E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Lawrence (St.).
Patron saint of curriers, because his skin was broiled on a gridiron. In the pontificate of Sextus I. he was charged with the care of the poor, the orphans, and the widows. In the persecution of Vale’rian, being summoned to deliver up the treasures of the church, he produced the poor, etc., under his charge, and said to the prætor, “These are the church’s treasures.” In Christian art he is generally represented as holding a gridiron in his hand. He is the subject of one of the principal hymns of Prudentius. (See LAURENCE.)
1
St. Lawrence’s tears or The fiery tears of St. Lawrence. Meteoric or shooting stars, which generally make a great display on the anniversary of this saint (August 10th).
2
The great periods of shooting stars are between the 9th and 14th of August, from the 12th to the 14th of November, and from 6th to 12th December.
3
Tom Lawrence, alias “Tyburn Tom” or “Tuck.” A highwayman. (Sir Walter Scott: Heart of Mid-Lothian.)
The great periods of shooting stars are between the 9th and 14th of August, from the 12th to the 14th of November, and from 6th to 12th December.
