1. basoche (French entry by Randle Cotgrave 1611)

   Basoche: f. The whole troupe, or companie of Lawyers Clearks in the palace of Paris, hauing among them a king, and their peculiar lawes; hence also, reuell, misrule (for these fellowes are none of the soberest) also, a certaine baudie Court, wherein wiues that beat their husbands, are censured. Fief de la Basoche. Il tient du fief de la B. He is a pratling, or iangling Lawyer; or (as a Lawyers Clerke) an vnruly copesmate; or, his wife is his master. Roy de la Basoche. The Master of Misrule, or chiefe man among the Clerkes, when they make their shewes.

© Feb. 1999