Dictionary

rigg en · NOUN

Pronunciation

• /ɹɪɡ/

Etymology

From Middle English ryg, ryge (“storm”), from or related to Old Norse hregg (“storm and rain”).

Meanings

1. A strong, stormy wind (now chiefly in the phrase "Michaelmas riggs").
   • ... vpon springe tydes, or after great riggs of the sea, at which tyme the sea will cast the same in more aboundance together into great heapes. 1892 [1603?], George Owen, The Description of Penbrokshire, page 74:
   • to take no better company with you than Michaelmas Riggs? If you do not make haste, I profess I cannot tell what to say to your journey. You may find more danger in a ship to Ireland, than over the Thames in a skuller. 1857 [1739?], William Laud, The Works of the Most Reverend Father in God, William Laud, D. D. ..., page 302:
   • ... returne before the Michaelmas Rigg, as they call it, those seas beinge very daingerous about Michaelmas, neuer faile of stormes. 1845, John Bramston, The Autobiography of Sir John Bramston of Skreens, , in the Hundred of Chelmsford: Now First Printed from the Original Ms. in the Possession of His Lineal Descendant Thomas William Bramston, ESQ., One of The Knights of The Shire for South Essex, page 37:
   • […] that uncertain season, before the riggs of Old Michaelmas were yet well composed, and when the inclement storms of winter were approaching, began to flicker over the seas, and was as busy in building it's halcyon nest as if the angry ocean had been soothed by the[…] 1802, Edmund Burke, The Works: Hints for a Memorial to be delivered to Monsieur de M. M. 1791. [and other political writings and letters]. 4, page 547:
   • ... Michael the Arch Angells Feast, the aforesaid Blow, or last Blow, there about till when those hurtfull winds restrained, Michaelmas riggs so called. As aforeshewed forbidden to hurt the Wine and the Oyle: all speaking as it were[…] 1995 December 21, Lady Eleanor Davies, Prophetic Writings of Lady Eleanor Davies, Oxford University Press, →ISBN, page 152:
   • This will keep us till the middle of September, and as Michealmass "riggs" (or winds) have an ill name, we think it best to defer our journey to October, which generally gives us[…] 1861, Mrs. Delany (Mary), The Autobiography and Correspondence of Mary Granville, Mrs. Delany: With Interesting Reminiscences of King George the Third and Queen Charlotte, page 374:

Forms

Relateds

ree