P.S. The pedigree of the Norfolk Bacons is one of the most _perfect_ in the
Herald's College. Any of your readers fond of genealogy might find himself
repaid in seeking further information regarding the _particular coat of
arms_ above referred to, and might throw still more light on the subject.
In Vol. ii., p. 247., your correspondent, NOCAB, quotes (without reference)
the remark _en passant_ of a previous correspondent "that the word _bacon_
had the obsolete signification of 'dried wood.'" I have searched in vain
for this allusion in your preceding Numbers.[2] The information is too
curious, however, to be lost sight of. The _Saxon_ word _bacon_ is, without
doubt, simply and purely _beechen_--pertaining to, or relating to the beech
tree.
It is probable enough, therefore, that the word _has_ borne the
signification of "dried wood." But it is very desirable to know on what
authority the assertion rests. Will your correspondent refer us to the
book? Or can any of your learned readers say how, where, and when _bacon_
has signified "dried wood?"
The subject is well worth the bestowal of some pains upon its elucidation;
for the meaning and derivation of the word _bacon_, both as a substantive
noun and as a proper name, have been frequently discussed by etymologists
and philologists for the last 300 years; and yet, apparently, without any
satisfactory determination of the question. The family is ancient, and has
been highly distinguished {42} in literature, and science and art. The
pedigree is one of the most perfect on record. But Lord Bacon himself, "who
knew everything" else, knew nothing of his own name.
[Footnote 2: See vol. ii., p. 138.]