[MV] Lorry

Geoff Winnington-Ball (whiskey@netwave.ca)
Thu, 15 Oct 1998 18:40:55 -0400

A question to our British list members: what is the origin of the word
"lorry". Is it a unique British noun coined to describe some sort of
horse-drawn goods-wagon of times past, or something taken from someone's
name? Or something more arcane?

In regards to WW2 vehicles, lorries were designated by a War Department
number beginning with the letter "L" ["CL" for Canadian vehicles], and
were generally vehicles 30 cwt and larger. Those vehicles designated as
'trucks' carried the prefix of "Z" ["CZ"] and were 8cwt and 15cwt.

Appreciate the input from any would-be students of the English language
and its roots. Thanks.

--
Regards,


Geoff Winnington-Ball
Maple Leaf Up! ==>
Zephyr, Ontario, Canada


http://www.netwave.ca/~whiskey/ortona/






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