Hi Byron, A ripple is an implement toothed like a comb, used in cleaning flax or hemp from the seeds. A brake is: 1. A toothed instrument for braking flax or hemp. 2. A bakers kneading-machine. 3. In Brewing & similar processes: A wooden mill to crush green fruits, hops, etc. and many other things besides. The first meaning seems most likely given the existence of the ripplecomb. The above are from the OED. I haven't come up with anything for the other items yet. Still thinking... Liz in Melbourne Quoting Byron Pershouse <byro@tpg.com.au>: > Hello all > I have obtained an inventory compiled in 1639 which contains some items > which I hope someone will be able to explain their use > > In the kitchen > 1 brasse chasron > > 2 potgeals > > In a chamber beyond > 2 tutawes & 1 brake & 1 ripplecombe > > Regards > Byron > Bundaberg, Australia > > > ==== OLD-ENGLISH Mailing List ==== > OLD-ENGLISH Web Page > http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~oel/ > >