Ariosto (Orlando Furioso).

…the ship
From Ceylon, Ind, or fair Cathay unloads.
   —Byron: Don Juan, xii. 9 (1821).

Cathba, son of Torman, beloved by Morna, daughter of Cormac king of Ireland. He was killed out of jealousy by Duchômar, and when Duchômar told Morna and asked her to marry him, she replied, “Thou art dark to me, Duchômar; cruel is thine arm to Morna. Give me that sword, my foe;” and when he gave it, she “pierced his manly breast,” and he died.

Cathba, young son of Torman, thou art of the love of Morna. Thou art a sunbeam in the day of the gloomy storm.—Ossian: Fingal, i.

Catherine, wife of Mathis, in The Polish Jew, by J. R. Ware.

Catherine [Hayes], by Ikey Solomon (a pseudonym of Thackeray), 1839–1840. The object of the novel was to discountenance the popular fictions of highwaymen, freebooters, pirates, and burglars.

Catherine Hayes was burnt to death at Tyburn, in 1720, for the murder of her husband.

Catherine (The countess), usually called “The Countess,” falls in love with Huon, a serf, her secretary and tutor. Her pride revolts at the match, but her love is masterful. When the duke her father is told of it, he insists on Huon’s marrying Catherine, a freed serf, on pain of death. Huon refuses to do so till the countess herself entreats him to comply. He then rushes to the wars, where he greatly distinguishes himself, is created prince, and learns that his bride is not Catherine the quondam serf, but Catherine the duke’s daughter.—Knowles: Love (1840).

Catherine of Newport, the wife of Julian Avenel.—Sir W. Scott: The Monastery (time, Elizabeth). (See Catharine, and under K.)

Cathleen, one of the attendants on Flora M‘Ivor.—Sir W. Scott: Waverley (time, George II.).