Pure speculation but is there a chance that "cut and dry" herbs were
woven into bunches like a corn "dolly"?
Ian
Richard Leach wrote:
A good old tune, for sure, but what does the title mean?
If a song, has anyone the words?
Dolly an historical figure?
The web is silent on her.
I can find only (OED):
"cut and dried (also cut and dry): originally referring to herbs in the
herbalists' shops, as contrasted with growing herbs; hence fig. ready-made
and void of freshness and spontaneity; also, ready shaped according to a
priori formal notions. (Usually of language, ideas, schemes or the like.)"
-- and 4 references, 1710--1887
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