DR THOMAS, a learned English divine, was born at Alvington, near Oundle, in Northamptonshire, about the year 1683, and studied at Cambridge. He was chosen minister of St Bennet's there; and at about 23 years of age, his merit procured him a fellowship in Sidney-college, and a prebend in Salisbury cathedral. He was soon after presented to the rectory of Broad Windsor in Dorsetshire; and afterwards was made lecturer of the Savoy in London: but upon the pressing of the covenant, he retired to Oxford; and soon after accompanied Sir Ralph Hopton as his chaplain in the army, which he attended in their marches from place to place. After the death of King Charles I. he obtained the living of Waltham-abbey; and was appointed lecturer of St Clement's; and shortly after removed to the lecture of St Bridge's, Fleet-street. Upon the reformation, he recovered his prebend in the cathedral of Salisbury, was appointed chaplain extraordinary to his majesty, and created doctor of divinity. It is said, his memory was so tenacious and comprehensive, that he could make use of a sermon verbatim if he once heard it. He once undertook, in passing to and from Temple-bar to the Poultry, to tell at his return every sign as it stood in order on both sides of the way, repeating them either backwards or forwards; and this task he actually performed. He wrote, 1. A History of the Holy War. 2. The Church-History of Britain, in folio. 3. Anadronicus, or the Unfortunate Politician, in 8vo. 4. A Pişgah-fight of Palestine. 5. A History of English Worthies; and other works. He died in August 1661; and was interred in the chancel of Cranford church, in Middlesex, whither his body was attended by at least 200 of his brethren of the ministry.

a workman employed in the woollen manufactories to mill or scour cloths, sarges, and other stuffs, in order to render them more thick, compact, and durable. See FULLING.