MARROWBONES. The knees. To bring any one down on
his marrow bones; to make him beg pardon on his knees:
some derive this from Mary's bones, i.e. the bones bent in
honour of the Virgin Mary; but this seems rather far-
fetched. Marrow bones and cleavers; principal instruments
in the band of rough music: these are generally
performed on by butchers, on marriages, elections, riding
skimmington, and other public or joyous occasions.