Pope Joan

English Proper noun Pope Joan A mythical female pope who allegedly reigned for a few years during the Middle Ages. Noun - Pope Joan en card games A card game played on a round board with compartments. en 1863 Sheridan Le Fanu w:The House by the Churchyard He could sing, and talk, and drink, and keep things stirring, and the gentlemen liked him; and he was, 'twas said, a wonderful fine player at whist, and piquet, and ombre, and all sorts of card-playing. So you see he could afford to play fair. The first time he came down, he fought three duels about a tipsy quarrel over a pool of Pope Joan. en 1971 Gwen White Antique Toys And Their Background 117 The game of Pope Joan is played on a special circular board with divisions, and often lacquered in red and gold upon a black background. It was played early in the nineteenth century and several boards exist, mainly in museums and also in some of the stately homes of England. It was a popular game with the Prince of Wales, later Willliam IV. en eponyms