Scotland Yard (London)

So called from a palace built there for the reception of the kings of Scotland when they visited England. Pennant tells us it was originally given by King Edgar to Kenneth of Scotland when he came to London to pay homage.

Scotland Yard. The headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, whence all public orders to the force proceed.

“Mr. Walpole has only to speak the word in Scotland Yard, and the parks will be cleared.”—Pall Mall Gazette.

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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.