_Meaning of "Pension."_--The following announcement appeared lately in
the London newspapers:--
"GRAY'S INN.--At a _Pension_ of the Hon. Society of Gray's Inn,
holden this day, Henry Wm. Vincent, Esq., her Majesty's
Remembrancer in the Court of Exchequer, was called to the degree
of Barrister at Law." {135}
I have inquired of one of the oldest benchers of Gray's Inn, now
resident in the city from which I write, for an explanation of the
origin or meaning of the phrase "pension," neither of which was he
acquainted with; informing me at the same time that the Query had often
been a subject discussed among the learned on the dais, but that no
definite solution had been elicited.
Had the celebrated etymologist and antiquary, Mr. Ritson, formerly a
member of the Society, been living, he might have solved the difficulty.
But I have little doubt that there are many of the erudite, and, I am
delighted to find, willing readers of your valuable publication who will
be able to furnish a solution.