| Topic: | Bestle? |
|---|---|
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Brian
Posts: 193 Posted: |
Hi I have just returned from Cornwall and saw the word "Bestle" on a pub sign in Delabole. I assumed it is connected to the slate industry but have been unable to find out what a Bestle is. Can you enlighten me. Many thanks Martin Barnett |
Mike
Posts: 2300 Posted: |
The word is bettle the pub being the Bettle and Chisel. Bettle is a strange spelling of betel or beetle which is a mallet used for splitting the slate along with the chisel. The word betel is of Old or Middle English origin. |