I read it in a book but can't remember what topic now. Google just brings up a list of place names, but I'm sure it's not that. It's not in my Oxford dictionary either and I'm fairly sure it's not an abbreviation.
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4So if you don't remember the topic and someone points out the meaning of a word that looks similar to arra how will you know if that's the one? I'm curious.– Mari-Lou AFeb 9, 2014 at 9:43
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There are several answers below. Without the context of the word it's pretty difficult to judge which is correct.– tobyinkFeb 9, 2014 at 10:04
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4 Answers
Might you be thinking of arras?
rich tapestry; tapestry weave; a wall hanging, as a tapestry or similar object; (Theater) a curtain suspended loosely across a stage and used as a backdrop or part of a stage setting. Origin: 1375–1425; late Middle English.
answered Feb 9, 2014 at 9:37
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Could be this, Susan, as I've read a few books on that period of English history. Feb 9, 2014 at 10:26
It is an interjection in Hiberno-English.
And the citation is from a book called "Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl" by Kate McCafferty:
The online Oxford English Dictionary has an entry for arrha, defined as:
Earnest-money, a part of the purchase-money given to ratify a contract; figuratively, a pledge.
The first citation is from 1574.
answered Feb 9, 2014 at 9:36
It is the way they pronounce 'arrow' in Norfolk. Perhaps it's from the writings of Norfolk humourist, Sidney Grapes!
