I think the term common prostitute was to add more emphasis to distaste for the occupation, and the fact; maybe, the adjective described her demeanour, as opposed to one who quietly went about her business? After all, it is alleged, and according to my grandmother's notes, even the King and wealthy gentlemen used the services of a prostitute Janet ----- Original Message ----- From: "Catriona Williamson" <[email protected]> To: "Peter & Angela McMurtry" <[email protected]> Cc: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 9:24 AM Subject: Re: [IoW] Emma Elkins and her innovative way of getting food > Oh yes! I did comment that my husband's IoW ancestors had a different > take on expanding the gene pool. There is an Emma Elkins in his > tree. In 1860, she would have had an 8 year old and a 10 year old to > feed! Perhaps the joint of mutton and the piece of bacon came in handy! > > Shakespeare, in MacBeth, had a porter commenting that too much drink > "provokes the desire but takes away the performance." Perhaps Jacob > Dennes suffered from this affliction, having imbibed so much beer and > other liquids he could not precisely describe. > > Finally, proof of Emma's accomplishments. > > If you find any more snippets from the quarter sessions where Emma was > committed, Angela, please send them on. We need more laughs! > > Catriona > > PS: Emma is described as a "common" prostitute. What would you have > to do to be an uncommon prostitute?