Louise Bailey wrote:
[snip]
. . . what I'd like to know what is the measure "a timber of sables" ?
[snip]
What very interesting information and the reference: thank you for that.
"timber": the "Oxford English Dictionary" says:-
"A definite quantity of furs, a package containing 40 skins (i.e.
half-skins, 20 pair) of ermine, sable, marten, and the like. (After a
numeral usually timber, less commonly timbers.)"
and adds this quotation, which looks like it is from the right period:-
"1577 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) ii. v. ii. 122 The prince hath
fiue yardes of cloth for his gowne and whood..beside fiue timber of the
finest mineuer. A timber conteineth fortie skins."
Of course, one always has to remain sceptical about the OED, but this is
one of many quotations from several hundred years both before and after
that date, which all say the same sort of thing.
Linda Walton.
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