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Wynd

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Every man for his own hand, as Henry Wynd fought. Every man for himself; every man seeks his own advantage. When the feud between Clan Chattan and Clan Kay was decided by deadly combat on the North Inch of Perth, one of the men of Clan Chattan deserted, and Henry Wynd, a bandy-legged smith, volunteered for half-a-crown to supply his place. After killing one man he relaxed in his efforts, and on being asked why, replied, “I have done enough for half-a-crown.” He was promised wages according to his deserts, and fought bravely. After the battle he was asked what he fought for, and gave for answer that he fought “for his own hand;” whence the proverb. (Sir Walter Scott: Tales of a Grandfather, xvii.)

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Wrong
Wrong End of the Stick (You have got hold of the)
Wrong Side of the Blanket (The)
Wrong Side of the Cloth (That is the)
Wrong Sow by the Ear (You have the)
Wrongun (A)
Wroth Money or Wroth Silver
Wulstan (St.)
Wunderberg
Wyn-monath [Wine-month]
Wynd
Wyoming
X