bean-belly Leicestershire.

So called from the great plenty of that grain growing therein; whence it has also been a common saying in the neighbouring counties, Shake a Leicestershire yeoman by the collar, and you shall hear the beans rattle in his belly. Fuller observes, these yeomen smile at what is said to rattle in their bellies, whilst they know that good silver ringeth in their pockets.

Entry taken from Provincial Glossary, edited by Francis Grose.

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Lancashire
Lancashire fair women

Leicestershire
bean-belly Leicestershire

Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire, where the hogs shite soap, and cows shite fire

Nearby

Leicestershire in Nuttal Encyclopædia

Antique pictures from Leicestershire