Chapter Above-board to Absquatulate of A by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Above-board to Absquatulate

Above-board In a straightforward manner. Conjurers place their hands under the table when they are preparing their tricks, but above when they show them. "Let all be above-board" means "let there be no under -hand work, but let us see everything."

Above par A commercial term meaning that the article referred to is more than its nominal value. Thus, if you must give more than #100, for a #100 share in a bank company, a railway share, or other stock, we say the stock is "above par."

If, on the other hand, a nominal #100 worth can be bought for less than #100, we say the stock is "below par."

Figuratively, a person in low spirits or ill health says he is "below par."

Above your hook - i.e., beyond your comprehension; beyond your mark. The allusion is to hat-pegs placed in rows; the higher rows are above the reach of small statures.

Abracadabra A charm. It is said that Abracadabra was the supreme deity of the Assyrians. Q. Severus Sammonicus recommended the use of the word as a powerful antidote against ague, flux, and toothache. The word was to be written on parchment, and suspended round the neck by a linen thread, in the form given below: -

 A B R A C A D A B R A
A B R A C A D A B R
A B R A C A D A B
A B R A C A D A
A B
R A C A D
A B R A C A
A B R A C
A B R A
A B R
A B
A

Abracax also written Abraxas or Abrasax, in Persian mythology denotes the Supreme Being. In Greek notation it stands for 365. In Persian mythology Abracax presides over 365 impersonated virtues, one of which is supposed to prevail on each day of the year. In the second century the word was employed by the Basilidians for the deity; it was also the principle of the Gnostic hierarchy, and that from which sprang their numerous Æons. (See Abraxas Stones.)

Abraham His parents. According to Mohammedan mythology, the parents of Abraham were Prince Azar and his wife, Adna.

His infancy. As King Nimrod had been told that one shortly to be born would dethrone him, he commanded the death of all such; so Adna retired to a cave where Abraham was born. He was nourished by sucking two of her fingers, one of which supplied milk and the other honey.

His boyhood. At the age of fifteen months he was equal in size to a lad of fifteen, and very wise; so his father introduced him to the court of King Nimrod. - Herbelot: Bibliothèque Orientale.

His offering. According to Mohammedan tradition, the mountain on which Abraham offered up his son was Arfaday; but is more generally thought to have been Moriah.

His death. The Ghebers say that Abraham was thrown into the fire by Nimrod's order, but the flame turned into a bed of roses, on which the child Abraham went to sleep. - Tavernier.

"Sweet and welcome as the bed
For their own infant prophet spread,
When pitying Heaven to roses turned
The death-flames that beneath him burned." T. Moore: Fire Worshippers.

To Sham Abraham. To pretend illness or distress, in order to get off work. (See Abram-Man.)

"I have heard people say Sham Abram you may,
But must not Sham Abraham Newland."
T. Dibdin or Upton

Abraham Newland was cashier of the Bank of England, and signed the notes.

Abraham's Bosom The repose of the happy in death (Luke xvi.22). The figure is taken from the ancient custom of allowing a dear friend to recline at dinner on your bosom. Thus the beloved John reclined on the bosom of Jesus.

There is no leaping from Delilah's lap into Abraham's bosom - i.e., those who live and die in notorious sin must not expect to go to heaven at death. - Boston: Crook in the Lot.