CHARADE, the name of a fanciful species of composition or literary amusement. It owes its name to the idler who invented it. Its subject is usually a word of two syllables, each forming a distinct word; and these two syllables are to be concealed in an enigmatical description, first separately, and then together. The exercise of charades, if not greatly instructive, is at least innocent and amusing. Most of those which have appeared from time to time are not only destitute of all pleasantry, but are formed in general of words utterly unfit for the purpose. In trifles of this nature inaccuracy is without excuse. The following examples, therefore, are at least free from this blemish.
2. My first, when a Frenchman is learning English, serves him to swear by. My second is either hay or corn. My whole is the delight of the present age, and will be the admiration of posterity. Gar-rick.
3. My first is ploughed for various reasons, and grain is frequently buried in it to little purpose. My second is neither riches nor honours, yet the former would generally be given for it, and the latter is often tasteless without it. My whole applies equally to spring, summer, autumn, and winter; and both fish and flesh, praise and censure, mirth and melancholy, are the better for being in it. Sea-son.
4. My first, with the most rooted antipathy to a Frenchman, prides himself, whenever they meet, upon sticking close to his jacket. My second has many virtues, nor is it its least that it gives name to my first. My whole may I never catch! Tar-tar.
5. My first is one of England's prime boasts; it rejoices the ear of a horse, and anguishes the toe of a man. My second, when brick, is good; when stone, better; when wooden, best of all. My whole is famous alike for rottenness and tin. Corn-wall.
7. My first is equally friendly to the thief and the lover, the toper and the student. My second is light's opposite, yet they are frequently seen hand in hand; and their
Charcoal. union, if judicious, gives much pleasure. My whole is tempting to the touch, grateful to the sight, but fatal to the taste. Night-shade.