ˈlanterloo
(ˈlæntəluː)
Forms: 7 lanter(e)loo, (langtrilloo, lanktraloo), 8 lan(g)teraloo, lanctrelooe, lantreloo.
[ad. F. lantur(e)lu, orig. the unmeaning refrain of a song popular in the 17th c. (cf. the earlier laturelure). Cf. Du. lanterlu.]
† 1. The older form of the game now called loo. (The knave of clubs, called ‘Pam’, was the highest card.) Obs.
| 1668 G. Etherege She Would if She Could v. i. Wks. (1888) 213 They are..playing at lanterloo with my old Lady Loveyouth and her daughter. 1679 Shadwell True Widow iv. 49 Let's send for some Cards, and play at Lang-trilloo in the Box. 1685 Crowne Sir Courtly Nice iii. 22 Thou art..the very Pam at Lantereloo, the knave that picks up all. 1710 Steele Tatler No. 245 ¶2 An old Ninepence bent both Ways by Lilly, the Almanack-maker for Luck at Langteraloo. 1711 Puckle Club §123. 23 Guess then the numbers of frauds there are at..Lantreloo. |
2. Used as a meaningless refrain (cf. etym.).
| 1951 Auden & Kallman Rake's Progress i. 17 The sun is bright, the grass is green: Lanterloo, lanterloo. The King is courting his young Queen. Lanterloo, my lady. 1951 Auden Nones (1952) 54 Turning his barrel-organ, playing Lanterloo, my lovely, my First-of-May. |