Chapter Running Leather to Rython of R by Brewer's Phrase & Fable

Ry A Stock Exchange expression for any sharp or dishonest practice. It originated in an old stock-jobber, who had practised upon a young man, and, being compelled to refund, wrote on the cheque, “Please to pay to R. Y.” etc., in order to avoid direct evidence of the transaction.

Rye-house Plot A conspiracy to assassinate Charles II. and his brother James on their way from Newmarket. As the house in which the king was lodging accidentally caught fire, the royal party left eight days sooner than they had intended, and the plot miscarried. It was called the Rye House Plot because the conspirators met at the Rye House Farm, in Hertfordshire. (1683.)

Rykell (John). A celebrated tregetour in the reign of Henry V. (See Tregetour .)

“Maister John Rykell sometime tregitour
Of noble Henry, kinge of Englande,
And of France the mighty conquerour.”
John Lidgate: Dance of Macabre.

Rykelot A magpie (?); a little rook. The German roche, Anglo-Saxon hroc, seem to be cognate words. The last syllable is a diminutive.

Rymar (Mr. Robert). Poet at the Spa. (Sir Walter Scott: St. Ronan's Well.)

Ryme The Frost giant, the enemy of the elves and fairies. At the end of the world this giant is to be the pilot of the ship Naglefarë. (Scandinavian mythology.)

Ryot A tenant in India who pays a usufruct for his occupation. The Scripture parable of the husbandmen refers to such a tenure; the lord sent for his rent, which was not money but fruits, and the husbandmen stoned those who were sent, refusing to pay their “lord.” Ryots have an hereditary and perpetual right of occupancy so long as they pay the usufruct, but if they refuse or neglect payment may be turned away.

Ryparographer (Greek). So Pliny calls Pyricus the painter, because he confined himself to the drawing of ridiculous and gross pictures, in which he greatly excelled. Rabelais was the ryparographer of wits. (Greek, ruparos, foul, nasty.)

Rython A giant of Bretagne, slain by King Arthur.

“Rython, the mighty giant slain
By his good brand, relieved Bretagne.”
Sir Walter Scott: Bridal of Triermain, ii. 11.