[Said to be from a custom at convivial parties, according to which each member sang an extemporized ‘nonsense-verse,’ which was followed by a chorus containing the words ‘Will you come up to Limerick?’] A form of ‘nonsense-verse.’
1898. Cantab, 6 Oct., Contents, Illustrated Limericks.
1898. M. H., in N. & Q., 19 Nov., 408. When and why did the nonsense verse as written by Lear acquire the name of ‘Limerick’?
1898. J. H. Murray, Ibid., 10 Dec., 470. Limerick. A nonsense verse such as was written by Lear is wrongfully so called…. Who applied this name to the indecent nonsense verse first it is hard to say.
1899. R. Kipling, Stalky & Co., 7201. Make up a good catchy Limerick, and let the fags sing it.
