bishy barnabee

English

Etymology

Thought to be from Bishop Barnaby.

Noun

bishy barnabee (plural bishy barnabees)

1. (dialectal, Norfolk, UK, archaic) A ladybird.
   • 2009, Sylvia Kent, Folklore of Essex:

     On finding a ladybird, a girl would place it on the back of her hand and gently blow it away after reciting the rhyme:
     Bishy, bishy Barnabee
     Tell me when my wedding will be, […]

   • 2010, Clodagh Chapman, Very Curious and Capricious Agent, page 14:

     “Bishies...bishy barnabees, them's called hereabouts. Some say the name is ladybird, but them's more likely to be eaten by a bird.”