Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

I am researching the lives of two individuals who spent some time on the Gold Coast (now Ghana) in the late 18th century. I have come across the word "patch" several times in lists of purchases such as handkerchiefs, tobacco etc. A patch was given to "my son", though I do not know if this was a child or an adult.
I have looked up "patch" on line without result - none of the listed definitions look good to me. I wondered if the OED could solve this.

Hi Rosalind,
My Shorter OED gives patch as ‘a small piece or area of land c1577’. After that it seems to relate to cloth patches, eye patches, bits of fabric etc and the entry is rather long… happy to copy it if it would help you

Thank you jono. I don't think it will be any of those, "patches" occur in lists of tradeable goods, so can't be land. One list has 15 romals (neckerchiefs) 15/- and 4 patches £1. Romals were generally printed and ready hemmed. The one I have is resist printed in blue and red and must have taken a long time to make- for 1/-!

Fabric was traded (and highly sought after) but not, I imagine, in patch size. A puzzle.

Chambers gives..

A small piece of black silk etc, stuck by ladies on the face to bring out the complexion by contrast. Common in the 17th and 18th century

Hi Ros,
It sounds like it could be a headcloth or bandana? Larger than a 'kerchief, so more expensive.
Good luck with the search.

Hi mattrom

Ah, I actually own a romal, at least 225 years old, from Ghana which is described in a learned journal as a neckerchief or bandana but generally called a "handkerchief" (far too big for that!) The same article says they could be used as a loincloth, but at 27" square it would be an itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny one.

However, that could be exactly what a patch was, and something a man might give his son (can't remember if I said that in my post). What a good idea, thanks!

Thanks tatters, I read that too but I don't think those kind of patches would be of much use in 18th century Ghana!

I have access to the full OED, rosalind, and my subscription allows me to email you a link to give you temporary access to it to see the entry for PATCH.

I'm will to do that but I have to say that having looked at it myself it won't say anything much more than what has already been said here.

Willing to do that. It's past my bedtime.

Thank you very much orson, I'll take your word for it that the OED is no help in this instance. I found several unusual words looking at these archives.
Thanks to all for your interest

Rosalind, my OED gives

7. Intr. Patch off, to come off in patches. rare. 1848 THACKERAY Bk Snobs vi The plaster is patching off...the walls

Is it possible that the handkerchiefs and tobacco would be packed stacked in layers hence sold as a patch/es?

M