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Nov 29, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—T

Troy-town

has no connection with the Homeric “Troy,” but means a maze, labyrinth, or bower. (Welsh troi, to turn; troedle, a trodden place [? street], whence the archaic trode, a path or track; Anglo-Saxon thraw-an, to twist or turn.) There are numerous Troys and Troy-towns in Great Britain and North America. The upper garden of Kensington Palace was called “the siege of Troy.”

A Troy-town is about equivalent to “Julian's Bower,” mentioned in Halliwell's Archaic Dictionary.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Troy Weight
Troy-Novant
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More on Troy-town from Infoplease:

  • Troy-town - Troy-town has no connection with the Homeric “Troy,” but means a maze, labyrinth, or ...
  • Troy Weight - Troy Weight means “London weight.” London used to be called Troy-novant. (See above.) ...
  • Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: T - Definitions, origins, and illustrative excerpts for words, phases, and literary allusions starting with "T"
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