Running Thursday

In the beginning of the reign of William III. a rumour ran that the French and Irish Papists had landed; a terrible panic ensued, and the people betook themselves to the country, running for their lives. Joseph Perry says: “I was dismally affrighted the day called Running Thursday. It was that day the report reached our town, and I expected to be killed” (his Life). The day in question was Thursday, Dec. 13, 1688.

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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.