When is a dirk appropriate?

[Bruno]

Well, yes and no...while there are at least two stories I can think of armed ministers -- both Episcopalian vicars dealing with hostile Presbyterian congregations -- and of course, the armed piquets of the Covenanters on guard against approaching dragoons -- generally, church protocol and custom frowns on the idea of wearing weapons while in kirk.

Remember that in a church there is the custom of the right of sanctuary -- think the martyrdom of St. Thomas a' Becket or Bruce's murder of the Red Comyn.

T.

Actually it was Thomas Becket not Thomas a Becket this is a common mistake that has grown to such an extent that many actually believe that to be the truth rather than his real name.

[macwilkin]

Actually it was Thomas Becket not Thomas a Becket this is a common mistake that has grown to such an extent that many actually believe that to be the truth rather than his real name.

You'll need to let the Oxford Dictionary of English, the New Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors, and Chambers Biographical Dictionary all know then -- all three prefer the term, which reportedly was an imitation of Thomas a' Kempis.

And I thought I was pedantic!

T.