Croque Noir

Croque Noir is the old French term for mortician, from the mediaeval practice of biting the toes of the deceased to ensure the person was dead. The following euphemisms for death are all found inscribed on tombstones in Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen. Hector Macdonald, piper He walked with the Lord Through hard times. Toes like a horse's hoof. George Morrice, trawlerman Dropped anchor after his thirteenth pint Gout in every toe joint Sarah Gillies, hatter Passed over by everybody Short changed in the looks department Toes so long they could have plucked a harp William Fyfe, Police Constable Entered into bliss After a life of hard knocks Size nines callused with pounding the beat Frieda Gillanders, tightrope walker Taken home by Jesus As a result of fallen arches David Cruickshank, flesher Fell asleep in bed Toes as pink as Ruben cherubim Mary Rose, barmaid Called home after last orders Bunions big as cauliflowers Flt Lieut. Gordon Short Died 1980 Ten toes, all present and accounted for No piggy took them to market They left in a wooden box.