subs. phr. (old).—Money: generic. [NARES: The origin of the phrase is doubtless this: The first psalm for the twenty-fifth day of the month has the title LEGEM PONE, being the first words of the Latin version. This psalm is the fifth portion of the 119th psalm, and, being constantly used on the first great pay day of the year, March 25, was easily connected with the idea of payment, while the laudable practice of daily attendance on the public service was continued.]
1557. TUSSER, Five Hundred Pointes of Good Husbandrie, 29.
| Use LEGEM PONE to pay at thy day, | |
| But use not Oremus for often delay. |
1611. RUGGLE, Ignoramus, ii. 7. Ign. Hic est LEGEM PONE: hic sunt sexcentæ coronæ.
1618. G. MINSHUL, Essayes in Prison, p. 26. But in this, here is nothing to bee abated, all their speach is LEGEM PONE, or else with their ill custome they will detaine thee.
c. 1662. HEYLYN, Voyage of France, p. 292. In bestowing of their degrees here they are very liberal, and deny no man that is able to pay his fees. LEGEM PONERE is with them more powerful than Legem dicere.
1737. OZELL, Rabelais, iv. 12. They were all at our service for the LEGEM PONE.
