Talk:King Arthur

King Arthur - nautical game
Can anyone support this definition:


 * A game used at sea, when near the line, or in a hot latitude. It is performed thus: A man who is to represent king Arthur, ridiculously dressed, having a large wig made out of oakum, or some old swabs, is seated on the side, or over a large vessel of water. Every person in his turn is to be ceremoniously introduced to him, and to pour a bucket of water over him, crying, hail, king Arthur! if during this ceremony the person introduced laughs or smiles (to which his majesty endeavours to excite him, by all sorts of ridiculous gesticulations), he changes place with, and then becomes, king Arthur, till relieved by some brother tar, who has as little command over his muscles as himself.

I think it needs trimming at least. Cites would be nice!--Williamsayers79 14:25, 25 March 2007 (UTC)

It seems was fond of copying things in from the 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue. Cynewulf 14:31, 25 March 2007 (UTC)


 * I'm no expert on mythology, but King Arthur seems an unlikely name for such a game. I could imagine such a ritual being named after King Canute, and I know there is a superstition that an item must be thrown overboard when crossing the equator, as an offering to Neptune. But I don't know of any connection with King Arthur. --Eng in ear 17:15, 25 March 2007 (UTC)

RFV failed. Sense removed. —RuakhTALK 01:38, 11 June 2007 (UTC)