[A man’s name, used in specific senses.]
† 1. A broadsword, an ‘Andrea Ferrara.’ Obs. rare.
1618. Fletcher, Chances, viii. Here’s old tough Andrew.
† 2. A valet, gentleman’s servant. Obs. rare.
1698. Congreve, Way of World, V. i. Abigails and Andrews.
3. See MERRYANDREW.
¶ St. Andrew is regarded as the patron saint of Scotland. From him are named—St. Andrew’s Day: the 30th Nov., on which the festival in his honor is held, formerly also called St. Andrewmass; and St. Andrew’s Cross: an oblique cross, or one shaped like the letter X.
1641. Best, Farming (1856), 76. The best time for frost and snowe is about a weeke afore St. Andrewmasse.
1727–57. Chambers, Cycl., Andrew’s Cross is a badge wore in the hat, by the people of Scotland, on the day of the feast of that saint. It consists of blue and white ribbands, disposed into a cross, or saltier.
1771. Baxter, in Phil. Trans., LXXVII. 45. Directly opposite to the sun was a luminous cross, in the shape of a St. Andrew’s Cross.
