Brewer's: Bun

A small cake. (Irish, boinneog, Scotch, bannock.)

In regard to “hot cross buns” on Good Friday, it may be stated that the Greeks offered to Apollo, Diana, Hecate, and the Moon, cakes with “horns.” Such a cake was called a bous, and (it is said) never grew mouldy. The “cross” symbolised the four quarters of the moon.

Good Friday comes this month: the old woman runs With one a penny, two a penny `hot cross buns,' Whose virtue is, if you believe what's said, They'll not grow mouldy like the common bread.

Poor Robin: Almanack, 1733.

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