Meaning of "Harissers.".- It is customary in the county of Dorset, after carrying a field of corn, to leave behind a sheaf, to intimate to the rest of the parish that the families of those who reaped the field are to have the first lease. After these gleaners have finished, the sheaf is removed, and other parties are admitted, called "harissers." I have been told that the real title is "arishers," from "arista". I should feel obliged if any of your correspondents could inform me whether this name is known in any other county, and what is the derivation of the word. CLERICUS RUSTICUS.

Notes and Queries Vol. 2 (53) Nov 2 1850 Page 376

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