_Pandoxare_.--Your correspondent, "H.B." (No. 13. p. 202.), has
lighted upon a curious specimen of domestic hieroglyphics, the
notice of which recalls to mind the quaint marginal symbols
scattered over the inventories of the Exchequer Treasury, at a much
earlier period. They are not devoid of information or interest. The
word of which he requests explanation, is, indeed, of too base
Latinity to be found in the _Facciolati_, or even in the
_Auctarium_; but in our old Latin dictionaries, sources of
abundant information on obsolete expressions, the word is readily to
be found. Old Gouldman, for instance, whose columns are replete with
uncommon and local English terms, gives "_Pandoxor_, to brew,"
citing Alciatus as authority, and "_Pandox_, a swill-bowl,"
apparently a word used by Statius. It is obviously a barbarous
derivative of the same Greek words as _Pandocium_ or _Pandoxarium_
([Greek: pan] and [Greek: docheion]), the hostelry open to
all comers. If, however, a more recondite authority for the
explanation of the word, as formerly used in England, be
desired, I would refer your querist to the pages of the
_Promptorium Parvulorum_, where may be found--"Bruwyn ale or
other drynke, _Pandoxor_. Browstar, or brewere, _Pandoxator,
Pandoxatrix_", the medieval Bass or Guinness having been, most
frequently, a female. And, having cited the primitive lexicographer
of Norfolk, I would seize the occasion to offer a note, in response
to the numerous queries regarding the too tardy advance of the work
in question, and to assure your readers, who may be interested in
the publications of the Camden Society, that a further instalment of
the _Promptorium_ is in forwardness, so that I hope to complete
a considerable portion, in readiness for issue, early in the current
year.