Chapter Salt River to Samuel of S by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Salt River to Samuel

Salt River (To row up), to go against the stream, to suffer a political defeat.

There is a small stream called the Salt River in Kentucky, noted for its tortuous course and numerous bars. The phrase is applied to one who has the task of propelling the boat up the stream; but in political slang it is applied to those who are “rowed up.”—Inman.

Salvage Knight (The), sir Arthegal, called Artegal from bk. iv. 6. The hero of bk. v. (Justice).—Spenser: Faërie Queene (1596).

Salvator Rosa (The English), John Hamilton Mortimer (1741–1779).

Salvatore , Salva’tor Rosa, an Italian painter, especially noted for his scenes of brigands, etc. (1615–1673).

But, ever and anon, to soothe your vision,
Fatigued with these hereditary glories,
There rose a Carlo Dolce or a Titian,
Or wilder group of savage Salvatore’s.

Byron: Don Juan, xiii. 71 (1824).

SAM, a gentleman, the friend of Francis’co.—Fletcher: Mons. Thomas (1619).

Sam, one of the Know-Nothings or Native American party. One of “Uncle Sam’s” sons.

Sam (Dicky), a Liverpool man.

Sam (Uncle), the United States of North America, or rather the government of the states personified. So called from Samuel Wilson, uncle of Ebenezer Wilson. Ebenezer was inspector of Elbert Anderson’s store on the Hudson, and Samuel superintended the workmen. The stores were marked E·A. U·S. (“Elbert Anderson, United States”), but the workmen insisted that U·S. stood for “Uncle Sam.”—Mr. Frost.

Sam Silverquill, one of the prisoners at Portanferry.—Sir W. Scott: Guy Mannering (time, George II.).

Sam Slick. (See SLICK.)

Sam Weller. (See WELLER.)

Samael , the prince of demons, who, in the guise of a serpent, tempted Eve in paradise. (See SAMIEL.)

Samandal, the largest and most powerful of the under-sea empires. The inhabitants of these empires live under water without being wetted; transport themselves instantaneously from place to place; can live on our earth or in the Island of the Moon; are great sorcerers; and speak the language of “Solomon’s seal.”—Arabian Nights (“Beder and Giauharê”).

Samarcand Apple, a perfect panacea of all diseases. It was bought by prince Ahmed, and was instrumental in restoring Nouroun’nihar to perfect health, although at the very point of death.

In fact, sir, there is no disease, however painful or dangerous, whether fever, pleurisy, plague, or any other disorder, but it will instantly cure; and that in the easiest possible way: it is simply to make the sick person smell of the apple.—Arabian Nights (“Ahmed and Pari-Banou”).

Sambenites [Sam’-be-neets], persons dressed in the sambenito, a yellow coat without sleeves, having devils painted on it. The sambenito was worn by “heretics” on their way to execution. (See SAN BENITO.)

And blow us up i’ the open streets,
Disguised in rumps, like sambenites.

S. Butler: Hudibras, iii. 2 (1678).

Sambo, any male of the negro race.