Wright's English Dialect Dictionary records for East Anglia and
Sussex the folk-name Bishop Barnaby for the ladybird -- was there an
appropriate bishop so named? or is this some reference to St.
Barnabas? and if so why? I'm familiar with all the various refs. to
[Our] Lady in the folk-names of this insect, indeed Ladycow seems to
be the earliest attested vernacular name in English [inventory of
Eliz. I's jewels made in 1600, a brooch in this shape!], and even God
Almighty's Cow, but Barnabas?
All suggestions appreciated
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