In the passages collected by Mr. Brand in the following note, a term occurs, the signification of which does not appear to have been hitherto ascertained.
“In ‘Whimsies; or, a new Cast of Characters,’ 12mo. Lond. 1631, the unknown author, in his description of a pedlar, Part ii. p. 21, has the following passage: Can it allude to the custom of exchanging betrothing rings? ‘St. Martin's Rings and counterfeit bracelets are commodities of infinite consequence: they will passe for current at a may-pole, and purchase a favor from their May Marian.’