Note 404 — A BOOK FOR A RAINY DAY (continued 3)
Reading edition
Probably the pendent bobs or “dildos” on the “campaign” wig introduced in the reign of Charles II. were the origin of the pigtail. The “Ramillies” wig, named after the battle of 1706, had a long plaited tail, and immediately became the fashion. By 1731 the pigtail wig had reached its height of popularity and absurdity.
“But pray, what’s that much like a whip, Which with the air does wav’ring skip From side to side, and hip to hip?”
asks a country visitor in The Metamorphosis of the Town, and is answered—
“Sir, do not look so fierce and big, It is a modish pigtail wig.”