The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #120442   Message #2619551
Posted By: Matthew Edwards
27-Apr-09 - 09:37 AM
Thread Name: Meaning of some obscure words in song
Subject: RE: Meaning of some obscure words in song
Hi Noreen!

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines 'siserary' as a corruption of 'certiorari', with four meanings:-
1. A writ of Certiorari.
2. with a siserary, with a vengeance; suddenly, promptly.
3. A severe rebuke or scolding; a sharp blow; a torrent of (language).
4. A loud clanging noise.

You'll love the citation the OED gives for this last meaning - its from Child 75E (Lord Lovel) v.5:-

"He had not been in fair England,
Not passing half a day,
When the bells of the high chappel did ring,
And they made a loud sassaray.


Matthew Edwards