The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #68974 Message #1166438
Posted By: radriano
20-Apr-04 - 04:27 PM
Thread Name: Another question on Folk songs
Subject: RE: Folklore: Another question on Folk songs
Could be that "handsome" is meant in the maritime sense:
From "Dictionary of Sea Terms" 1841/1851 by R.H. Dana, Jr:
HANDSOMELY Slowly, carefully. Used for an order, as "Lower handsomely!"