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Konx Ompax

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The words of dismissal in the Eleusinian Mysteries. A correspondent in Notes and Queries says “knox” or “kogx” is the Sanscrit Canscha (the object of your desire); “ompax” is om (amen), pacsha (all is over). If this is correct, the words would mean, God bless you, Amen, The ceremonies are concluded. When a judge gave sentence by dropping his pebble into the urn of mercy or death, he said “Pacsha” (I have done it). The noise made by the stone in falling was called pacsha (fate), and so was the dripping noise of the clepsydra, which limited the pleader’s quota of time.

 

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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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Knows which Side his Bread is Buttered (He)
Knowledge-box (Your)
Knox’s Croft
Knuckle-duster
Knuckle Under (To)
Kobold
Kochlani
Koh-i-Nûr [Mountain of light]
Kohol or Kohl
Koli or the Kolis
Konx Ompax
Koppa
Korân
Korrigans
Koumiss or Kumiss
Kraal
Kraken
Kratim
Kremlin (The)
Krems White
Kreuzer (pron. kroit-zer)