Chapter C: W. G

_Meaning of Crabis_ (Vol. v., p. 165.).--In quoting the note to Lord Lindsay's _Christian Art_, extracted from MS. _Collectanea_ of Sir David Lindsay of the Mount, and illustrating a story of the Pelican, your correspondent F. W. I. wishes for a translation of the word _crabis_, which Sir David makes use of in describing the undutiful behaviour of the young pelicans towards their paternal parent.

The old Scotch verb, _crab_, signified to tease, vex, annoy. As an active verb it is now obsolete, but it is still in use, at least its participles are in a passive sense. I have frequently heard _crabbing_ used to describe the state of mind of one out of humour or sulking. _Crabbed_ has long been an English word, and as such has its place in Johnson's _Dictionary_. It is not in such common use to the south as it is to the north of the Tweed; but from the Land's End to John-o'-Groat's, it is used to designate a chronic form of the same failing, which, in its temporary form, is described above as "crabbing." It is, moreover, applied to man's works as well as to his temper. A _crabbed hand_ and a _crabbed style_ of writing are expressions of every-day use in Scotland, and are eminently descriptive of the effect of such writing upon the temper of the reader.

W. A. C.

Ormsary.

"_'Twas whisper'd in Heaven_" (Vol. v., p. 214.).--In Number 122. you answer an inquiry of DIABOLUS GANDER, by stating your belief that the enigma, "'Twas whisper'd in Heaven," &c., is by Lord Byron.

Although it was for some time attributed to this author, it became subsequently well known to be the work of Miss Catherine Fanshawe, in whose handwriting I have seen it, together with another unpublished enigma of hers, in the album of a lady of my acquaintance.

E. H. Y.

_"Troilus and Cressida," Act I. Sc. 3._ (Vol. v., pp. 178. 235.).--The meaning which your correspondent wishes to give the word _dividable_ seems exactly the one wanted in this passage; but need we go so far from its apparent derivation as to derive it from _divitias_, _dare_?--One of the meanings of _divido_ is to distribute,--why then should not _dividable_ mean _distributive_, distributing their riches, &c.?