In the context on a definition of groaning chair i.e. the chair that you groan in (while giving birth), we find a reference to Goose Month. It's seems likely to me that they are still referring to giving birth. Since January is typically one of, if not the, coldest months, I would think quite a lot of children were born in late September or early October. So I would think this is still a reference to birth. So it would be my expectation that "groaning cake", "groaning cheese", "Goose Month" and perhaps even "Mother Goose" are all references to birth. Perhaps Geese were particularly fecund? Will In a message dated 5/3/2004 1:56:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time, mjcl@btinternet.com writes: > Martin, > If I recall Goose Fair is a large fair held in Nottingham in early October and I am wondering if "Goose Month" is in fact October as well, just after Michaelmas. > However, I am sure someone knowledgeable than me will give > us the answer! > Regards > Martyn