_The "Forlorn Hope"_ (Vol. viii., p. 411.).--This is no quotation; but the
expression arose in the army from its leader or captain, who, being often a
disappointed man, or one indifferent to consequences, now ran the "forlorn
hope" either of ending his days or obtaining a tomb in Westminster Abbey.
From the captain, after a time, the term descended to all the little
gallant band. In no part of our community will you find such {527} meaning
expressions (often very slang ones) used as in the army. A lady, without
hearing anything to shock "ears polite," might listen to the talk of a mess
table, and be unable to understand clearly in what the conversation
consisted. "He is gone to the bad"--meaning, he is ruined. "A wigging from
the office" (a very favourite expression)--a reprimand from the colonel.
"Wigging" naturally arising from tearing the hair in anger or sorrow, and
the office of course substituting the place from whence it comes for the
person who sent it. Besides may others, _quæ nunc_, &c.