| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
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A small cake. (Irish, boinneog, Scotch, bannock.) | 1 |
 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. | 2 |
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| “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.” | |
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Poor Robin: Almanack, 1733. |
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