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Page 12
"Bacon, _of the Beechen tree_, anciently called BUCON; and, whereas
swinesflesh is now called by the name of BACON, it grew only at the
first unto such as were fatted with BUCON or _beechmast_."--Chap. ix.
p. 299.
There is one agreeable feature in this explanation, viz., that it professes
somewhat naturally to account for the mysterious relation between the flesh
of the unclean animal, and the name of a very ancient and honourable
family. But its chief value is to be found in the singular _authentication_
of it which I accidentally discovered in Collins's _Baronetage_. In the
very ample and particular account there given of the pedigree of the
Premier Baronet, it will be seen that the _first_ man who assumed the
surname of Bacon, was one William (temp. Rich. I.), a great grandson of the
Grimbaldus, who came over with the Conqueror and settled in Norfolk. Of
course there was _some_ reason for his taking that name; and though Collins
makes no comment on it, he does in fact unconsciously supply that reason
(elucidated by Verstegan) by happily noting of this _sole_ individual, that
he _bore for his arms_, "argent, _a beech tree_ proper!" Thank you, Mr.
Collins! thank you kindly, Richard Verstegan! You are both excellent and
honest men. You cannot have been in collusion. You have not, until _now_,
even reaped the merit of truthfulness and accuracy, which you silently
reflect upon each other. The family name, Bacon, then, undoubtedly
signifies "of the beechen tree," and is therefore of the same class with
many others such as ash, beech, &c., latinized in ancient records by De
Fraxino, De Fago, &c.
The motto of the Somersetshire Bacons, noticed by NOCAB, when read as
written, is supposed to be in the _ablative_ case; when transposed, the
evident ellipse may be supplied _ad libitum_. From Grimbaldus, downwards,
it does not appear that these _beechen_ men ever signalized themselves by
_deeds of arms_, the favourite boast of heralds and genealogists. Nor
indeed could we expect them to have "hearts of _oak_." But several have
rendered the name illustrious by their contributions to literature,
science, and the fine arts. Its _appropriateness_, therefore, must be
apology for the motto; which, like most others, is by no means too modest
and unassuming.
Duly blushing, I subscribe myself, yours,
PROBA CONSCIENTIA.
P.S. The pedigree of the Norfolk Bacons is one of the most _perfect_ in the
Herald's College. Any of your readers fond of genealogy might find himself
repaid in seeking further information regarding the _particular coat of
arms_ above referred to, and might throw still more light on the subject.
In Vol. ii., p. 247., your correspondent, NOCAB, quotes (without reference)
the remark _en passant_ of a previous correspondent "that the word _bacon_
had the obsolete signification of 'dried wood.'" I have searched in vain
for this allusion in your preceding Numbers.[2] The information is too
curious, however, to be lost sight of. The _Saxon_ word _bacon_ is, without
doubt, simply and purely _beechen_--pertaining to, or relating to the beech
tree.
It is probable enough, therefore, that the word _has_ borne the
signification of "dried wood." But it is very desirable to know on what
authority the assertion rests. Will your correspondent refer us to the
book? Or can any of your learned readers say how, where, and when _bacon_
has signified "dried wood?"
The subject is well worth the bestowal of some pains upon its elucidation;
for the meaning and derivation of the word _bacon_, both as a substantive
noun and as a proper name, have been frequently discussed by etymologists
and philologists for the last 300 years; and yet, apparently, without any
satisfactory determination of the question. The family is ancient, and has
been highly distinguished {42} in literature, and science and art. The
pedigree is one of the most perfect on record. But Lord Bacon himself, "who
knew everything" else, knew nothing of his own name.
[Footnote 2: See vol. ii., p. 138.]
SAMOHT NEHCEEB.
_Meaning of Bacon_ (Vol. ii., pp. 138. 247.).--As, on reconsideration, I
perceive there is some doubt as to the meaning of the word _bacons_ in
Foulques Fitzwarin, I send you the passage in which it occurs, that your
readers may form their own opinion concerning it:--
"Pus apr�s, furent les portes de le chastel, qe trebl�es erent, ars e
espris par feu que fust illum�e de bacons e de grece."
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