On the other han, I used to think maybe it was "hansom" boatman, as in, uhh, like - "hansom cab"? But, noooo: "hansom - a light 2-wheeled covered carriage with the driver's seat elevated behind" (Webster's); hardly seaworthy. Handsome is as hansome does & neveryoumind about that seat elevated behind, ye buggers; this is, thank God, a tolerant age, not to mention a family forum. Nowthen: I bet this is all fully explained by the scholars on the Origins of Carrickfergus thread. Pending further study, I'll stand with M.Ted's handy interpretation, in contrast to the Sodom & Begorrah theory. / Mediocre Shepherd has again given us fine tales & good points & I wish to remark; but for that I must collect my thoughts, always a lengthy search-and-recovery operation. I shall return. (Oh, noooooooooooooo....)