_Turning the Tables._--In Bingley's _Useful Knowledge_, under the head of
MAPLE, I chanced to hit upon the following the other day:
"By the Romans maple wood, when knotted and veined, was highly prized
for furniture. When boards large enough for constructing tables were
found, the extravagance of purchasers was incredible: to such an extent
was it carried, that when a Roman accused his wife of expending his
money on pearls, jewels, or similar costly trifles, she used to retort,
and turn the tables on her husband. Hence our expression of 'turning
the tables.'"
Can any of your kind contributors supply a better derivation?
[Omega]. [Phi].
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Queries.