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232 *rHE HISTORY
MR. JONES'S ANSWERS TO MR. TATE'S QUESTIONS.
I. TO the first I say, that Druides or Druida:
is a word that is derived from the Brittish word
Drudion; being the name of certain wise, discreet,
learned, and religious persons among the Brittons.
Drudionis the pluralnumber of this primitiveword
Drud. By adding ion to the singular number,
you make the plural of it secundum Jorniam JBritannorum;
sic Drud, Drudion. This primitive
word Drud, has many significations. One signification
is Dialwr, that is a revenger, or one that
redresseth wrong: for so the justicers call'd Drudion
did supply the place of magistrates. Another
signification Krevlon, and that signifies cruel
and merciless;
for they did execute justice most
righteously, and punisht offenders most severely.
Drud signifies also gletv and prid, that is, valiant
or hardy. Drud is also dear or precious, unde
venit Dnidanieth, which is dearth. These Drudion
among the Brittons by their office did determine
all kind of matters as
well private as publick,
and where justicers as well in religious matters
and controversies, as in law matters and controversies,
for offences of death and title of laws.
These did the sacrifices to the Heathen gods, and
the sacrifices cou'd not be made without them,
and they did foi!)ivl sacrifices to be done by any