Chapter Judas Slits to Jumper of J by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Judas Slits to Jumper

Judas Slits or Judas Holes. The peep-holes in a prison-door, through which the guard looks into the cell to see if all is right; when not in use, the holes are covered up.

"It was the faint click made by the cover of the `Judas' as it falls back into the place over the slit where the eyes have been." - The Century: Russian Political Prisons, February, 1888, p. 524.

Judas Tree A translation of the Latin arbor Judae. The name has given rise to a Greek tradition that it was upon one of these trees that Judas Iscariot hanged himself.

Judas-coloured Hair Fiery-red. Cain is represented with red hair.

"His very hair is of the dissembling colour, something browner than Judas's." - Shakespeare: As You Like It, iii. 4.

Jude (St.), in Christian art, is represented with a club or staff, and a carpenter's square, in allusion to his trade.

Judee La petite Judée (French). The prefecture of police: so called because the bureau is in the Rue de Jérusalem, and those taken there for offences look on the police as their betrayers.

Judge's Black Cap The judge puts on his black cap (now a three-cornered piece of black silk) when he condemns to death, in sign of mourning. This sign is very ancient. "Haman hasted to his house mourning, having his head covered" (Esther vi. 12). David wept "and had his head covered" (2 Samuel xv. 30). Demosthenes went home with his head covered when insulted by the populace. Darius covered his head on learning the death of his queen. Malcolm says to Macduff in his deep sorrow, "What, man! ne'er pull your hat upon your brows" (Macbeth, iv. 3). And the ancient English, says Fosbroke, "drew their hoods forward over their heads at funerals."

Judges' Robes In the criminal courts, where the judges represent the sovereign, they appear in full court dress, and wear a scarlet robe; but in Nisi Prius Courts the judge sits merely to balance the law between civilians, and therefore appears in his judicial undress, or violet gown.

Judica (Latin). The fifth Sunday after Lent; so called from the first word of the service for the day, Judica me, Domine (Judge me, O Lord). (Psalm xliii.)

Judicium Crucis was stretching out the arms before a cross, till one of the party could hold out no longer, and lost his cause. The bishop of Paris and abbot of St. Denis appealed to this judgment in a dispute they had about the patronage of a monastery; each of the disputants selected a man to represent his cause, and the man selected by the bishop gave in, so that the award was given in favour of the abbot.

Judicium Dei (Latin). The trial of guilt by direct appeal to God, under the notion that He would defend the right even by miracle. There were numerous methods of appeal, as by single combat, ordeal by water or fire, eating a crust of bread, standing with arms extended, consulting the Bible, etc., etc.

Judith The Jewish heroine of Bethulia, who perilled her life in the tent of Holofernes, the general of Nebuchadnezzar, in order to save her native town. The bold adventurer cut off the head of the Assyrian, and her townsmen, rushing on the invaders, defeated them with great slaughter. (The Book of Judith.)

Jug (A) or a Stone jug. A prison. (See Joggis .)

Juge de Paix (French). A cudgel.

"Albert Mangin, condamné à mort le 7 floreal an. ii. ayant dit que les jacobins étaient tou des scélérats et des coquins, et montrant un gros bâton qu'il tenait à la main: Voilà un `Juge de paix' qui me servira à leur casser la barre du cou." - L. P. Prudhomme: Dict. des Individus Condamnés, etc.

Jugged Hare The hare being cut up is put into a jug or pipkin, and the pipkin is set in a pan of water. This bain marie prevents the contents of the pipkin from being burnt.