the low end of the hall; in the policies

[constantinusphilo]

I am reading The Master of Ballantrae by Robert Lewis Stevenson and I find he uses some archaic words and meanings I cannot find even in the big Oxford Dictionary. For example, on several occasions, he writes that Mr. Henry was as usual in the lower end of the hall; or, that Mr. Henry went to play with his son in the policies (which from the context I have guessed must signify some grounds/place). What would those be?

 

[emsr2d2]

I found a Scottish usage of "policies" online. See definition #3 below

 

[BobK]

@constantinusphilo It's worth remembering that Stevenson's vocabulary is - sometimes,- not only archaic but also influenced by Scottish usage., as @emsr2d2 guessed.

 

[emsr2d2]

Much as I'd love to take the credit for suspecting it was Scottish, the thought didn't actually cross my mind (even though I noted the author and the title of the book). I simply Googled "policies archaic definition" and went through the hits till I found that clear one.

 

[constantinusphilo]

What about 'the lower end of the hall?' any suggestions?

 

[Skrej]

I suppose that depends on the perspective from where you're standing, but it's probably from the perspective of someone standing at the head of the hall, where the throne, pulpit, or head table is.
Thus the lower end of the hall is probably furthest away from where the most important person sits.

 

[constantinusphilo]

The ai says it is the farthest end from the entrance.

 

[emsr2d2]

The ai AI says it is the farthest end from the entrance.

It doesn't really matter what AI says. You're not learning English from AI. All that matters is the perspective of the speaker/writer.

 

[probus]

Remember @constantinusphilo that AI is in a very early stage of its development. I've read that ChatGPT considers both of the following to be equally valid sentences:

1. Don't put the shirts in the drawer.
2. Don't put the kangaroos in the suitcase.