Five Alls

English

Etymology

Modern "Five Alls" inn sign

Traditionally pub names had a pictorial representation, and the inn sign for inns named "Five Alls" showed five representative figures, each in appropriate garb with a motto underneath. This has occurred in a number of variations, but usually included a monarch saying "I rule (for) all" or "I govern all", a bishop or minister saying "I pray for all", a soldier saying "I fight for all", and a farmer saying "I pay for all". (In modern signs, often John Bull pays for all.) The fifth figure was often a lawyer saying "I plead for all", or could be omitted, in which case the inn would be named "Four Alls".

Proper noun

the Five Alls

1. The name of many pubs.

References

• The etymology is from the Classic 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue.