THE “BONNET.”
Recently speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Lansdowne repudiated the suggestion that Lord Newton was acting as his “bonnet.” This phrase, it is explained, last appeared in British politics when Sir Stafford Northcote applied it- to Lord Randolph Churchill in the days when that brilliant member of the Fourth party was endeavouring to oust the “Old Gang” fiom the councils of the Tory parly.
Speaking in the House of Commons in Ipi'il, 1884, Sir Stafford said:—“My able friend is very adroit and agile i L.';o positions ho has taken up, but Ids is the first time 1 have soon him perform t!ie part of ‘bonnet’ to the Gornmcnl..” A “bonnet” is, of course, i slang term for a thing or person :sed to conceal or put a good face spoil underhand proceedings, and is Iso applied to a pretended player at : gaining table or bidder at an auction, '.ecictly in league with the proprietor w auctioneer, to lure others to play or buv.
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Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 15, 2 September 1911, Page 4
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166THE “BONNET.” Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 15, 2 September 1911, Page 4
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