Definition Of Terms Used On Census Returns
Annuitant ~ The term annuitant could describe someone on an annual allowance as well as someone receiving annual income from an investment. Often however, it was also used for institutionalized pensioners.
Boarder ~ a person who shares the dinner table with the family.
Lodger ~ a person who has separate accommodation to the householder.
Lunatic ~ a mentally ill person with periods of lucidity.
Imbecile ~ persons who have fallen in later life into a state of chronic dementia.
Idiot ~ persons who suffer from congenital mental deficiency.
Scholar ~ from 1861 onwards a child was described as a scholar if he/she was over 5 and receiving daily schooling or regular tuition at home. There was no definition of the latter. In 1871 the census officials in London broke the confidentiality pledge and divulged the names of all children 3-13 and their parents (with addresses) to the London School Board to help enforce compulsory education.
Dressmaker ~ the occupation of 'dressmaker' was commonly given by prostitutes.
In-Law ~ terms such as Brother and Brother-in-Law were used interchangeably and somewhat unreliably. Likewise Sister and Sister-in-Law.

^©2006/2007/2008  Fiona Jones