Chapter Nebraska to Nemean Lion of N by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Necklace A necklace of coral or white bryony beads used to be worn round the necks of children to aid their teething. Necklaces of hyoscyamus or henbane-root have been recommended for the same purpose. In Italy coral beloques are worn as a charm against the “evil eye.”
   The diamond necklace (1785). (See Diamond Necklace.)
   The fatal necklace. Cadmos received on his wedding-day the present of a necklace, which proved fatal to everyone who possessed it. Some say that Vulcan, and others that Europa, gave the necklace to Cadmos. Harmonia's necklace (q.v.) was a similar fatal gift. (See Fatal Gifts.)

Necromancy means prophesying by calling up the dead, as the witch of Endor called up Samuel. (Greek, nekros, the dead; manteia, prophecy.)

Nectar Wine conferring immortality, and drunk by the gods. The Koran tells us “the righteous shall be given to drink pure wine sealed with musk.” The food of the gods is Ambrosia. (Greek nektar.)

Neddy (a man's name). A contraction and diminutive of Mine Edward-Mine Eddy, My N'Eddy. Teddy is the French tu, toi, form; and Neddy the nunation form. (Ed', Ted, Ned.)
   Neddy. A donkey; a low cart used in Dublin; so called because its jolting keeps the riders eternally nodding.

“The `Set-down' was succeeded by the Noddy, so called from its oscillating motion backwards and forwards.”- Sketches of Ireland (1847).

   Neddy. A dunce; a euphemism for “an ass.”

Need Makes the old Wife Trot In German, “Die noth macht ein alte weib traben;” in Italian, “Bisogna fà trotter la vecchia;” in French, “Besoin fait trotter la vieille;” the Scotch say, “Need gars naked men run.”

Needs must when the Devil Drives The French say: “Il faut marcher quand le diable est aux trousses;” and the Italians say: “Bisogna andare, quando il diavolo è nella coda.” If I must, I must.

“He must needs go that the Devil drives.”
Shakespeare: All's Well That Ends Well, i. 3.

Needfire Fire obtained by friction. It has been supposed to defeat sorcery, and cure diseases assigned to witchcraft. (Danish, gnide, to rub.)

Needful (The). Ready money, cash. The one thing needful for this life.

Needham You are on the high-road to Needham - to ruin or poverty. The pun is on the word need. Needham is in Suffolk. (See Land Of Nod.)

Needle To hit the needle. Hit the right nail on the head, to make a perfect hit. A term in archery, equal to hitting the bull's-eye.
   Eye of a needle. (See Eye.)

Negative Pregnant (A). A denial which implies an affirmative, and is so interpreted. A law term.

Negro Fuller says a negro is “God's image cut in ebony.”

Negro Offspring
   White father and negro mother. Offspring, mulatto, mulatta.
   White father and mulatta mother. Offspring, cuarteron, -rona.
   White father and cuarterona mother. Offspring, quintero, quintera.
   White father and quintera mother. Offspring, white.

Negroni A princess, a friend of Lucrezia di Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara. She invited to a banquet the nobles who had insulted her friend, and killed them with poisoned wine. (Donizetti: Lucrezia di Borgia, an opera.)

Negus So called from Colonel Francis Negus, who first concocted it, in the time of George I.

Nehallenia The Flemish deity who presided over commerce and navigation.