neck verse etymology

Etymology:

The term "neck verse" is derived from two words:

• Neck: Referring to the physical part of the body that connects the head to the rest of the body.
• Verse: A line or stanza of poetry or scripture.

Meaning and Origin:

1. Traditional Meaning:

In medieval England, criminals about to be hanged were granted a brief respite to recite a verse from a religious text, typically a psalm. This verse was known as the "neck verse" because it was uttered at the moment of the execution, when the rope was placed around the condemned person's neck. The act of reciting the verse was believed to provide comfort and spiritual protection.

2. Modern Usage:

Over time, the term "neck verse" has taken on a broader meaning:

• A passage or piece of information that is crucial to remember, like a password or PIN number.
• A piece of information that could potentially expose or embarrass someone.
• A vital or imperative piece of information.

neck verse relate terms

• neck

  Etymology The word neck originates from the Old English word hnocca which referred t

• collar

  Etymology The word collar originates from the Old French word collere meaning neck

• stiff necked

  Etymology Stiff adjective Old English stif rigid stiff unbending Neck noun Ol

• verse

  Etymology The word verse comes from the Old French word vers which is derived from t

• collar

  Etymology The word collar originates from the Old French word collere meaning neck

• mane

  Etymology Old English manu Proto Germanic manw Proto Indo European men to th

• stichic

  Etymology Greek stichos row line verse Meaning A line or verse especially i

• stanza

  Etymology The word stanza derives from the Italian word stanza which in turn comes f

• epigram

  Etymology Derived from the Ancient Greek word ἐπίγραμμα epígramma meaning

• macaronic

  Etymology The term macaronic comes from the Italian word maccherone a type of pasta

• restoration

  Etymology The word restoration is derived from the Latin word restaurare which mea

• hallucinate

  Etymology Hallucinate is derived from the Latin word hallucinari which means to b

• need

  Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words étymon meaning true m