Obs. The first two words (forming the heading) of the fifth division of Psalm cxix., which begins the psalms at Matins on the 25th day of the month; they were consequently associated with March 25th (quarter day), and hence used as an allusive expression for: Payment of money; cash down.
1573. Tusser, Husb., x. (1878), 22. Use (legem pone) to paie at thy daie, but vse not (Oremus) for often delaie.
1592. Harvey, New Letter, 18. Without Legem pone, wordes are winde and without actuall performance, all nothing.
1594. Barnfield, Sheph. Content, xxxix. If legem pone comes, he is receau’d, When Vix haut habeo is of hope bereau’d.
1611. G. Ruggle, Ignoramus, II. vii. (1630), 64. Hic est legem pone; hic sunt sexcentæ coronæ.
1618. Mynshul, Ess. Prison, 26. All their speech is legem pone, or else with their ill custome they will detaine thee.
1694. Motteux, Rabelais, IV. xii. 48. They were all at our service for the Legem pone.
