| 释义 |
Laurence2, Lawrence|ˈlɒrəns, ˈlɔː-|
[ad. L. Laurentius.]
A Christian name, used to denote a personification of indolence. Laurence bids wages: a proverbial phrase meaning that the attractions of idleness are tempting. Also Lazy Laurence, a reproachful designation for an idle person.
Possibly the alliteration of the last-quoted phrase may sufficiently account for the use of the name; some, however, have suggested an allusion to the heat prevalent about St. Laurence's day (Aug. 10). Another conjecture is that there was a joke to the effect that when the martyr St. Laurence told his tormentors to turn him round on his gridiron, it was because he was too lazy to turn himself. It is important to note that the equivalent G. der faule Lenz (Lenz = Lorenz) has been in use from the 16th c.; see Grimm s.v. Lenz.
1796Pegge Anonym. (1809) 348 Laurence bids wages; a proverbial saying for to be lazy; because St. Laurence's day is the 10th of August, within the dog-days, and when the weather is usually very hot and faint. 1821Clare Vill. Minstr. II. 23 When..the warm sun smiles And ‘Lawrence wages bids’ on hills and stiles. 1880E. Cornw. Gloss., He's as lazy as Larence. One wad think that Larence had got hold o'n.
Add:2. [perh. from the assoc. of St. Laurence with heat; see note above.] The shimmering effect that can sometimes be seen over a road, beach, etc., on a hot day. U.S. colloq.
1907W. M. Cockrum Pioneer Hist. Indiana viii. 189 When the older people thought their children were a little slack in their work, they would remind them that they were in danger of being caught by the Laurences, meaning the little heat waves caused by the heat from the earth on a very hot day. 1961Amer. Speech XXXVI. 300 The shimmer of a Laurence is called a ‘mirage’ by riflemen; it may be seen clearly through a telescope. 1981Verbatim Autumn 6/2 Laurence, blackish, shimmering reflection seen at the surface of a paved road on a hot summer's day. |