[Paris ]. A corruption of Lupara, as it is called
in old title-deeds. Dagobert is said to have built here a
hunting-seat, the nucleus of the present magnificent pile of
buildings.
“He'll make your Paris Louvre shake for it.”
Shakespeare: Henry V, ii. 4.
Louvre.
The tower or turret of a building like a belfry, originally
designed for a sort of chimney to let out the smoke. (French, l'ouvert, the opening.)
Louvre boards
in churches. Before chimneys were used, holes were left in the
roof, called loovers or leuver holes. From the French l'ouvert (the open boards).
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
