husking

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

The act of stripping off husks from Indian corn. In New England it is the custom for farmers to invite their friends to assist them in this task. The ceremonies on these occasions are well described by Joel Barlow, in his poem on Hasty Pudding:


For now, the cow-house fill'd, the harvest home,

Th' invited neighbors to the Husking come;

A frolic scene, where work, and mirth, and play,

Unite their charms, to chase the hours away.

* * * * *

The laws of husking every wight can tell;

And sure no laws he ever keeps so well:

For each red ear a gen'ral kiss he gains,

With each smut ear, she smuts the luckless swains;

But when to some sweet maid a prize is cast,

Red as her lips, and taper as her waist,

She walks around, and culls one favor'd beau,

Who leaps, the luscious tribute to bestow.

Various the sport, as are the wits and brains

Of well-pleas'd lasses and contending swains;

Till the vast mound of corn is swept away,

And he that gains the last ear, wins the day.--Canto 3.

He talked of a turkey-hunt, a husking-bee, thanksgiving ball, racing, and a variety of things.--Margaret, p. 48.

Related Words