fairy ring
n.— «Our poor friend the Colonel, disappointed in his first scheme, hopefully blesses the union, and prays once more for that domestic happiness which he fondly believes can only be found within the fairy ring of home.» —“The Newcombes” New York Daily Times (2) Oct. 25, 1855. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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A young caller from the Hudson Valley of New York wonders about his grandmother’s use of stemwinder to praise a speech she thought was excellent. In the early 1800s, people used pocket watches that had to be wound with a tiny key. Once someone...