Lacock Abbey
Oct. 22. 1848.
Sir I feel much flattered that my little work on Etymology should meet with the approbation of one so well qualified to judge as yourself.<1> With respect to continuing the work, I have in fact made considerable collections towards a second volume, and though the materials are arranged without order, it is hoped that by the aid of the Indexes the work may prove of some utility.
The problem which you propose to me in your letter, as to the etymology of daysman I am not able to solve – on consulting Halliwell’s dictionary I find he says “it is still used in the north for an arbitrator or umpire see Plumpton corres. p. 82” but as I do not possess the correspondence referred to, I can only suggest that possibly it may contain a passage decisive of the meaning of the word –
I remain Sir Your most obedt Servt
H. F. Talbot
Notes:
1. WHFT, English Etymologies (London: John Murray, 1847). Lower was highly respectedf for his English surnames : Essays on family nomenclature, historical, etymological and humorous : with chapters of rebuses and canting arms, the roll of Battel Abbey, a list of latinized surnames, &c., &c (London: J. R. Smith, 1842). Lower had published a smaller version of this in 1839 and continued with regular editions through a posthumous one in 1879.