1. bureau (French entry by Randle Cotgrave 1611)

   Bureau: m. A thicke and course cloth, of a browne russet, or darke mingled, colour; also, the table thats within a court of audit, or of Audience (belike, because tis vsually couered with a carpet of that cloth) also, the Court it selfe; also, the hearing, or decision, of causes in (such a) Court, whence; Ventre de bureau. One that feeds grosely. Le prochain bureau. The next day of hearing. Mettre sur le bureau. To fall a talking of; or to bring vpon the stage. Mettre le proces sur le bureau. To bring the suit vnto a hearing. Aussi bien sont amourettes sous bureau que sous brunettes: Prov. Loue trickes are played (loues rites performed,) as well by poore as rich, folkes; (or) as well in poore as rich, clothes.

© Feb. 1999