Hello, Heslop’s “Northumberland Words” (1892 and 1893-4), a glossary of words used in Northumberland and on Tyneside, has several references to the word “dolly”. I give these below.
Claydolly – the woman worker in a brickfield, who carries the brick from the moulder’s table to the open field where it is to be dried Cloot-dolly – a doll made of cloth Dolly – a clothes washing stick, made with feet but otherwise like a poss-stick Dolly – a contrivance attached to a chainmaker’s anvil for pressing the link after it is welded. A machine for punching iron Dolly – a woman’s name (given by Heslop in three references) Kairn-dolly – the kairn baby Kirn-dolly – the last handful of corn cut, dressed up to resemble a female figure Pot-dolly – an earthenware of porcelain doll Speaking purely personally, and without further evidence at this stage, the definition that most appeals to me is that relating to a “kirn-dolly” – the last corn to be cut which is then dressed as a female. This event appears to be a suitable cause for celebration and just the sort of event to name a tune after; further the “cut and dried” part of the name appears consistent with the cutting and drying of corn (or other cereals, perhaps). The test application of good old Occam’s Razor may support this straightforward explanation. Richard Protect your PC with 50% off Norton Security - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/securepc _______________________________________________________________________ To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
