Merry The original meaning is not mirthful, but active, famous; hence gallant soldiers were called “merry
men;” favourable weather, “merry weather;” brisk wind, “a merry gale;” London was “merry London;”
England, “merry England;” Chaucer speaks of the “merry organ at the mass;” Jane Shore is called by
Pennant the “merry concubine of Edward IV.” (Anglo-Saxon, mara, illustrious, great, mighty, etc.). (See
Merry-Men .)
'Tis merry in hall, when beards wag all (2 Henry IV., act v. 3). It is a sure sign of mirth when the
beards of the guests shake with laughter.