In a message dated 7/13/2004 8:26:34 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
Here's a question that will really get the list out of its summer
doldrums. Martha Washington and Martha Jefferson were both known as
"Patsy." How did the Colonials derive "Patsy" as a nickname for Martha?
There seems to be no relation in the sounds, or anything.
I don't know the answer, but the question reminded me of a family friend
from my childhood who lived in Williamsburg - Her name was Martha Wrenn, but we
all called her "Patsy."
Fairfield Bain, DVM
("Virginian-in-exile")
Hagyard-Davidson-McGee
Equine Veterinarians
Lexington, Kentucky
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