From Newsgroup: rec.puzzles


When the word "interesting" appears in the SH canon, its meaning is similar to how we use it.

However, earlier in the century, it was like a codeword often used when referring to (poor, pathetic) Homeless children.


------ from the "Carlisle Patriot", 09 Jul 1825

The last case, was on Monday evening, when he inveigled an
interesting little creature under the dry arch of Eden-Bridge.


I can't find such usage in Jane Austen, Great Expectations, or Jane Eyre, but maybe the following (from Oliver Twist) is such usage.


Oliver Twist | Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/730/pg730-images.html


Occasionally, when there was some more than usually interesting inquest upon a parish child who had been overlooked in turning up a bedstead, or inadvertently scalded to death when there happened to be a washingrCothough the latter accident was very scarce, anything approaching to a washing being of rare occurrence in the farmrCothe jury would take it into their heads to ask troublesome questions, or the parishioners would rebelliously affix their signatures to a remonstrance. But these impertinences were speedily checked by the evidence of the surgeon, and the testimony of the beadle; the former of whom had always opened the body and found nothing inside (which was very probable indeed), and the latter of whom invariably swore whatever the parish wanted; which was very self-devotional. Besides, the board made periodical pilgrimages to the farm, and always sent the beadle the day before, to say they were going. The children were neat and clean to behold, when they went; and what more would the people have!
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