_Meaning of Gig-Hill._--Can any of your readers favour me with an
explanation of the following matter in local topography? There are two
places in the neighbourhood of Kingston-on-Thames distinguished by the name
of _Gig-Hill_[3], although there is no indication of anything in the land
to warrant the name.
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Are there any instances to be met with where the place of punishment by the
stocks or pillory in olden times, was known by that name?
There was a king of Brittany who resigned his crown, and obtained the
honours of canonisation as Saint Giguel, in the seventh century. St. Giles,
who died about the sixth century, might, perhaps, have had some connexion
with those who are traditionally believed to have been punished on the
spot; that is, if we judge by his clients, who locate themselves under the
sanctity of his name as a "Guild" or fraternity in London.
There is, however, a curious use by Shakspeare of the word gig. It occurs
in _Love's Labour's Lost_, Act V. Sc. I.:
Holofernes says,
"What is the figure?"
_Moth._ Horns.
_Holofernes._ Thou disputest like an infant. Go, whip thy gig."
I submit this matter, as local names have often their origin in religious
associations or in proverbial philosophy.
It has been suggested that _giggle_, as a mark of the derision to which the
culprit was exposed, might so become corrupted.
If the term be connected with the punishment, it would be, doubtless, one
of general application. The smallest contribution will be thankfully
received.