in re-reading belM's original post, it seems like it doesn't have anything to do with our current concept of the phrase. (where is he, anyway? he hasn't returned to this brilliant discussion. )
I wondered if it might be something like a take off(or better yet, put on) of Mackintosh? though that seems a bit plain for the description of her behavior.

anyway, just trying to steer this back on track...





formerly known as etaoin...